Three-parameter vs. two-parameter Weibull distribution for pultruded composite material properties

The three-parameter and two-parameter Weibull distributions are compared using 26 mechanical property data sets of fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite materials manufactured by the pultrusion process. Both strength and stiffness properties were examined. The probability distributions were compared on the basis of goodness of fit, nominal design values, and allowable load to achieve uniform reliability. It is recommended that the two-parameter Weibull distribution be used to characterize FRP composite material properties. The primary basis for this recommendation is small differences in nominal design values and small differences in allowable loads between the two-parameter and three-parameter Weibull distributions. Other supporting reasons for the recommendation are similar observed significance levels in distribution fitting, computational efficiency, and the fact that the location parameter of the three-parameter Weibull distribution is near the first order statistic.