Crack analysis of concrete bending members based on reinforcement strain profile between primary cracks

Abstract

Cracking models of reinforced concrete (RC) applied in practice heavily rely on empiricism. The models suggested by Eurocode 2 and Model Code are based on the empirically established effective concrete area. The authors have recently proposed a new concept of crack analysis based on the compatibility of the stress transfer and mean deformation approaches. Mean spacing between the primary cracks is obtained from the equality of mean strains of the tensile reinforcement assessed by the two concepts. The current paper is dedicated to quantification the constitutive parameters and validation of the model. A comparative analysis has demonstrated that the predictions of mean crack distance by the proposed model agree well with the tests of RC beams.