Disturbed stress field model for reinforced concrete: validation

The results of analytical investigations are presented supporting the distu rbed stress field model as a:viable conceptual model for describing the beh avior of cracked reinforced concrete elements. The theory is shown to be ph enomenologically more correct, relative to typical fixed-crack or rotating- crack models, in its representation of the rotation of stress and strain fi elds in cracked concrete. The inclusion of rigid slip along crack:surfaces allows for a divergence between principal stress and principal strain direc tions in the concrete, with the rotation of stresses and crack directions s hown to typically lag behind that of strains. This behavior is found to be consistent with experimentally observed response. Corroboration with data f rom beam, panel, and shear wall test specimens shows the theory to accurate ly model response over a wide range of conditions. In general, results are improved relative to those obtained from the modified compression field the ory. Current deficiencies in the theory are identified, and possible future work is discussed.