Size effect in concrete structures

Abstract

The size effect for notched-tension specimens, three-point bend specimens, pull-out headed anchor specimens and beams loaded in torsion are calculated using a 2D and 3D finite element program. The program is based on the nonlocal microplane model. The calculated failure loads are compared with previously obtained experimental results. Test results and calculated data are compared with the recently proposed size effect law. Results of tests and analysis exhibit significant size effect that should be taken into account in design practice. It is demonstrated that the nonlocal microplane model used in a 2D and 3D finite element code can correctly predict failure loads for similar specimens of different sizes.