The present paper provides a theoretical explanation of the size effect on concrete tensile strength based on a statistics of extremes approach to the aggregate size distribution, expressed as probability density function of the grains diameter (namely, the Füller truncated…
The present paper provides a theoretical explanation of the size effect on concrete tensile strength based on a statistics of extremes approach to the aggregate size distribution, expressed as probability density function of the grains diameter (namely, the Füller truncated distribution). Since the weakest link in normal strength concrete is usually represented by the interface between the cementitious matrix and the aggregates, if we assume that the strength of the material depends on the largest flaw, we compute the probability density function of the strength as a function of the specimen size. In this way, we obtain −by a truncated distributions statistical approach− a size effect that substantially agrees with the multifractal scaling law (MFSL) for concrete tensile strength. Eventually, particular attention is paid to the computation of the power law exponent characterising the strength scaling at the smallest sizes.