Fracture Process in a Fine-Grained Cement-Based Composite Monitored with Nanoindentation and Acoustic Emission

The contribution is devoted to investigation of the fracture process zone (FPZ) in a fine-grained cement-based composite made from hydrated Portland cement. Particularly, experimental investigations and description of the stable crack propagation using fracture mechanics model are conducted. Three-point bending tests on small composite beams with a central edge notch were performed. The damage due to fracture was monitored by means of nanoindentation performed around the macroscopically observable crack. Acoustic emission events were recorded during the three-point bending test and correlated with load–displacement data. The beneficial effect on the fracture resistance of fine-grained mortar specimens compared to plain cement pastes was quantified.