Title:
Modeling and Control of Side Face Beam Cracking
Author(s):
Robert J. Frosch
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
99
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
376-385
Keywords:
beam; crack-control reinforcement; cracking.
DOI:
10.14359/11922
Date:
5/1/2002
Abstract:
As the use of thicker concrete covers has been increasing due to durability concerns, the question arises whether current design provisions for the control of side face cracking remain applicable. This study investigates the background for the existing provisions and develops a physical model and procedure for the calculation of side face crack widths. The calculation procedure is supported by an evaluation of existing test data. Based on this procedure, analyses are conducted that investigate side face crack width profiles as well as parameters necessary to control side face cracking for varying concrete covers. Design recommendations are presented that provide a unified approach to the control of side-face cracking as well as bottom-face cracking.