Author(s)

C. Karakog

Abstract

Prediction of stresses across cracks in concrete: constant width case C. Karakog Department of Civil Engineering, Bogazigi University, 80815 Istanbul, Turkey ABSTRACT Substantial shear forces can be transmitted across the cracks in a cracked plain or reinforced concrete elements even though there is a significant reduction in the shear strength. This is due to the "Aggregate Interlock" which is caused by the interlocking of the aggregate particles protruding from the opposite rough crack faces, and which is one of the most important mechanisms for the transfer of the shear force. Semi-empirical constitutive formulations related to the crack interface are introduced which are shown to be in a very good agreement with the experimental results for one of the most reliable series of tests with regard to this mechanism carried out for the constant crack opening case under monotonic loading. Moreover, such formulations are also checked with available results of well known experiments o

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