TxDOT Research Library - TxDOT Research Project

Show:

Evaluation of Structural Cracking in Concrete

Cracked concrete- by Rick, Flickr coun2rparts photo 3509674838

What Was the Need?

"Current procedures used for classifying the damage associated with visually observed cracking in reinforced and prestressed concrete structures generally consist of various rating criteria that are comprised of pre-established crack width limits. While such procedures can be useful for cataloging damage progression, the procedures typically provide very little information pertaining to the structural capacity implications of concrete cracking observed in the field."

What's the Solution?

The development of reinforced concrete strength assessment procedures that employ visual crack measurement data as the primary basis for capacity assessment would better assist engineers in prioritizing rehabilitation and maintenance efforts and would serve as valuable tools in identifying strength-related deficiencies.

Researchers set out to develop practical crack-based shear strength assessment procedures that are rooted in mechanical models and novel damage evaluation techniques. By way of their crack-based formulations, these procedures incorporate influences associated with member scale, reinforcement details, and loading conditions. The procedures were evaluated and refined using test data pertaining to well-documented TxDOT relevant concrete infrastructure elements and subsequently will be employed to develop crack inspection field aids that can be used by TxDOT personnel, on-site.

Project Number

0-6919

Status

Completed

link icon Copy link to this project.