The present summary of the elastic percolation theory is intended as a
n illustration of a novel field of statistical physics which can be fr
uitfully applied in the analysis of elastic materials with a heterogen
eous microstructure. A short precis of effective continua and mean hel
d theories is provided as a rationale for the application of percolati
on theory. Characteristic lengths are used to define the statistical h
omogeneity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.