A numerical model to study tensile RIC elements under repeated load is proposed. This model is able to define stresses and strains in concrete and steel, taking into account the fracture mechanics and bond- slip behaviour. In particular, we focus…
A numerical model to study tensile RIC elements under repeated load is proposed. This model is able to define stresses and strains in concrete and steel, taking into account the fracture mechanics and bond- slip behaviour. In particular, we focus on a fixed length block, whose end points are, respectively, the cracked cross-section (where the crack width w is known), and the Stage II cross-section (no tension in concrete). Com- puted steel strains are compared with the experimental ones. In this way it is possible to point out the role of cracking phenomenon and bond-slip behaviour during the unloading phase. When the unloading is complete, the values of the compressive strains in the concrete near a crack seem to depend only on the cohesive law.