When non-reinforced concrete breaks, what type of failure occurs?

Non-reinforced concrete typically experiences brittle failure when it breaks. This type of failure is characterized by a sudden and catastrophic fracture without significant deformation or warning. In brittle materials, such as concrete, the structure does not exhibit the ability to absorb energy through plastic deformation before fracturing. When stress exceeds the material's strength, it breaks suddenly and sharply, often leading to a clean break with little to no prior deformation.

Understanding the properties of materials is crucial in construction and structural engineering. Non-reinforced concrete is especially susceptible to brittle failure due to its inherent lack of tensile strength. Unlike ductile materials, which undergo substantial deformation before failure, concrete fails quickly and without warning when subjected to excessive loads, which is vital to consider for safety and structural integrity.