Title:
Control of Cracking Due to Volume Change in Base-Restrained Concrete Members
Author(s):
R. S. Al RawiI and G. F. Kheder
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
87
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
397-405
Keywords:
cracking (fracturing); crack width and spacing; restraints; creep properties; drying shrinkage; mortars (material); reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; thermal expansion; volume change; walls; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2747
Date:
7/1/1990
Abstract:
Investigates shrinkage cracking behavior of thin mortar walls with continuous base restraint. Reduced-scale wall models were subjected to natural drying conditions to determine the effects of the horizontal and vertical (dowel) reinforcement, as well as the effects of wall length and height and length-height ratio on crack and width spacing. The base restraint showed a significant effect on the crack width and spacing. Smaller crack spacing in base-restrained members were obtained for the same amounts of volume change and steel ratio, and compared with end-restrained members. Crack spacing proved to be related mainly to the combined effects of the horizontal reinforcement and wall height. On the other hand, a variation in crack width along the walls' heights was observed. This variation proved to be related to the amount of change in restraint in the all associated with its cracking. Finally, adopting the change-of-restraint principle, a formula has been suggested for the prediction of maximum crack width at any position along the wall height.