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Structural failure from complex defects is examined by including theconstraint effects within a statistical weakest link analysis. The method allows the failureprobabilities of arbitrary geometries to be compared and identifies the most likely failureinitiation site for a complex defect. The analysis can be generalised to problems in whichtoughness varies with the spatial position of the crack front, as in the case of a cracklocated in a temperature gradient or subject to embrittlement.