Scheurankering

Scheurankering is a geological term referring to the process by which a crack or fissure in a rock or other material is prevented from propagating further. This phenomenon can occur through various mechanisms. One common method is the presence of a pre-existing discontinuity, such as a bedding plane or a cleat in a rock, which can absorb or deflect the stress that would otherwise cause the crack to grow. Another mechanism involves the introduction of foreign material into the crack. This can be sediment, minerals deposited from groundwater, or even plant roots, which can fill the void and act as a physical impediment to crack extension.

In some cases, the material surrounding the crack itself can exhibit properties that contribute to scheurankering. For instance, if the material has a high toughness or a complex microstructure, it can dissipate energy and hinder crack growth. The geometry of the crack also plays a role; sharp, narrow cracks are more prone to propagation than wider or more irregular ones. Understanding scheurankering is important in fields like civil engineering, mining, and geophysics, as it influences the stability of structures, the behavior of rock masses, and the occurrence of natural phenomena like landslides. It is a complex interplay of material properties, stress conditions, and the geometry of the discontinuity.