Influence of crack width on the concrete cone failure load

Abstract

In the present paper the influence of the crack width on the concrete cone failure load of headed anchors embedded in concrete is analyzed. The analysis is carried out on a reinforced concrete thick plate specimen using three-dimensional finite elements and the non local microplane model. In order to introduce precracking into the specimen before loading the headed anchor, the specimen is loaded in longitudinal direction by applying tension forces through reinforcement. At different crack levels pull-out of the fastening element is performed. Results of the analysis show that the concrete cone failure load is decreasing with increasing crack width up to ω ~ 0.15 mm to approximately 70 % of the failure load obtained for non-cracked concrete. Further increase of the crack width does not cause further decrease of the failure load. Comparison between numerical and experimental results indicates good agreement.