Reinforcement in concrete structures : backgrounds and practical implications of cracking-related code regulations

The aim of this research is to provide information about the impact of crack width requirements on the amount of reinforcement required in concrete structures. The difference between the amounts of reinforcement required in ultimate limit state (ULS), serviceability limit state (SLS) and minimum reiforcement might indicate the impact of crack width control. Special attention must be focused on the influence of parameters such as concrete cover, bar diameter, bar spacing etc. The report is split in two parts: In chapters 2 and 3 the setup of working examples is presented, calculation results are discussed and conclusions are drawn. In the appendices, an overview is presented of theoretical backgrounds of the cracking behaviour of reinforced concrete structures and of the codes' contents relevant in this research.