Experimental study of the quasi-static and dynamic fracture toughness of freshwater ice using notched semi-circular bend method

•A modified split Hopkinson bar is developed for sub-zero temperature testing.•Dynamic fracture toughness of freshwater ice is measured.•Fracture toughness of ice are studied by notched semi-circular bend method.•Factors affecting the dynamic fracture toughness of freshwater ice are determined.•The failure mode of freshwater ice is evaluated at different loading rates.