Effect of Sample Dimension on Three and Four Points Bending Tests of Fine Crystalline Marble and its Relationship with Direct Tensile Strength

Abstract

The indirect tensile strength test methods such as three and four points bending tests and Brazilian tests have been commonly used tensile strength determination and other mechanical properties of rocks since it is a quick, easy, and inexpensive testing methods. EN and ASTM standards suggested that sample dimensions of three and four points bending tests have been different from each other. The aim of this study, in order to analyses the effect of sample dimension on bending strength property of fine crystalline marble and is to determine the direct tensile strength (DTS) of rock by using new dumbbell shape. Indirect tensile strength of marble was determined by using three and four-point bending test methods according to related standards. In addition to experimental study, stress distribution and stress intensity on the sample was analyzed by using ANSYS. As a result, four-point bending test is more suitable for determining of tensile strength of marble.