In-situ microscale visualization experiments on microcracking and microdeformation behaviour around a pre-crack tip in a three-point bending sandstone

A new microscale visualization experimental system is proposed for in-situ measurement of microcracking and microdeformation behaviour of macroscopic specimens during real-time loading. A series of three-point bending experiments were conducted on sandstone beam specimens containing a Mode I pre-crack. The newly developed microscopic experimental system and two other traditional experimental techniques, including acoustic emission (AE)...