Non-structural cracking in RC walls: Part II. Quantitative prediction model

In this paper, for a quantitative assessment of non-structural cracking in an RC wall, an improved analytical model is proposed. First of all, to quantitatively calculate the cracking potential, an analytical model that can estimate the post-cracking behavior in an RC tension member is proposed. Unlike conventional approaches that use the bond–slip relationship or the assumed bond stress distribution, in our proposed approach the tensile strength of concrete at the post-cracking stage is quantified on the basis of polynomial strain distribution functions of steel and concrete. Predictions of cracking loads and elongations of reinforcing steel in RC tension members using the proposed model show good agreement with results from previous analytical studies and from experimental data. Subsequent comparisons of analytical results with test results verify that the combined use of both the approach in this paper as well as the approach previously introduced in the companion paper to this research make it possible to accurately predict the cracking behavior of RC walls. Additionally, the influence of changes in the material properties and construction conditions on the cracking in RC walls is investigated theoretically, using the numerical model proposed in this paper.