The wedge splitting method is one of the recommended methods for determining the fracture toughness of hydraulic concrete

and its results are influenced by various factors－such as raw materials

mix proportions

test age

curing temperature and humidity

specimen type and size

and initial crack to height ratio. This article summarizes and examines the performance of this method from four aspects: its determination of fracture toughness of ordinary concrete

large aggregate concrete

and processed concrete specimens

and approximate fracture toughness conversion between standard and non-standard specimen conditions. Then

we suggest specimen types and test methods for its better use to determine fracture toughness

and give an approximate scheme for the conversion

helping standardize its determination of fracture toughness of hydraulic concrete.