Transverse reinforcement influence in the distance between cracks

Abstract

In this paper the relationship between the transverse reinforcement position, the transfer length and the crack spacing is studied. In order to do it, several experimental series over different elements are presented and later these results are analysed studying the physical phenomenon of cracking and its main theoretical models (none of them considering the transverse reinforcement position). Finally, the crack spacing results of the models are compared with the transverse reinforcement position considering also the influence of it in the bearing capacity of a reinforced section. As a result, a series of recommendations in the prediction of the crack spacing are proposed.