Modified cracked membrane model for consistent crack width predictions of reinforced concrete structures subjected to in-plane loading

The modified cracked membrane model (MCMM) presented in this paper was formulated to facilitate a mechanical calculation model that predicts crack widths in reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to in-plane loading for all cracking stages. It was formulated using the basic concepts of the existing cracked membrane model (CMM). Furthermore, a generalized approach for predicting the tension stiffening normal to a crack was formulated, an approach currently lacking in Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010. A simplified approach for predicting the cracking behaviour of RC membranes was also proposed. Comparison with a total of 101 maximum crack widths measured experimentally on 37 test specimen from the literature showed that the MCMM provided good and consistent crack width predictions even for the cases of large rebars and covers, at which the CMM was seen to struggle. The results in this paper suggests that both the MCMM and the simplified approach show great potential for yielding reliable crack width predictions in RC membranes.