Mode II fracture mechanics properties of solid wood measured by the three-point eccentric end-notched flexure test

A three-point eccentric end-notched flexure test was conducted using specimens of western hemlock to determine the fracture mechanics properties under Mode II conditions while extending the crack length range for stabilising the crack propagation. The location of the loading point was varied during the test, and the effect of the loading point location on the initiation and propagation fracture toughness values was examined. With the proposed method, fracture mechanics properties were appropriately obtained at greater crack propagation lengths than in the conventional three-point end-notched flexure test when the loading point was not extremely close to the supporting point at the crack-free region.