Analytical Modeling of Crack Widths and Cracking Loads in Structural RC Members

Crack width is a major performance criterion in reinforced-concrete structures, general, and of utmost importance ensuring bridge performance, particular. A reliable theory-based method required to assess crack widths gain insight into their dependence on material, geometry, loading parameters. new, exact analytical proposed for one-dimensional reinforced concrete element based equilibrium, constitutive, kinematic relationships, accounting the geometrical material behavior reinforcement. linear interfacial bond stress slip assumed represents small slips associated with limited allowed width. Closed-form expressions have been developed wealth information can be calculated immediately, such as cracking load levels, level, expected number cracks, cracks spacing. The entire nonlinear force-displacement relationship cracked may depicted, demonstrating tension-stiffening that depends variations throughout history. Comparisons model experimental data demonstrate very good agreement.