Title: The Influence of the Reinforcing Bar Diameter on the Behavior of Members in Bending and In-Plane Tension

Author(s): Maria Anna Polak and David T. Killen

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 95

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 471-479

Keywords: bending; bond; concretes; cracking; reinforcing bar diameter; tension; tension stiffening; testing;

DOI: 10.14359/561

Date: 9/1/1998

Abstract:
A series of six, full-scale specimens was tested in bending and in-plane tension with the aim of determining the influence of the reinforcing bar diameter on the amount of tension stiffening in reinforced concrete members. All specimens had the same external dimensions and had the same area and location of longitudinal reinforcement. Three of the tested beams were reinforced using No. 10M reinforcing bars and three were reinforced using No. 20M reinforcing bars. The specimens were tested in three different ratios of in-plane tension to bending. The test results showed a decreased stiffness in beams reinforced with less but larger diameter reinforcing bars. The tests can be used for the development of a rational model for tension for cracked reinforced concrete, as well as for calibrating the existing theoretical models used in the analysis of reinforced concrete structures.