In this paper, experimental observations on the fracture properties of concrete are reported. The size effect and fracture parameters in direct tension on double edge notch compact tension specimens (DENCTS) have been undertaken. Lack of ductility in high strength concrete (HSC) is a serious concern, which has to be understood. Concretes with compressive strength greater than 75 MPa are used. Brittleness and/or otherwise ductility of concrete depend upon the extent of fracture process zone (FPZ) in concrete in front of the crack. The present study undertakes various parameters influencing the brittleness and size of FPZ in HSC. From the experimental observations a complex size effect on nominal tensile strength of HSC exists. Though the behavior of concrete is very brittle, a characteristic size of 220 mm seems to be the lowest to achieve a possible size effect in HSC in direct tension. The fracture energy of concrete seems to be an independent of the size of test specimen. A model has been proposed to evaluate the size of FPZ based on the experimental data. The lowest bound solution to the FPZ is equal to the size of coarse aggregate, while the upper bound solution gives a value equal to half of the size of the uncracked ligament length. The brittle behavior of HSC is responsible for the development of very strong interface in concrete.