Numerical calculation of crack width in prestressed concrete beams with bond-slip effect

Abstract

Purpose The calculation of the crack width is necessary for the design of prestressed concrete (PC) members. The purpose of this paper is to develop a numerical model based on the bond-slip theory to calculate the crack width in PC beams. Design/methodology/approach Stress calculation method for common reinforcement after beam crack has occurred depends on the difference in the bonding performance between prestressed reinforcement and common reinforcement. A numerical calculation model for determining the crack width in PC beams is developed based on the bond-slip theory, and verified using experimental data. The calculation values obtained by the proposed numerical model and code formulas are compared, and the applicability of the numerical model is evaluated. Findings The theoretical analysis and experimental results verified that the crack width of PC members calculated based on the bond-slip theory in this study is reasonable. Furthermore, the stress calculation method for the common reinforcement is verified. Compared with the model calculation results obtained in this study, the results obtained from code formulas are more conservative. Originality/value The numerical calculation model for crack width proposed in this study can be used by engineers as a reference for calculating the crack width in PC beams to ensure the durability of the PC member.