Maximum Crack Width Prediction in Deck Slab Concrete Structure

Abstract

Inspection of crack width prediction procedures proposed by various researchers indicates that each formula contains a different set of variables. A literature review also suggests that there is no general agreement among various researchers on the relative significance of different variables affecting the crack width, despite the large number of experimental work carried out during the past few decades. An analytical method is developed to determine the concrete stress distribution near flexural cracks in reinforced concrete one-way slabs and used to investigate the effects of various variables on the spacing and width of cracks. The formula is developed using a large number of curvature values calculated from the concrete and steel strains at various sections between adjacent cracks for a number of composite precast deck slabs. The present method of incorporating the tension stiffening effect is verified by comparing calculated fracture mechanic and those measured by other investigators. The curvature values at sections between adjacent cracks are calculated using an empirical formula. Development of this formula is based on the curvature values calculated using the concrete and steel strains at various sections between successive cracks, for a number of composite precast deck slabs. Using the curvature values evaluated by the proposed formula, short-term deflections were determined for a large number of flexural members and the results were compared with those measured by other investigators. This comparison indicated that the present method of incorporating the tension stiffening effect in fracture mechanic calculations is acceptable.

Exploring the Effects of Reinforcement Ratio on Concrete Rigid Pavement Structure in Malang, Indonesia: Experimental Study and Analysis

“…The trend of deflection behavior in a rigid pavement with a reinforcement ratio (ρ) of 0.004 is evident when fs ranges from 0 to 80 MPa. Within this range, the deflection value exhibits a moderately steep incline, as described by the linear equation approach: δ = 0.0387 fs + 0.9058 (7) Subsequently, within the range of fs 80 -600 MPa, the deflection magnitude experiences a more gradual ascent, characterized by the application of a linear equation approach: δ = 0.0120 fs + 3.4583 (8) The deflection behavior pattern in rigid pavement featuring a reinforcement ratio (ρ) of 0.007 is noticeable. Within the range of fs 0 -20 MPa, the deflection value demonstrates a rapid rise, as depicted through the application of a linear equation approach.…”

“…The behavior of crack formation in reinforced concrete slabs is markedly influenced by repeated loading [6]. A proposed crack width formula, accounting for concrete cover thickness and reinforcement ratio, has been developed based on predictive analysis and experimental approaches applied to bridge slabs with composite precast panels [7].…”

Effect of variations in concrete quality on the crack width in rigid pavement

“…Flexural cracking develops at regular intervals in each moment region of the beam, but in the constant moment region, flexural cracking develops at discrete intervals depending on the distribution of concrete weakness. The exact location of constant moment cracks is difficult to predict, but the maximum and minimum spacing of adjacent cracks and the maximum crack width can be predicted fairly accurately through analysis of the increased concrete stress in the tensile region [19].…”

Analysis of the Effect of Slab Thickness on Crack Width in Rigid Pavement Slabs

“…Research on the cracking behaviour of reinforced concrete slabs in the analysis and experiments on the failure of reinforced concrete slab structures due to repeated loads [2] and prediction of precast concrete slab life based on fracture mechanics has been carried out. The prediction of crack Engineering width using analytical and experimental methods on bridge slabs with composite precast panels has resulted in crack width formula, taking into account the thickness of the concrete cover and the amount of reinforcement [3]. Another study is the prediction of longitudinal fatigue cracks in reinforced concrete pavements (JPCP) using the RadiCAL method [4].…”