Crack width prediction for precast reinforced concrete (PRC) slabs under repeated loadings

The problem of crack in a reinforced concrete structure until recently still became a major issue for researchers. Current research is not shown a satisfactory result, particularly on the effect of repeated load on the crack width. The fracture mechanic method and the experiment result were used to analyze the maximum crack width. The Carpinteri fracture mechanic method, was used to analyze the initial crack depth (ξi) and the fatigue crack growth rate on the composite materials (precast reinforced concrete slabs = PRC slabs). The result showed that at 10 Hz load frequency, steel stress ratio, reinforcement ratio and repeated load do affect the maximum crack width until the bond fatigue limit state by three linear model includes: (i) w = wo, (ii) w = A.e ^{B.fs / fy}. (N - C.fs / fy - D) + wo, and (iii) w = wf = (E.fs / fy + F). wo, where wo is the initial crack width and A, B, C, D, E, and F are dimensionless coefficients that depend on the reinforcement ratio.