Crack propagation measurements using Digital Volume Correlation for an in situ Wedge Splitting Test on mortar

This research-oriented project focuses on the methodology for analyzing stable crack propagation in quasi-brittle cementitious materials using advanced experimental and numerical techniques. Quasi-brittle materials like mortar and concrete exhibit unstable cracking behavior under tensile loading, posing significant challenges for structural integrity assessments in critical infrastructure such as nuclear containment structures. To address this, an in situ Wedge Splitting Test (WST) is analyzed, utilizing sequential X-ray tomographic scans captured at distinct loading increments. This incremental loading approach allows for stable crack propagation monitoring within the material bulk. The core methodology employs regularized Finite Element-based Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) to process the volumetric scans and extract continuous three-dimensional displacement fields. By mapping

these displacement fields, the initiation, path, and evolution of internal microcracks can be quantitatively evaluated. The project provides comprehensive guidance on structuring the DVC workflow, implementing regularization techniques to minimize measurement noise, and evaluating the kinematic fields associated with fracture process zones. This framework serves as a robust research direction for validating numerical fracture models and enhancing the predictive maintenance of concrete structures.

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