ABSTRACTThe experimental results of fracture toughness testing of a Macro Defect (MDF) Free cement are presented. The material, a hydraulic cement with hydrolyzed polyvinyl polymers, behaves much like a hardened ceramic with measured maximum compressive and tensile strengths of 380 MN/m2 and 69 MN/m2 respectively. Fracture toughness tests were performed on compact tension (CT) and single edge notched beam (SENB) specimens cut from test panels which were supplied in 3mm, 5mm and 10mm thicknesses. The results were evaluated with respect to the fracture toughness parameter Kic using a modification of standard test methods as determined by observed natural behavior. The MDF material exhibited an essentially linear elastic behavior with a fracture toughness slightly higher than typical values recorded for hardened cement paste.
