The paper deals with a direct discrete formulation (applicable to a large class of physical problems) that allows one to directly derive discrete equations without using differential equations. General applications to plane elastic-plastic systems are presented by using a non-traditional modelling technique (the cell method). A classical von Mises problem is solved and coupling with boundary elements is discussed. Next, a novel approach to the discretization of cracking phenomena is introduced on the basis of Coulomb friction law. Finally, numerical results concerned with plane problems are reported
