Numerical Modelling of Strain Localization in Reinforced Concrete and Its Application to Prediction of Crack Spacing and Crack Width

混凝土开裂对结构性能有重大影响。裂缝间距和裂缝宽度的预测是考虑钢筋混凝土使用性能的必要条件。现有的裂缝宽度计算公式是近似的，而且预测值的离散性很大。该项目的目的是提供一种新的数值方法，将（最终）正确预测裂缝间距。预期结果包括一个数值分析模型和一套预测裂缝宽度的算法。这将显著提高对裂缝间距机理的认识，并为裂缝间距和裂缝宽度的预测提供更好的依据。

Cracking of concrete has a major influence on structural performance. Prediction of crack spacing and crack widths is essential for serviceability considerations of reinforced concrete. The available formulas to evaluate crack widths are approximate and give a wide scatter of predicted values. The project aims to provide a new numerical methodology that will (finally) predict crack spacing correctly. The expected outcomes include a numerical analysis model and a set of algorithms to predict crack widths. This will markedly improve the understanding of the mechanism of crack spacing and provide a better prediction of crack spacing and crack widths.