Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials: A Review

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Saeed H. Moghtaderi
  • Prakash Thamburaja
  • Muhammad Alias Md Jedi
  • Michael Beer
  • Shahrum Abdullah
  • Ahmad Kamal Ariffin

Research Organisations

External Research Organisations

  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Texas A and M University
  • University of Liverpool
  • Tongji University
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3151-3172
Number of pages22
JournalJurnal Kejuruteraan
Volume37
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 30 Oct 2025

Abstract

The fracture mechanics of quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, ceramics, and rocks, pose significant challenges due to their nonlinear stress-strain response, microstructural heterogeneity, and complex failure mechanisms. Traditional numerical and analytical methods often fall short in capturing the full intricacies of fracture propagation and damage evolution in such materials. However, recent advances in machine learning (ML) offer promising solutions to these limitations by enabling data-driven insights and enhanced computational performance. In this review paper, we explore the growing role of ML techniques in the fracture analysis of quasi-brittle materials. By leveraging large and diverse datasets from experiments and numerical simulations, ML models not only complement traditional fracture mechanics approaches but also introduce novel capabilities such as real-time damage prediction, adaptive modelling, and improved generalization across varying material conditions. The integration of data-driven models with physics-based frameworks, especially through hybrid techniques like physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), marks a significant shift in how fracture phenomena are modelled and understood. Key ML methods discussed include artificial neural networks (ANNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and PINNs, with a focus on their respective advantages and implementation strategies. The review highlights how these approaches can enhance safety, efficiency, and predictive accuracy in engineering applications, ultimately making machine learning a transformative tool in the study of quasi-brittle fracture behaviour.

Keywords

    crack characterization, fracture mechanics, Machine learning, quasi-brittle materials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cite this

Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials: A Review. / Moghtaderi, Saeed H.; Thamburaja, Prakash; Jedi, Muhammad Alias Md et al.
In: Jurnal Kejuruteraan, Vol. 37, No. 7, 30.10.2025, p. 3151-3172.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Moghtaderi, SH, Thamburaja, P, Jedi, MAM, Beer, M, Abdullah, S & Ariffin, AK 2025, 'Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials: A Review', Jurnal Kejuruteraan, vol. 37, no. 7, pp. 3151-3172. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkukm-2025-37(7)-06
Moghtaderi, S. H., Thamburaja, P., Jedi, M. A. M., Beer, M., Abdullah, S., & Ariffin, A. K. (2025). Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials: A Review. Jurnal Kejuruteraan, 37(7), 3151-3172. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkukm-2025-37(7)-06
Moghtaderi SH, Thamburaja P, Jedi MAM, Beer M, Abdullah S, Ariffin AK. Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials: A Review. Jurnal Kejuruteraan. 2025 Oct 30;37(7):3151-3172. doi: 10.17576/jkukm-2025-37(7)-06
Moghtaderi, Saeed H. ; Thamburaja, Prakash ; Jedi, Muhammad Alias Md et al. / Recent Advances of Machine Learning in Fracture Mechanics of Quasi-Brittle Materials : A Review. In: Jurnal Kejuruteraan. 2025 ; Vol. 37, No. 7. pp. 3151-3172.
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