Shrinkage cracking in restrained FRC members containing conventional reinforcement

Abstract

This paper presents a rational approach for describing the cracking behavior of fully- and partially restrained fiber reinforced concrete members co-reinforced with conventional reinforcement subjected to an axial force imparted by shrinkage. The proposed analytical model extends the approach developed by Gilbert for fully restrained reinforced concrete members to account for the post-cracking strength offered by the fibers at each of the cracks as the concrete ages and dries. The effects of partial end-restraint are also studied to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanism of direct tension cracking caused by restrained shrinkage and the factors affecting it.