Calculation of maximum crack width for practical design of reinforced concrete

Cracks are an essential characteristic of reinforced concrete (RC) construction. Serviceability and durability, however, require a reasonable limitation the maximum crack width. The prediction width RC, is not trivial has been much debated over past decades. This article starts with fundamental comparison basic procedures for determining width, namely using mechanical or calibrated model. Following, behavior during formation thoroughly discussed focus on bond stress-slip relation at reinforcement-concrete interface regard to particular stage. Based these fundamentals, calculation model then proposed practical in RC members. suitability demonstrated by predicted experimentally obtained widths database including 460 measurements. It shown that current state knowledge enables mechanically plausible Although formulation based law trivial, can be prepared appropriate simplifications way.