Cracking Behavior of Slabs with Corrosion-Resistant and High-Strength Reinforcing Bars

摘要

Crack control remains important even if corrosion-resistant reinforcement (chromium-containing or -chromium-coated bars) is used because cracking of the concrete can lead to durability concerns such as freezing-and-thawing damage. Considering that the surface roughness is different for various corrosion-resistant bars even without coatings, differences in both crack widths and spacing are expected. Twelve slabs were tested to 1) identify how cracking is affected by various types of bars; 2) investigate if current crack width calculations are adequate for these bars; and 3) evaluate crack widths at higher stress levels considering that chromium-containing bars (for example, stainless steel and ASTM A1035) have higher strengths that may be used in design. Primary variables considered included the bar type and bar spacing. The influence of bar stress was also of primary interest as high service stresses are possible with the use of higher strength reinforcement.