PARC_CL 2.1: Modelling of the Time-Dependent Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Slabs.

During their lifetime, reinforced concrete (RC) structures may suffer a combination of time dependent effects that are directly associated to properties of concrete, loading, humidity, temperature, and other environmental actions. For the prediction of long-term strains and cracking, creep and shrinkage should be accurately considered. In particular, the underestimation of cracks width and deflections of RC elements can be identified as primary consequences of the inadequate evaluation of time-dependent effects. The present study focuses on the modelling of a RC slab by considering the time-dependent effects of concrete. To this aim, a non-linear finite element approach, based on multi-layer shell elements, named PARC_CL 2.1, is adopted. Finally, considering deemed-to-satisfy approach previsions, preliminary considerations on cracks width induced by corrosion deterioration are carried out. As a conclusive remark, the PARC_CL 2.1 crack model can be considered as a useful tool for the time dependent modelling of RC elements