Analytical and Numerical Predictions of Thermal Cracking

O. R.  ELzaroug; J. P.  Forth; J. Q.  YE3

doi:10.64516/66yn5z96

Authors

O. R. ELzaroug Omar El-Mukhtar University Author
J. P. Forth University of Leeds Author
J. Q. YE3 Lancaster University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64516/66yn5z96

Keywords:

thermal cracking, nonlinear analysis, FE model, concrete cover

Abstract

Thermal incompatibility between concrete and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars can induce significant tensile stresses around the reinforcement during temperature rise, leading to transverse cracking. This study presents a comparative evaluation of analytical formulations, nonlinear finite element simulations, and experimental findings to investigate the influence of the transverse thermal expansion coefficient, concrete cover, and bar diameter on the temperature change that initiates the initial transverse crack in GFRP-reinforced concrete slabs. Results show that finite element predictions align closely with analytical models, with a variation of only 2–8%. The cracking temperature decreases with increasing bar diameter and transverse thermal expansion coefficient, while greater concrete cover substantially delays crack initiation. A minimum cover of 1.5 times the bar diameter is recommended to reduce thermally induced cracking, particularly in slabs subjected to service temperature fluctuations.

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Author Biographies

O. R. ELzaroug, Omar El-Mukhtar University

Department of Civil Engineering, Omar El-Mukhtar University
J. P. Forth, University of Leeds

School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds
J. Q. YE3, Lancaster University

Department of Engineering, Lancaster University

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