Evaluation of crack width in RC ties through a numerical “range” model

Crack phenomenon in reinforced concrete (RC) ties is studied herein by means of a numerical “range model”, based on bond between steel and concrete. Since a unique definition of the crack pattern evolution is not possible for these elements, through the definition of this “range”, defined by the curves of maximum and minimum crack spacing (and consequently width), all the possible crack patterns of the considered tension member are so included. Comparisons with significant experimental results available in the technical literature prove that the proposed approach can be successfully adopted also for design purposes, since it provides a correct estimate of maximum crack width. The obtained results are compared with Codes provisions (ACI and Model Code 2010) and the effectiveness of different approaches for predicting crack width is analyzed and discussed.