Çatmalar

Çatmalar is a Turkish term commonly used to refer to cracks or fractures appearing in materials and structures, as well as fissures in geological formations. In engineering and construction, çatmalar indicate initiation and propagation of discontinuities caused by sustained or cyclic loads, temperature variations, corrosion, or manufacturing flaws. Typical crack types include hairline cracks, fatigue cracks, and shear cracks. Cracks compromise structural integrity, reduce stiffness, and may allow ingress of water or chemicals; their detection and assessment are essential for safety and durability.

Detection and assessment rely on visual inspection and nondestructive testing methods such as dye penetrant, ultrasonic testing, radiography, eddy current, infrared thermography, and acoustic emission. Remediation depends on severity and location and can involve crack sealing with sealants, epoxy injections, reinforcement, or component replacement; design measures to prevent cracking include proper material selection, adequate detailing, proper curing, corrosion protection, and controlling loads and temperature.

In geology, çatmalar may refer to natural fractures in rocks—joints and faults—that form under tectonic stresses. These features influence rock strength, permeability, and fluid flow and can control landslides and groundwater pathways.