This International Standard specifies methods for determining fracture toughness in terms of K (stress
intensity factor), δ (crack tip opening displacement, CTOD) and J (experimental equivalent of the J-integral) for
welds in metallic materials.
This International Standard is complementary to ISO 12135, which covers all aspects of fracture toughness
testing of parent metal and which needs to be used in conjunction with this document. This International
Standard describes methods for determining point values of fracture toughness. It should not be considered a
way of obtaining a valid R-curve (resistance-to-crack-extension curve). However, the specimen preparation
methods described in this International Standard could be usefully employed when determining R-curves for
welds. The methods use fatigue precracked specimens which have been notched, after welding, in a specific
target area in the weld. Methods are described to evaluate the suitability of a weld for notch placement within
the target area, which is either within the weld metal or within the weld heat-affected zone (HAZ), and then,
where appropriate, to evaluate the effectiveness of the fatigue crack in sampling these areas.
BS EN ISO 15653:2010 history
2018BS EN ISO 15653:2018 Metallic materials. Method of test for the determination of quasistatic fracture toughness of welds
2010BS EN ISO 15653:2010 Metallic materials - Method of test for the determination of quasistatic fracture toughness of welds
1997BS 7448-2:1997 Fracture mechanics toughness tests - Method for determination of KIc, critical CTOD and critical J values of welds in metallic materials