A Unified Formula for Calculation of Crack Width and Spacing in Reinforced Concrete Beams

Crack distribution and widths were experimentally examined in a series of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Concretes of different strengths were used, and beams were reinforced with 600 MPa yield strength steel bars. The features of cracks, which need to be considered in the design, were determined by using statistical analysis of different crack patterns observed in RC beams. The methods for determining the depth of effective influence zone of 600 MPa steel bars in RC beams were experimentally obtained. Based on the experimental data obtained in this study and from the data on RC beams with 335–600 MPa yield strength steel bars from other studies, the applicability of different formulas for the determination of the maximum widths (provided in codes and by scholars) was analyzed. Methods for the calculation of average crack spacing and maximum crack widths in RC beams with steel bars of various yield strengths were proposed. A unified formula for the calculation of maximum crack width in such beams was also established.