The problem of brittleness of structures (review)

The well-known catastrophic failures of metallic structures and steel products are considered in the review as a result of loss of specific property of metal – it mechanical stability – under the effect of certain factors of embrittlement, for instance, stress raisers (SR). Analyzing the experimental evidence, possibility to regulate the value of embrittlement under the SR effect aimed at decrease in danger of brittle fracture of steel constructions is demonstrated.