Creep effects on crack initiation and propagation in reinforced concrete walls

The present paper presents an analysis of creep cracking on base-constrained reinforced concrete walls. Crack initiation and propagation in reinforced concrete walls due to creep are simulated using an in-house finite element method developed by the authors. The original model was extended and modified to account for creep strain in the numerical modelling. Crack widths and pattern, and degree of restraint are analysed and compared without creep. Concrete is modelled as nonlinear material, and smeared crack approach, tension stiffening, shear retention and stress degradation of concrete are included in the model. It was found that creep influences the time of first cracking in reinforced concrete walls restrained at the base; creep causes to delay crack initiation and propagation. It was also found that the cracks in the base-restrained wall were found to be the most numerous in the base level and they decrease with distance above the base.