The S-N curve has been proved as the classic testing method to predict the fatigue failure of many materials (such as metals and geo-materials). However, this kind of testing is extremely time-consuming and the financial cost is very high. For geo-materials, such as rocks and concretes, the materials are extremely in-homogeneous and heterogeneous. This will lead to the large scatters in the physical properties. And it will need more tested samples to obtain a more reliable S-N curve. The instant monitoring method is also a very effective approach to predict the fatigue failure, such as the sudden increase of strain or the change of hysteresis loop shape. So which method (S-N curve or instant monitoring) is the proper way to be used in the prediction of fatigue failure in terms of geo-materials.
I would suggest Acoustic Emissions Technique (AET) as an alternative method to monitor memory effects (Kaizer effect) and the upcoming failure in brittle materials such as rocks and concrete, under cyclic mechanical loading.
Vassilis
I certainly support your advice ( Acoustic Emissions Technique ) in brittle materials such as rocks and concrete, under cyclic mechanical loading, but expensive equipment is required for the Acoustic Emission Technique.
Thanks for the replies from Vassilis Saltas and Engin Özdemir , the AE behavior is a good precursor to the fatigue failure in laboratory scale, for in-situ application, the AE device is too expensive to apply in such large scale, such as the dams and bridges.
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