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Crack development in concrete structures due to imposed strains—Part I: Modelling

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Abstract

In the present paper, a technique for the modelling of crack development in reinforced concrete structures exposed to imposed deformations is described. In a second paper, parametric studies are performed for a wall fully restrained at the base. The objective of this research is to improve the control of cracking in engineering design.

A two-dimensional Finite Element model with fournode elements is used to simulate concrete. Closing forces in cracks are modelled with spring elements. The spring stiffness is estimated from bond stress—slip relations for reinforcement and tension softening of concrete. Yield of reinforcement is also included in the model. Temperature change is used as load and the calculations are performed stepwise with opening of nodes and implementation of spring elements.

It is shown that tensile softening of concrete can be neglected but multiple cracking must be considered in the calculations. The progression of cracking in the structure is simulated in the analysis. Results are given in terms of development of crack width with increasing temperature load. The crack widths approach an upper limit for large temperature loading. The proposed model can also be adapted to other structures and restraints.

Résumé

Cette publication présente une modélisation du développement des fissures dans les constructions en béton armé soumis à des déformations. Dans une deuxième publication, des études paramétriques sont réalisées sur un mur encastré à la base. L'objectif de ce travail est de permettre à l'ingénieur de mieux contrôler le développement des fissures.

Un modèle bi-dimensionnel aux éléments finis à quatre nœuds est utilisé pour simuler le comportement du béton. Les efforts internes de fermeture des fissures sont modélisés par des éléments de raideur. Ceux-ci sont déterminés par la relation contrainte d'adhérence-glissement pour l'armature et pour le ramollissement en traction du béton. Le cisaillement de l'armature est également inclus dans le modèle. Un changement de température simule le chargement, et les calculs sont réalisés par étapes, en contrôlant l'écartement des nœuds et l'ajout d'éléments de raideur.

Il est démontré que le ramollissement en traction du béton peut être négligé, mais l'existence de multiples fissures doit être prise en compte dans l'analyse. La progression des fissures dans la construction est simulée dans l'analyse. Les résultats présentés illustrent le développement des fissures en fonction de l'augmentation de la température. La largeur des fissures atteint une valeur maximale pour des températures élevées. Le modèle proposé peut également être adapté à d'autres structures et d'autres modes de contrainte.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Div. Structural Engineering, Lund University, Sweden

    D. Pettersson & S. Thelandersson

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  1. D. Pettersson
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  2. S. Thelandersson
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Editorial Note Prof. Sven Thelandersson is a RILEM Senior Member.

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Pettersson, D., Thelandersson, S. Crack development in concrete structures due to imposed strains—Part I: Modelling. Mat. Struct. 34, 7–13 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02482194

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02482194

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