scope:

Procedures for application of fracture mechanics to Codes, Rules and Standards cannot be derived solely from idealized guidelines provided by the scientific literature. Careful examination of engineering experience in the use of fracture mechanics is mandatory, in order to evolve realistic Code documents. The fracture mechanics literature does not provide a general document, that combines scientific and engineering factors, in a form that is specifically useful to the interest of Codes, Rules and Standards. Such a document is important for meaningful communication between those who develop, use, legalize and are affected by Code documents. These various "interests" require a reasonably clear explanation of the implicit relationships between engineering requirements, design principles and fracture mechanics options. The primary aim of this report is to explain these relationships in relatively simple terms, that should be understandable to all concerned.