Application of NLFEA for crack width calculations in SLS

In this paper, computer-based simulation is carried out using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package Abaqus to study crack widths in reinforced concrete beams. A set of experimentally tested beams are investigated, and measured crack widths are compared with crack widths predicted by nonlinear FEA (NLFEA) and relevant design codes. It is shown that Eurocode 2 (EC2), fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010) and the draft for new EC2 underestimates the crack widths at the outermost concrete face to different extents while they are conservative at reinforcement level. Crack widths predicted by NLFEA, on the other hand, provides good crack width predictions at the outermost concrete face for both investigated beams.