Cracking behaviour under non-monotonic loading : literature review

Abstract

Repeated and long term loads may produce a significant increase of crack widths owing to the increase of concrete deformations resulting in an increase of steel stress in the crack and the increase of slip along the reinforcing bar which causes a decrease of tension stiffening.Crack widths predicted on the basis of short term static tests do not provide a satisfactory guide to crack widths in service. The present study reviews the available data concerning the influence of cyclic and long term loading on the cracking behaviour and discusses the basic influencing parameters together with the proposed methods of predictions. Only a small part of the approaches on carck control are developed to consider the influence of repeated or sustained loads as well. A comprehensive study is required to develop an appropriate prediction based on all significant influences.