Structural Concrete, Vol. 7, no. 3, September 2006
Cracking analysis of reinforced concrete tensioned members
S. Khalfallah, University of Jijel, Algeria
An analytical model, which can simulate the cracking response of reinforced concrete tensioned members, is presented. This model is principally based on the bond stress-slip repartition function that was successfully applied to the analysis of tensile reinforced concrete members. The formalism of repartition functions of loads, strains and slip between steel and surrounding concrete, has allowed analysis of the cracking phenomenon and its influence on the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete members. The tension stiffening effect accompanying the cracking mechanism is taken into account in a more appropriate manner. The phenomenon of localisation of micro-cracking owing to the softening behaviour of concrete in tension is based on the conservative concept of the cracking fracture energy assuming that the band of strain localisation is an intrinsic parameter of the material. The predictive results show that the model is very satisfactory, allowing the evaluation of each material contribution especially in the cracked range. Moreover, a correlation between the obtained and experimental results is observed through the local and global responses.
