SKEW REINFORCED-CONCRETE PANELS

Test results are presented for nine skew reinforced-concrete panels subjected to in-plane uniaxial tension. Data presented include cracking patterns, specimen strains, and steel strains with increasing load. A simple limit analysis is developed to predict the crack angle at ultimate load. Behavior is characterized by the development of initial cracks formed at approximately right angles to the direction of applied load, followed by development of cracks inclined at an angle to the direction of applied load, and finally yielding of the reinforcement. The direction of cracking developed at ultimate load is accurately predicted by the simple limit analysis. Comparisons are made between theoretical and measured loads at initial cracking and at ultimate load. It is expected that the test results presented will prove useful in verifying and calibrating finite element models of cracking in reinforced concrete, where attempts are made to simulate behavior under changing crack patterns as load progresses.