Non-structural cracking in RC walls

In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model for the analysis of non-structural cracks occurring in reinforced concrete (RC) walls is introduced. The numerical model could take into account both time-dependent temperature variations due to hydration heat and non-uniform moisture distribution during drying, and the coupling effect between the heat transfer and the moisture diffusion. Calculation of the temperature and internal relative humidity variations of RC walls is followed by determination of stresses due to thermal gradients, differential drying shrinkage, and average drying shrinkage. The mechanical properties of early age concrete, determined from numerous experimental studies, are taken into consideration to improve the accuracy of the numerical results, and a discrete steel element derived using the equivalent nodal force concept is also used to simulate reinforcing steels embedded in a concrete matrix. The validity of the proposed procedure is verified by comparing the measured experimental data with the analytical results for RC walls.