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A Finite Fracture Mechanics criterion is put forward to predict the critical failure loads of brittle Unotched
specimens, subjected to mode I loading. The criterion, recently applied to investigate V-notched
structures, requires the contemporaneous fulfilment of stress requirements and energy conditions for fracture to
propagate: both the stress field function at the notch tip and the stress intensity factor function related to a
crack stemming from the tip are involved. The finite crack advancement results to be a structural parameter,
depending on the material properties as well as on the notch radius. Eventually, the predictions are compared
with those provided by other theoretical approaches and with experimental data available in the Literature,
showing a general good agreement.