Size effect in the strength of concrete structures

Abstract. This paper reports on the range of applicability of the various size effect formulae available in the literature. In particular, the failure loads of three point bend (TPB) beams are analysed according to the size effect formulae of BaMzant and of Karihaloo for notched beams and according to those of BaMzant and of Carpinteri for unnotched beams, and the results of this analysis presented. Improvements to Karihaloo’s size effect formula are also proposed