ABSTRACT
Fatigue and fracture are two important limit states that need to be checked in the design and evaluation
of structures. Fatigue is the formation of a crack due to cyclic loading. The fatigue limit state is defined as
the development of a through-thickness crack. This is a serviceability limit state and does not necessarily
mean that the structure is in danger of fracture or collapse. Fracture is the rupture in tension or rapid
extension of a crack leading to gross deformation, loss of function or serviceability, or complete
separation of the component.
