sprickors

Sprickor, the Swedish term for cracks, are fractures or openings that form when a material's internal cohesion is exceeded by external or internal stresses. They can occur in solids such as rock, concrete, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, and even some tissues, and may range from microscopic to major structural flaws.

Causes include mechanical loading beyond strength, thermal cycling, moisture-induced changes, chemical processes such as corrosion or hydration, shrinkage during drying or curing, and fatigue from repeated loading. Defects from manufacturing or previous damage can act as stress concentrators and initiate sprickor.

Types vary by context. In geology, sprickor include joints (fractures with little or no movement) and faults (where displacement occurs). In engineering materials, they can be surface cracks, through-thickness cracks, or microcracks; their growth depends on the applied stress, environment, and material properties.

Crack growth may be slow and stable or rapid and unstable, potentially leading to sudden failure if unchecked. The presence of a crack reduces strength and durability and can complicate load-bearing design.

Detection relies on visual inspection and nondestructive testing such as ultrasound, radiography, or dye penetrant inspection. Mitigation includes sealing and coating, epoxy injection or grout, reinforcement, improved material selection, and design changes to lower stress or improve durability. Proper curing, maintenance, and environmental control help prevent sprickor formation.