Abstract
Currently, in evaluating a flexural strength of a concrete member, the effect of specimen depth has not been systematically studied, even though its effect on ultimate strength of a section is very important. For all types of loading conditions, the trend is that the strength of a member tends to decrease when the member depth increases. In this study, the influence of specimen depth on flexural compressive strength of concrete member was examined experimentally. A series of C-shaped specimens subjected to axial compressive force and bending moment were tested using three geometrically similar specimens with different length-to depth ratios (h/c = 1, 2 and 4) which have compressive strength of 55 MPa. The results indicate that the flexural compressive strength decreased as the specimen depth increased. A model equation was derived based on regression analyses of the experimental data. Also, the results show that ultimate strain decreases as the specimen depth increases. Finally, a general model equation for the depth effect is proposed.
