Experimental investigation of cracking behavior of reinforced high strength concrete

Title: Experimental investigation of cracking behavior of reinforced high strength concrete
Author(s): M. Sule, K. van Breugel
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Early Age Cracking in Cementitious Systems
Editor(s): K. Kovler and A. Bentur
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-29-2
e-ISBN: 2351580362
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2003
Pages: 327 - 334
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 3
Language: English

Abstract: Structures made of high strength concrete (HSC) are prone to early age cracking. One reason is a considerable autogenous shrinkage caused by a low water-cement ratio. Meanwhile this phenomenon has been investigated by numerous researchers throughout the world. Our research contributes to the fact that most structures are reinforced.
In order to investigate the effect of reinforcement on early-age cracking, experiments were conducted in a Temperature Stress Testing Machine (TSTM). Besides self-induced stresses at full restraints, measurements include free deformations and compressive strength. The tested HSC had a w/c-ratio of 0.33 and was cured under sealed conditions. Test variables were the reinforcement percentage (0%, 1.34% and 3.02%) realised with different bar configurations and the temperature development (isothermal and semi-adiabatic).
The results of these experiments are presented in this paper. Furthermore it will be discussed to what extent experiments on plain concrete give reliable information about early-age cracking in reinforced constructions.

Online publication: 2010-06-02
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00