Encyclopedia of Toxicology

This book focuses on the problems related to a comprehensive treatment of mechanics of fracture of quasi-brittle materials, such as ceramics, concrete and some rock. Experimental treatment of fracture process zone using laser holographic interferometry and infrared thermography as well as theoretical treatment of nonlinear fracture mechanics are discussed in detail. In addition, numerical simulations of strain softening, discrete cracks, and smeared cracks are presented. Models for quasi-static and dynamic fluid-driven cracks in jointed rocks are described. Mathematical treatment and experimental observations of damage in fiber-reinforced cement-based composites elucidate how fibers provide toughening to the materials under consideration. Various test methods to evaluate fracture toughness in Mode I, Mode II, and mixed-mode loading, as well as design methods for demolition of concrete and rock blasting are presented. Other topics include: fatigue, size-effects, analysis of large dams and hydraulic fracture. The book should be of interest to civil engineers, engineers and researchers dealing with ceramics, geophysicists, material scientists and the community involved with fracture of brittle materials.