Comparison of size effect test results with atena finite element program

Size effect is an important part of concrete fracture mechanics. To understand beter the fracture mechanics of concrete and behavior of the structures, many studies have been done on the size effect in recent years. Many experiments and material modelings have been performed in virtual environment by using of modeling our age indispensable technology which are computer programs. This study is about comparison of the result of a size effect experiment of with model of the same experment by using ATENA 3D finite element program. First of all, in total 80 concrete beams with same thickness and four different size were prepared in laboratory. After reaching of the prepared concrete beams to the required strength, notches opened with four different depths in tensile sides of the beams and then they were broken with three-point loads. After that, the model of the beams with the same material, same size and same notch lengths were prepared and analysed with ATENA 3D program. Finally, the results were compared which are; load - displacement curves and the characteristic size of the notched beams which shows size effect - nominal tensile failure .