Reliability Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Elements with Normal Cracks (on RC Beam Example)

The purpose of research is development of methods for reliability analysis of structural reinforced concrete elements (on example of reinforced concrete beam) according to criterion of the normal cracks length in tensile zone of concrete. Cracks in tensile zone of concrete in beams leads to displacement of the beam's neutralaxis towards the compressed part of the concrete, thereby increasing the compressionstress in the concrete, to the increasing of the stress in the reinforcement bars on the crack width, to the growth of corrosion processes, etc. This leads to the decreasing of beams mechanical safety and reliability (as a quantitative measure of mechanical safety). The main parameters, which reduce the strength and stiffness of the beam, of the cracksis the length and width of the crack. The article describesthe influence of the cracks length on the reliability of reinforced concrete elements. The article differs from existing approaches in that isitbuilt on a limited statistical dataofcontrolled parameters in mathematical models of limit state. The article alsoconsidersthe influence of cracks in the structuralelement. The methods of reliability analysis allow to assess the mechanical safety of reinforced concrete elements and to make appropriate decisions about the safety, strengthening or replacement of thereinforced concreteelement.