Extended versions of selected papers submitted at the Iberian Conference on Fracture and Structural Integrity (CIFIE'2010) conference are included in this special issue of the International Journal of Structural Integrity. The conference brought together researchers and professionals, who during three days, shared their knowledge and experience in such fields as analytical and numerical methods; case studies of fracture, fatigue and durability; durability of structures; experimental techniques; fatigue of materials and structures; deformation and fracture of materials (metallic alloys, ceramics, composites, polymeric and bio) and interaction with the environment.

The 8th International Conference on Fracture (ICF8), held in Kyiv, Ukraine, attracted 550 delegates from 30 countries with over 700 papers presented. This volume contains a representative selection of 72 articles of the highest standard from internationally renowned experts in the field. Principal topics covered include: mechanics and criteria of fracture, stress-strain analysis in solids with cracks, physics and mechanics of fracture, dynamic fracture, environmental effects, temperature influence on fracture, advanced and special-purpose materials engineering applications of fracture mechanics, fracture mechanics and strength of welded joints and structures, testing techniques and failure diagnostics. For anyone working in fracture mechanics and the performance of materials, this volume provides a valuable snapshot of the major recent developments in the field.