Applications of Fracture Mechanics to Reinforced Concrete

This book explores the application of fracture mechanics in reinforced concrete design, addressing recent advancements and practical implications for engineers and researchers.

This volume is a compilation of papers presented at the International Workshop on the Applications of Fracture Mechanics to Reinforced Concrete, which took place in Turin, Italy, on October 6, 1990. The book focuses on the latest advancements in fracture mechanics as they pertain specifically to steel bar reinforced concrete. Over recent years, fracture mechanics has been successfully applied to both plain and fiber-reinforced concrete, and this workshop aimed to extend these principles to the design of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.

Particularly significant is the emphasis on high-strength concrete, a material known for its brittleness, especially in large structural members. The application of fracture mechanics in this context is seen as a valuable tool for enhancing existing design rules. The expert participants at the Turin workshop provided extensive insights into four key areas where a rational approach using fracture mechanics could lead to modifications in concrete design codes: size effects, anchorage and bond, minimum reinforcement for flexural elements, and shear resistance.

The 23 chapters of Applications of Fracture Mechanics to Reinforced Concrete systematically address these themes, showcasing the unique capacity of fracture mechanics to encapsulate all experimentally observed characteristics. This book is primarily aimed at researchers in academic institutions, but it also holds significant value for consultants and engineering firms engaged in concrete design and analysis.