Inconel alloy X-750 test pieces exposed to a reduced air pressure at 1150°C for various times exhibited significant embrittlement during subsequent creep tests in air at 700°C. This embrittlement was characterized by a systematic reduction in time and strain to fracture and an acceleration of the minimum creep rate with inoTBasing time of prior exposure. Earlier work has shown that the nearsurface environmental damage in the form of heavily cavitated boundaries and andγ-free zones are responsible for this form of embrittlement. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the effect of the above two forms of damage on the time and strain to fracture and the minimum creep rate. Towards this end, a three-zone creep fracture modei has been developed to explain the experimental results. © 1992 Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.