Abstract: In this paper the jump-like crack growth model for monotonic loading is applied to re-examine both the onset of crack growth and process of stable crack growth. In the former case the fracture energy associated with a new surface creation is estimated and the in-plane constraint influence on this quantity is examined using the J–A 2 approach. In the later case the formula to compute the J-resistance curve is re-examined and compared with the one known from the standards. In the analysis the plane strain model of a structural element made of elastic–plastic material is assumed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]