Mechanical and fracture mechanical characterization of building materials used for external thermal insulation composite systems

Fracture mechanical investigations of building materials applied for external insulation composite systems have been performed in order to provide material data for the numerical simulation of mechanical failure. For this purpose a wedge splitting procedure according to Tschegg has been employed and modified for the investigation of material layers with a thickness of approx. 5 mm. The testing method proved to be suitable for investigation of both the materials themselves and the compound of two layers. Results of commercially available building materials for external insulation composite systems are shown. From their dependence on different preparation procedures, it may be concluded how temperature and humidity may affect material properties under conditions of actual service.