Modelling strain localization by cohesive/overlapping zones in tension/compression: brittleness size effects and scaling in material properties

The present paper is a state-of-the-art review of the research carried out at the Politecnico di Torino during the last two decades on the modelling of strain localization. Introducing the elementary cohesive/overlapping models in tension/compression, it will be shown that it is possible to get a deep insight into the ductile-to-brittle transition and into the scaling of the material properties usually detected when testing quasi-brittle material specimens or structures at different size-scales.