A procedure is proposed to evaluate the mechanical response (i.e. peak load
s and load-displacement) of a notched component. A cracking criterion is gi
ven, applicable to quasi-brittle materials under monotonic loading. This pr
ocedure is based on a cohesive zone-crack model. Numerical predictions are
in good agreement with a large experimental programme in which PMMA specime
ns of different shapes and sizes including U-notch radius and U-notch depth
were tested. All experimental results are reported. The paper closes with
a discussion of the proposed cracking criteria and some proposals for futur
e work.