Title: STRESS TRANSFER BEHAVIOR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE CRACKS AND INTERFACES

Author(s): Ali Reza Moradi, Masoud Soltani, and Abbas Ali Tasnimi

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 112

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 69-80

Keywords: aggregate interlock; cyclic loading; dowel action; shear.

DOI: 10.14359/51687297

Date: 1/1/2015

Abstract:
This paper aims at determining the stress-transfer capabilities of reinforced concrete (RC) cracks and interfaces by adopting proper constitutive laws for aggregate interlock and dowel action mechanisms. The framework of the Contact Density Model, which was developed in earlier research, is adopted for aggregate interlock. The original assumptions are enhanced and modified using the available experimental data and also by introducing four new parameters for both normal- and high-strength concrete. The proposed contact density function considers crack roughness and is probabilistically idealized according to concrete strength, aggregate size, crack width, and asperity degradation in a unified manner. Dowel action behavior of bars is simulated by the model, which was proposed in other research. Stress transfer across RC cracks and interfaces is determined by a combination of the previously mentioned mechanisms and their consistent interactions. The systematic experimental verification shows reliability and versatility of the suggested model and assumptions.