Title: Cracking on the Side Faces of Large Reinforced Concrete Beams

Author(s): Gregory C. Frantz and John E. Breen

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 77

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 307-313

Keywords: beams (supports); bending; bridges (structures); cracking (fracturing); crack width and spacing; loads (forces); maintenance; reinforced concrete;reinforcing steels; specimens;tests;welded wire fabric.

DOI: 10.14359/7007

Date: 9/1/1980

Abstract:
Test results and observations of several large reinforced concrete beams have questioned the effectiveness of the present design provisions concerning side face crack control reinforcement for large beams. Forty-four laboratory size specimens were tested to study how skin reinforcement affects side face cracking. Variables included amount, location, distribution, cover, and type of skin reinforcement, web width, and beam depth. Test results indicate that the present provisions are not adequate. Skin reinforcement affects only a narrow strip of concrete along each side face and is not dependent on the web width. The effectiveness of skin reinforcement in con trolling cracking can be related to a simple skin reinforcement ratio. As the beam depth increases, the skin reinforcement ratio required to provide the same degree of crack control also increases.