Fracture behavior of Chilean Pinus radiata D. Don: Experimental and numerical identification through LEFM R-curves

This study investigates Mode I fracture of Chilean Chilean Pinus radiata D. Don using double-cantilever beam (DCB) tests. Some mechanical properties were first determined by compression, tension, shear, and bending tests. The latter provide the modulus of elasticity (MOE), proportional (TLS), and modulus of rupture (MOR). Although the main objective was to identify cohesive parameters for bilinear, trilinear, and potential laws under mode I loading, evaluating which best represents crack propagation in the TL and RL planes through Equivalent Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. The results show that the potential law most accurately reproduces the experimental load–displacement response. The results obtained, in relation to other species of timber studied mainly in Europe, show that the energy release rate is lower compared to species such as Eucalyptus globulus Labill, while being comparable to Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., Pinus pinaster Aiton and untreated pine . • Mechanical properties (MOE, MOR) were determined through compression, tension, shear, and bending tests. • The cohesive parameters for the bilinear, trilinear and potential laws under mode I fracture were identified using the LEFM R -curve method in the TL and RL planes. • The potential law best reproduced the experimental load–displacement curves, capturing elastic and fracture behavior.