Abstract: In the past two decades researchers have developed new techniques and approaches of artificial intelligence (AI) ceaselessly and applied them to solve engineering problems. Although many researchers have used theses AI techniques and approaches to solve engineering problems successfully, there is no literature review to introduce applications and developments of AI techniques and approaches in the field of fracture mechanics systematically. The development and achievements of classical fracture mechanics are mainly introduced. The applications of AI methods in fracture mechanics in recent years are summarized and the achievements are classified into three categories further, including failure mode identification, damage and failure detection and diagnosis, characterization, inversion and prediction of fracture parameters. The progress situation of AI methods in the above-mentioned fields is discussed in detail. The strengths and weaknesses of these AI methods in the field of fracture mechanics are analyzed and future research directions are suggested.