Experiments on feather fracture in sediments

Abstract

Doświadczenia nad przełamem pierzastym w osadach The results of experiments on the fracture of moist sands and silts are given. The surfaces of the fractures discussed display feather fracture similar to that observed on joint surfaces of rocks. The „feathers” diverge from regions of s'tress concentration, that is from the areas or points of origin of fractures, and extend in the direction of fracture propagation. The feather fracture results from tensile forces acting upon a rock which is in the state of transition from ductile to brittle behaviour.