Abstract: In this paper, the chain approach of BE Row-subdomains, as well as the corresponding formulation, is developed to simulate the elastic property and failure process of heterogeneous brittle materials. Systematical numerical simulations for various situations have been performed, and the effects of different factors on the elastic property and failure strength have been examined. The results have shown that the heterogeneity reduces the failure strength of materials more severely than the reduction of effective Young’s modulus. If the strength of interface layer is lower than the failure strength of ingredients, the failure strength of heterogeneous material will be further reduced.