Hybrid Reinforcement Systems for Crack Width Control in Concrete Structures - Final Report SBUF project number 12250

Report, 2018

In the present work, a literature study was conducted to evaluate the models included in current design codes regarding the calculation of crack widths in concrete structures, with and without fibre reinforcement. Moreover, an examination of the different approaches used to address restraint cracking in current design codes as well as a review of available state-of-the-art models for restraint cracking was performed. In parallel to the literature study, experimental tests were carried out where the cracking behaviour of tie-elements with hybrid reinforcement was investigated as a function of the fibre reinforced concrete properties, namely bond behaviour and residual tensile strength, which were assessed for a range of fibre dosages. Finally, an existing restraint cracking model based on a semi-empirical analytical relationship between crack width and the stress at the reinforcement was further developed to include the effect of fibre reinforcement and was validated against experimental results, both from this study and reported in the literature.