We propose a method of construction of non homogeneous solutions to the problem of traction of a bar made of an elastic-damaging material whose softening behavior is regularized by a gradient damage model. We show that, for sufficiently long bars, localization arises on sets whose length is proportional to the material internal length and with a profile which is also characteristic of the material. The rupture of the bar occurs at the center of the localization zone when the damage reaches there the critical value corresponding to the loss of rigidity of the material. The dissipated energy during all the damage process up to rupture is a quantity c G which can be expressed in terms of the material parameters. Accordingly, Gc can be considered as the usual surface energy density appearing in the Griffith theory of brittle fracture. All these theoretical considerations are illustrated by numerical examples.