Which material is known to suffer from cracking due to its brittleness?

Study for the HSC Engineering Studies Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Concrete is known to suffer from cracking due to its inherent brittleness, particularly when under tension or stress. As a rigid material, concrete has excellent compressive strength, meaning it can withstand heavy loads when compressed. However, it lacks tensile strength, which makes it susceptible to cracking when stretching or pulling forces are applied. These cracks can occur for various reasons, including shrinkage during curing, temperature fluctuations, or external loads exceeding its tensile capacity.

In contrast, materials like steel and wood possess more ductility, which allows them to deform under strain without failing suddenly. Plastics can vary widely in their properties, with some types being quite flexible. Therefore, it is the brittle nature of concrete that makes it particularly prone to cracking under various conditions.

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