Title: A New Model for Crack Control in Reinforced Concrete Tank Walls—Part I: Analytical Investigation

Author(s): Mariusz Zych

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 116

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 85-94

Keywords: codes of practice; crack control; early-age concrete; imposed deformation; reinforced concrete tank walls; semi-massive tanks; thermal stress

DOI: 10.14359/51713317

Date: 5/1/2019

Abstract:
A new calculation model for crack control in semi-massive reinforced concrete tanks used for liquid storage is proposed. The model includes three basic stages for the development of the crack width. The first stage covers the formation of early-age cracks occurring as a result of imposed loads acting during concrete hardening. The second stage concerns the formation of a stabilized spacing of basic cracks as well as the early period of imposed loads acting on a structure. The third stage involves sufficiently high values of imposed loads or, most frequently, service loads that result in the occurrence of second-order cracks and a simultaneous increase in the width of cracks formed in previous stages. In addition, instead of the degree of restraint, an average degree of relaxation was suggested as the basic parameter determining the crack width and spacing.