A fracture mechanics approach to the crack formation in alkali-sensitive grains

The cause of cracking of slow/late aggregates is supposed to be due to gel pressure in the grain. The cracking of grains is approached with the aid of fracture mechanics and the decisive parameter for crack extension is the critical stress intensity factor. Various types of rock were stored in alkaline solution. The critical stress intensity factor was determined as function of exposure time. A theoretical correlation between grain size, critical stress intensity factor, and gel pressure was established.