A probabilistic fracture mechanics method and strength analysis of glulam beams with holes

A probabilistic fracture mechanics method is presented and applied to glulam beams with holes. The method is based on a combination of Weibull weakest link theory and a mean stress method which is a generalization of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Combining these two methods means that the global strength will be governed by both fracture energy and material strength and also that the stochastic nature of the material properties are taken into account. The probabilistic fracture mechanics method is evaluated by comparison to experimental test results. The method shows good ability to predict strength, with the exception of very small beams where the capacity is overestimated. The comparison to experimental tests deals also with other methods for strength analysis including code design methods.