RBSM-based analysis of crack control effectiveness of polymer concrete overlay for reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

This paper presents a method for numerical analysis of the effectiveness of using the engineered cementitious composites with polyvinyl alcohol fibers for concrete cover repairs. The numerical analysis utilizes a nonlinear threedimensional Rigid Body Spring Model which has strong capabilities to assess the crack width and crack patterns in the concrete structures. The applicability of the analysis is demonstrated on a reinforced concrete frame corner which is subjected to both the action of the positive and the negative bending moment. The effectiveness of the added overlays is shown in a comparison of the frame corner with and without the engineer cementitious composite overlays. The added overlays reduce the crack width and thus extend durability of reinforced concrete structures.