Serviceability analysis of reinforced concrete members based on stress transfer approach

Abstract

In present study, the stress transfer approach for deformation and cracking analysis of tensile reinforced concrete members is investigated. Stress transfer model which is able to take into account stochastic distribution of mechanical properties of concrete was developed. As numerically obtained results are principally governed by the bond-slip function used, a sensitivity analysis is performed examining the well known bond models and their influence on prediction results of the development of cracks and overall deformation. It has been shown that modeling deformation behavior of cracked reinforced concrete, satisfactory results can be achieved for a large range of possible bond stress-slip relationships. However crack spacing and width predictions are highly sensitive to the assumed bond model.