Implications of the size effect method for analyzing the fracture of concrete

Abstract The size effect method (SEM) of Bažant is reviewed and its range of applicability is examined through comparisons with data from tests on notched and unnotched beams of normal and high strength concrete. Its behavior and scope are discussed with respect to some other models, including the multifractal scaling model. The SEM reflects the effect of brittleness on the failure adequately. Moreover, the model is able to satisfactorily predict the failure loads of fracture specimens, as long as the initial cracks are not very small compared to the maximum aggregate size and the specimen dimensions. For other cases, the predictions are over-conservative.

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