Pre-cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc (P-CCNBD) is made by slightly cutting the notch tip of cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc (CCNBD) into a straight crack front. The P-CCNBD specimens of sandstone are diametrically impacted by the split Hopkinson pressure bar

the experimental recordings are then used in the succeeding numerical analysis to get the mode-I rock dynamic fracture toughness. In order to verify the reliability of the numerical simulation

the dynamic finite element analysis for a finite crack in an infinite plate subjected to impact tension at crack faces is simulated first; the results of the numerical simulation are highly consistent with those in the literature. The results of our experimental-numerical method are compared with those of quasi-static method proposed by others

certain difference is observed. On the other hand

results of P-CCNBD are in good agreement with those of the more mature specimen (cracked straight-through Brazilian disc—CSTBD)

both are determined with the experimental-numerical method. The derived dynamic initiation fracture toughness increases with increasing loading rate

demonstrating the loading rate effect. The drawbacks of the quasi-static method to test the dynamic fracture toughness are analyzed. The result obtained by experimental-numerical method is more reasonable.