Numerical Model for Crack Width Calculation in Concrete Elements

The paper presents engineering numerical model for crack width calculation in conventional reinforced, prestressed and composite concrete elements exposed to bending. Cross section can be of an arbitrary shape, with an arbitrary position of reinforcement and eccentric external force. It can also be made composite in several phases. Creep and shrinkage of concrete may also be included. Depending on the bond stress-reinforcement sliding relationship, three calculation sub-models are given. Presented model and developed computational program were evaluated on some experimentally and numerically tested conventional reinforced concrete elements exposed to pure bending and axial tension. Future testing of the proposed model by experimentally determined concrete crack widths of different complex composite concrete elements is also necessary.