Abstract: | An understanding of the fracture mechanics of geomaterials is important for the solution of many problems in geomechanics. One of the most important material properties involved in fracture mechanics is the fracture toughness, KIc. The short-rod test configuration proposed by Barker1 has significant potential for becoming a standard test for fracture toughness determination in geomechanics. The purpose of this brief is to examine the application potential of the short-rod test for geomechanics problems. |