This paper describes experimental and numerical studies on the application of the End
Notched Flexure (ENF) and End Loaded Split (ELS) tests to mode II wood fracture characterization.
In this context, ENF and ELS specimens were used to determine GIIc of a clear Pinus pinaster wood
in the RL system, which is the most relevant for structural design. In mode II fracture tests the crack
faces are in contact, thus hindering a rigorous visualization of the crack tip. This makes classic
methodologies based on crack length measurement during experimental tests inadequate, since they
induce significant errors on the mode II fracture properties. To overcome this experimental problem
a Compliance Based Beam Method (CBBM) is used. This new data reduction scheme does not
require crack length monitoring and includes the effect of the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) ahead of
crack tip. Furthermore, the clamped cross-section rotation of the ELS specimen is also taken into
account. In the present work a numerical analysis considering a cohesive damage model was
performed with a cohesive damage model in order to validate the application of the CBBM to the
experimental results. The results confirmed the adequacy of the CBBM and the applicability of the
ENF and ELS tests for mode II wood fracture characterization.
Interlaminar mode II fracture characterization
