Using the SMC(sheet moulding compound) composite material consisting of E-glass chopped strand mat and unsaturated polyester resin, three-point bending tests are carried out to evaluate the elasto-plastic fracture toughness by means of R curve. The crack extension is experimentally observed with the ink staining method. The point of stable crack growth is discussed in consideration of the load-load point displacement curve, the damage behavior of the notch vicinity, and the R-curves. The damage zone of the notch vicinity was composed of the initiation and growth of subcracks as well as those of the main crack. The point of stable crack growth can be defined as the inflection point in the R curves and its point also concurrs with the proportional limit on the load-load point displacement curve.