Title:
New Formulas for Maximum Crack Width and Crack Spacing in Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members
Author(s):
Byung Hwan Oh and Young Jin Kang
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
84
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
103-112
Keywords:
beams (supports); cracking (fracturing); crack width and spacing; deformation; flexural strength; loads (forces); measurement; stresses; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; strain energy methods; strains; tests; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2787
Date:
3/1/1987
Abstract:
Accurate prediction formulas for the maximum crack width and average crack spacing in reinforced concrete flexural members are proposed. These new formulas are based on the recently developed cracking theory. An experimental program was set up and a series of tests on reinforced concrete beams was conducted. The test results from present experiments are compared with the proposed equations. The proposed formulas are also compared with other test data on the crack width and crack spacing. In addition to the prediction equation for the actual values of crack widths under specific applied loads, new design formulas for the maximum crack width were also proposed. The comprehensive comparisons with 747 data points indicate that the proposed formulas for the maximum crack width show better correlation with various test data than the Gergely and Lutz formula. It is seen that the crack width design formula of ACI 318 may be unconservative in some cases.