An improvement to Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010 methods for calculating crack width in RC structures

The analysis of the mechanical behaviour of a reinforced concrete tie subjected to a monotonic loading in the stabilized cracking stage is performed here by way of a theoretical general model that considers the effect of the so-called Goto cracks (secondary cracks). It is shown, in particular, that the average bond stress along the transmission length depends not only on the concrete strength as assumed by the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010, but also on reinforcement ratio and bar diameter. In this regard, tabulated theoretical values of the average bond stress are proposed as a function of the aforementioned parameters. Moreover, the secondary cracks reduce the effect of tension stiffening on the relative mean strain. On the basis of the main results obtained with the general model, some improvements are suggested for the calculation methods proposed by fib Model Code 2010 and Eurocode 2 concerning the average value of the bond stress and taking into account the influence of the secondary cracks on the mean deformation. An improved calculation method is therefore performed. Finally, the theoretical results of crack spacing and crack width obtained with the general and improved methods are compared with experimental data obtained from extensive research on RC ties.