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The Bridged-Crack Model

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Nonlinear Crack Models for Nonmetallic Materials

Part of the book series: Solid Mechanics and its Applications ((SMIA,volume 71))

Abstract

The fracture process in brittle-matrix composites and quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, rocks and ceramics, is always associated with the formation of a very narrow band where nonlinear deformation occurs. This localized band, or process zone, arises and evolves during the loading process leading to the real fracture. It typically consists of a microcracking region, near the tip of the macrocracks, and a bridging region, along the wake of the macrocracks, where the secondary phases (e.g. grains, aggregates, fibers and particles) control the separation process. The nonlinear mechanisms which take place in the process zone, consisting of coalescing and branching of the microcracks, in debonding, yielding, sliding and pulling-out of the reinforcing phases, can dissipate a considerable amount of energy so that additional external work is required for sustained growth of the macrocrack. As a consequence the fracture toughness of the material is improved.

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Authors
  1. Roberta Massabò
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Politecnico di Torino, Italy

    Alberto Carpinteri (Chair of Structural Mechanics) (Chair of Structural Mechanics)

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Massabò, R. (1999). The Bridged-Crack Model. In: Carpinteri, A. (eds) Nonlinear Crack Models for Nonmetallic Materials. Solid Mechanics and its Applications, vol 71. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4700-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4700-2_4

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