Elastic–Plastic Stage of Transverse Deformations in the Compressed Zone of Real Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

The relationship between transverse and longitudinal deformations (Poisson ratio) in the compressed zone of bending reinforced concrete elements is still not properly considered in designs. This factor is important as it is related to the formation of transverse cracks in the compressed zone of the elements. The main aim of the present research was an experimental investigation of the Poisson ratio in the compressed zone of real single- and two-layer reinforced concrete beams as well as a comparison with the theoretical model proposed in this study. The elastic and elastic–plastic stages were analyzed using experimental data for real beams with a span of 8 m. It was shown that the term “Poisson coefficient” had a limited validity for elastic longitudinal deformations up to 0.5‰. After reaching this limit, the suitable term was “Poisson ratio”. The obtained results allowed a more accurate prediction of transverse deformations and the corresponding cracks, defining a new limit state for bending reinforced concrete elements. Therefore, the authors recommend that the obtained results are considered in order to increase the design accuracy of reinforced concrete bending elements. The outcomes of this study and the proposed theoretical concept should be included in modern design provisions.