ANALYSIS OF LOAD PASSING ROUTE AND DESIGN OF LOAD PASSING DEVICE FOR WEDGE-SPLITTING TEST

Incorrect knowledge for the load passing pattern of test setup may lead to the failure of a test or the error of test results. The load passing route for both the wedge-splitting test on a compact tension specimen and the wedge-splitting test, especially the force condition of a steel platen in wedge-splitting test setup is analyzed. It is discovered that the wedge-splitting test on a compact tension specimen is an ideal fracture test method with a definite mechanical condition and reliable test results. As for a wedge-splitting test, the design of a steel platen is important since it directly influences the force condition of a specimen. An inappropriate design would result in a rotation of a steel platen.