Influences of Loading Method and Notch Type on Rock Fracture Toughness Measurements: From the Perspectives of T-Stress and Fracture Process Zone

Understanding the inconsistent rock fracture toughness (KIc) measurement results from different test specimen geometries helps provide suitable fracture parameters for engineering applications, predict rock fracture load, and assess the safety of flawed rock engineering structures. In this study, fracture experiments using full- or half-disc specimens with chevron notches or straight-through notches were conducted. Experimental results show that...