The influence of raw material on fracture attributes used in projectile analysis: First results from a bench test experiment

Coppe, Justin; Taipale, Noora; Escarguel, Solène; Rots, Veerle

doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105956

Article (Scientific journals)

The influence of raw material on fracture attributes used in projectile analysis: First results from a bench test experiment

Coppe, Justin; Taipale, Noora; Escarguel, Solène et al.

2026 • In Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 74, p. 105956

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/348267

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10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105956

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Abstract :

[en] Fracture attributes are commonly used in lithic technological and functional analysis, but the influence of raw material on fracture morphologies has rarely been formally investigated. This study presents a bench test experiment designed to evaluate the influence of raw material on fracture development under similar stress conditions. Specimens made of flint, quartzite, quartz, glass, dolerite and obsidian were tested. The results show clear relationships between raw material and several fracture attributes, particularly fracture terminations, the occurrence of fissured terminations and the length of fracture propagation. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying observed fracture variability and place into perspective the interpretative value of various fracture attributes in functional analysis, particularly in projectile identification.

Disciplines :

Archaeology

Author, co-author :

Coppe, Justin ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences historiques > TraceoLab

Taipale, Noora ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Art, Archéologie et Patrimoine (AAP)

Escarguel, Solène ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Art, Archéologie et Patrimoine (AAP)

Rots, Veerle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Art, Archéologie et Patrimoine (AAP)

Language :

English

Title :

The influence of raw material on fracture attributes used in projectile analysis: First results from a bench test experiment

Publication date :

October 2026

Journal title :

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

ISSN :

2352-409X

Publisher :

Elsevier BV

Volume :

Pages :

105956

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://api.elsevier.com/content/article/PII:S2352409X26003913?httpAccept=text/xml

Funders :

F.R.S.-FNRS - Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research
ERC - European Research Council

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since 28 August 2026

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