Stochastic approach to size effect in quasi-brittle materials

Abstract

In this Note we present a stochastic approach to model size effects in quasi-brittle materials structures. Contrary to Weibull's theory, the key ingredient is the use of correlated random fields in order to describe the material properties. Thus, a stochastic problem has to be solved that we handle using Monte Carlo method. The numerical results show the capability to retrieve size effects in a range between the two classical bounds which are Continuum Damage Mechanics and Linear fracture Mechanics. To cite this article: J.-B. Colliat et al., C. R. Mecanique 335 (2007).