Keywords: aggregate bridging, reinforced concrete bar, cracks, slip, composite, tension stiffness, finite element method.

This paper presents three numerical models for the non-linear analysis of cracked tensile reinforced concrete bars. The first two models are based on the discrete crack method. In the first model, which is most often discussed in the literature, the ideal crack is considered, while in the second discrete model, the phenomenon of aggregate bridging is also accounted for. The third numerical model is based on the smeared crack concept. This model is often used to analyze softening of reinforced concrete structures. Additionally, the effect of the crack width and its location is analyzed for all presented models. The overall tension stiffness and bearing capacity of a cracked reinforced concrete bar was analyzed. The results are compared with the results of other numerical models, based both on the discrete and smeared crack concepts. It is found that the present numerical model for the analysis of the behaviour of cracked tensile reinforced concrete elements accounting for aggregate bridging is appropriate for the determination of the element tension stiffness, the crack width and the crack location. The discrete model with ideal cracks does not predict the crack width well. Because of the design of the model, the smeared crack model is even less accurate in determining the crack width and location, yet it is sufficient for the determination of the element tension stiffness. Results have also been compared with success with the values obtained by the related procedure for evaluating the width and the distance between two cracks, as given in European standard Eurocode 2.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £65 +P&P)