Author(s)

K. De Proft & W.P. De Wilde

Abstract

An experimental test setup for mode I fracture in limestone (stone of Massangis) is used for the determination of the parameters of a strain softening material model. Double edge notched rectangular specimens are tested in tension. Both global, i.e. load displacement curve, and local, i.e. crack path, behavior are studied during the tests. Difficulties arising in the experimental measurement of strain softening behavior in traction will be discussed. Experimental results are used as input for a finite element model. Material parameters are updated until a matching response is found. 1 Introduction Nowadays, historical buildings are often renovated and reused. However, the loading conditions in the new situation may differ significantly from the initial loading taken into consideration during the initia

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