Role of multiaxial state of stress on cracking of RC ties

This paper aims to investigate the role and effect of stress diffusion and bond deterioration after crack formation in the analysis of reinforced concrete ties. Although tension ties are basically in a uniaxial state of stress, it can be observed that one-dimensional models are often not able to completely catch experimental evidences, since the presence of stress diffusion causes a multiaxial state of stress and the appearance of small internal secondary cracks which should be considered for a better description of the element global behaviour. In this paper, a comparison between a simplified 1D numerical model, 2D and 3D FE models has been done, in order to show the different level of accuracy and information which can be attained. More in details, from the performed analyses the contribution of stress diffusion in concrete blocks between cracks appears to be one of the most influencing parameters, especially for the evaluation of the proper crack width.