A mechanics-based approach for modelling dowel cracking in RC beams

Dowel action is recognized as one of the major shear resistance mechanisms. Although the dowel action only contributes a relatively small portion of the total shear resistance, the shear failure of reinforced concrete members without shear reinforcement usually occurs accompanied by unstable dowel cracking. This paper presents a new description of the dowel splitting process and a mechanical model based on two theories, namely the Beam on Elastic Foundation (BEF) theory and fracture mechanics. The mechanical model analytically describes the three stages during the dowel splitting of the longitudinal rebar in an RC beam, which are the elastic stage, stable cracking stage and unstable cracking stage. The proposed model can capture the post-peak behaviour of the nature of dowel action. Finally, a simplified equation for engineering practices is proposed. The proposed expression shows promising agreement with the experimental data.