FERRO, Giuseppe
Department of Structural Engineering
Politecnico di Torino
Torino - Italy
ferro@polito.it

Abstract
Experimental and theoretical studies on evaluation of the mechanical behavior of new types of concrete (high-strength, self-compacting, fiber-reinforced) and cement-based composites in compression are presented. Particular attention will be focused on the variation of some mechanical parameter by varying the size of the specimen.
One of the most interesting aspects related to this phenomenon is connected with the introduction of high-strength concrete.
The compression strength for this kind of concrete is up to five times the standard strength. In this case, it is suggested the use of smaller specimens, with the advantages of maintaining the standard test machines available in the laboratories, easy handling, and using less concrete.
Another important application of reducing specimen sizes is constituted by the determination of the concrete strength for existing structures
by drilling small specimens. This technique is very useful, the deterioration of the mechanical properties for concrete structures being one of the main problems in Civil Engineering.