  Statistical models are essential to get a better understanding of the role of
disorder in brittle disordered solids. Fiber bundle models play a special role
as a paradigm, with a very good balance of simplicity and non-trivial effects.
We introduce here a variant of the fiber bundle model where the load is
transferred among the fibers through a very compliant membrane. This Soft
Membrane fiber bundle mode reduces to the classical Local Load Sharing fiber
bundle model in 1D. Highlighting the continuum limit of the model allows to
compute an equivalent toughness for the fiber bundle and hence discuss
nucleation of a critical defect. The computation of the toughness allows for
drawing a simple connection with crack front propagation (depinning) models.
