Discrete crack model offers realistic modelling of physical discontinuities and thus plays an important role, in verifying the rationality of certain codal provisions as used in the design of concrete structures. The present work aims at examination of minimum reinforcement…
Discrete crack model offers realistic modelling of physical discontinuities and thus plays an important role, in verifying the rationality of certain codal provisions as used in the design of concrete structures. The present work aims at examination of minimum reinforcement requirement in concrete flexural members using cohesive crack approach. The quasi-brittle failure of reinforced concrete beam with minimum steel is modelled by adopting fracture mechanics model for concrete and an empirical model for interface bond. The initial finite element model does not contain any predefined contact regions. Exponential softening law is used to approximate tension-softening behaviour of concrete. The size dependent tensile strength of concrete is computed using Carpinteri's multifractal scaling law. The effects of concrete strength and member size on the minimum steel requirement are studied and compared with the provisions specified in various international design codes.