Size-effect independence of particleboard fracture toughness

The present paper aims to prove the size-effect independence of particleboard (PB) fracture toughness when the Modified Two-Parameter Model (MTPM), recently proposed by some of the present authors, is used to measure such a parameter. Firstly, three-point bending (TPB) tests on single-edge notched specimens characterised by three different values of thickness are performed for a commercial particleboard. By exploiting such experimental data, the value of the fracture toughness is analytically determined through the MTPM. Then, a fracture toughness index is defined by taking into account the dependence of fracture toughness on the material density. Finally, the mean value of such an index is compared with that obtained from the results (available in the literature) related to a previous experimental campaign performed on the same commercial PB.