Cracking analysis of a concrete tie reinforced with two diameter bars: comparison with experimental results

An extension of a general crack prediction model, that considers the effects of the Goto secondary cracks in service, to the case of a concrete tie reinforced with two types of bars with different diameters, but with the same bond characteristics, subjected to a statically applied axial force, is here proposed. This model assumes a linear elastic behaviour for concrete and steel and the bond law proposed by fib Model Code 2010 and allows to study both the crack formation phase and the stabilized cracking phase. A modified version of the fib Model Code 2010 calculation method, named simplified method, is also proposed for the stabilised cracking stage. Finally, the experimental data obtained on a test available in the literature are compared to the theoretical results obtained with the simplified method and the calculation method proposed by fib Model Code 2010.