An integrated frozen stress photoelastic and moiré interferometric method is briefly described and the results of applying the method to study boundary effects for several crack geometries in finite-thickness nearly incompressible bodies are discussed. Results confirm Benthem's analysis at the free surface but suggest a thick transitional zone through the thickness. A linear elastic fracture mechanics quantity called the corresponding stress-intensity factor is found to be a conservative way of interpreting test data near crack tips in elastic nearly incompressible materials.

Experimental methods of analysis and corresponding algorithms for converting data into fracture parameters were reviewed. Results obtained from applying the methods to an analysis of boundary layer effects in compact bending specimens and in moderately deep surface flaws under Mode I loading were presented. Finally, a means for incorporating the new results into linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) design rationale was suggested.