This study is a contribution to a better understanding of some aspects in the numerical modeling of the heterogeneity and size effects in the analysis of concrete structures. A general format of the smeared damage model is presented based on a historical perspective, since the first studies to the adoption of the inverse compliance relationship. This format includes diverse initial compliance relations, change in the direction of the damage approximations to the tangent tensor and different evolution damage laws for tension and compression.The limitations of the classical incremental-iterative methods for the solution of nonlinear physical problems are discussed. The secant and tangent formulations of these methods are shown as well as a review of the most commonly used controlling procedures. A new method is introduced in which the controlling parameter is based on the strain variation. Its secant and tangent formulations are also indicated.A historical review of the experimental and theoretical studies concerning the aspects of heterogeneity and size effects in concrete structures is done. A finite element model is then proposed which includes both the heterogeneity and size effects. It is based on the random occurrence of solid phases in the structural volume as well as on the differences of constitutive responses due to structural size.Examples problems are solved which illustrate the employed constitutive model, the procedures for the determination of the equilibrium paths and the model to heterogeneity and size effect.