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This paper presents an original analytical approach to assess the shear strength of concrete‐rock interfaces while accounting for the effects of scale, roughness and matching conditions. The technique proposed is based on experimental data obtained from small core samples extracted from existing dam sites, with diameters varying from 83 to 145 mm, and larger rectangular samples with side lengths comprised between 320 and 492 mm. The predictions of the analytical formulation are validated against results of direct shear tests, as well as 3D nonlinear finite element simulations. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the influence of roughness and matching conditions on the shear behavior of concrete‐rock contacts at different scales. The main results show that: (i) roughness inhomogeneity is one of the main causes of scale effects on the shear strength of concrete‐rock interfaces; (ii) contact geometries proportional in both length and height are expected to present quite similar shear strengths; and (iii) geometry matching conditions must be accounted for as they might be the source of scale effects affecting the evaluation of the shear strength at concrete‐rock interfaces. New equations are also proposed to suggest values of apparent cohesion and friction angle for concrete‐rock contacts.

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