Title: A tribute to "Mechanics of Crack Arrest in Concrete"

Author(s): J.P. Romualdi and G.B. Batson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 249

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 239-264

Keywords:

DOI: 10.14359/20133

Date: 3/1/2008

Abstract:

Due to copyright issues, this paper is only available by purchasing the SP-249.

The application of linear-elastic fracture mechanics reveals that the strength of concrete in tension is limited by internal holes and micro-cracks. Fracture arrest can be achieved by reducing the spacing of reinforcement to a suitable scale. Reinforcement diameter decreases in proportion to reduction in spacing in order to maintain steel percentage. Theoretical results indicate that the tensile cracking strength of concrete increases in proportion to the inverse square root of the reinforcement spacing. Tests on closely spaced wire reinforced beams support the theoretical calculations.