A truncated statistical model for analyzing the size-effect on tensile strength of concrete structures

The statistical model presented in this paper assumes a truncated defect size distribution and predicts a scale effect in complete accordance with that of the Multifractal Scaling Law proposed by Carpinteri (1994a) and Carpinteri et al. (1994a, 1994b, 1995). This truncated distribution model is based on the weakest link concept and aims at evaluating the size effect on the nominal tensile strength of concrete. The expression of the truncated distribution is a Beta-Distribution. The structural failure occurs when the most dangerous defect reaches the propagation critical condition, based on a local LEFM failure criterion. By using this local failure condition, it is possible to obtain the local strength distribution. The global failure probability is obtained by the composition of the n independent local failure conditions. The paper ends with the presentation of the results obtained by this model and with the comparison with some experimental data.