---
title: "Brittle Fracture"
slug: "brittle-fracture"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:12:43Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:12:43Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/brittle-fracture"
---

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# Brittle Fracture

## Summary

Brittle fracture is a rapid fracture that occurs with little or no plastic deformation. Generally, construction materials are ductile and undergo large deformation and/or some form of stable crack growth prior to failure. However, these materials may be exposed to service conditions that cause them to become brittle. When in a brittle condition, these materials can fracture in a sudden (without warning), unstable and often catastrophic manner with little or no deformation. Brittle fracture requires little energy and often results in fragmentation.

[PDF document](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/CEN.16.10638 - Brittle Fracture.pdf?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T14%3A59%3A48Z&se=2026-10-28T15%3A59%3A48Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=5ZNMkmGN1eCOV3WR9xhJXma6LmgYG9e71blZebb7vWk%3D)