Influence of Grain Size and Saturation on the Fracture Toughness of Granitic Rocks

HighlightsCyclic loading-unloading three-point bending tests are conducted on granitic rocksFracture toughness decreases by about 10% after saturationFracture toughness increases with the decrease of mineral grain sizeAcoustic emissions reveal the progressive damage characteristics of granitic rocks

Automated summary

This study conducted cyclic loading-unloading three-point bending tests on granitic rocks. The results show that the fracture toughness of the rocks decreases by about 10% after saturation. Additionally, the fracture toughness increases with the decrease of mineral grain size. Acoustic emissions reveal the progressive damage characteristics of the granitic rocks.