FEM analysis of the cracking behavior of a beam subjected to bending

A discrete crack width calculation using DIANA

Master thesis (2016)

Contributors

C.R. Braam (mentor)
C. Van der Vliet (mentor)
Department
Structural Engineering (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 Nirmalsingh, R.S.J.L.
Bending Reinforced elements Crack width control Cracking behavior Regulations Concrete cover Crack spacing Limitation
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Published Date

18-05-2016

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Faculty

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Department

Structural Engineering

Abstract

During the calculation for the crack width control in reinforced elements subjected to bending as stated in the NEN-EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2) the engineers at ARCADIS found that the outcome of these calculations lead to the application of larger amounts of steel reinforcement in order to limit the crack width in the structure, compared to calculations which were carried out according to the VBC 1995 (NEN-6720). It was also clear that with increasing cover the amount of steel needed for crack width control in the Eurocode 2 calculations increased substantially compared to the VBC 1995 calculations. Due to these differences, it was necessary to have a better look at the cracking behavior in thick- walled reinforced concrete elements proposed by Eurocode 2. To ensure a safe, durable and economical design for thick-walled reinforced concrete elements, the cracking behavior is analyzed with the help of the following codes: National European Standards NEN-EN-1992-1-1, the NEN 6720 (VBC 1995), the NEN 3880 (VB 1974/1985) and also with a numerical analysis of the finite element program DIANA. The influence of the concrete cover and the crack spacing on the cracking behavior are also taken into account. This research provides more insight in which regulation can be used for a safe and durable structure when it comes to the crack width control in thick-walled reinforced structures subjected to bending.