The present study focuses on the kinetic and non-deterministic aspects
of the brittle to quasi-brittle transition. A solid is approximated b
y a lattice formed by the interacting 'continuum particles' and the ev
olution of damage is estimated using particle dynamics. The onset of t
ransition is measured by the rate of the change of correlation length.
The proposed method is illustrated on the examples of creep rupture,
strain localization and dynamic expansion of a circular void in a 'bri
ttle' plate.