Pseudo‐cracking approach in reinforced concrete beam with horizontal crack

Abstract This study aims to verify the applicability of a numerical scheme of the pseudo‐cracking approach to the nonlinear finite element method (FEM) for estimating the remaining load‐bearing capacity and fatigue life of reinforced concrete beams with horizontal cracks across an extensive area. A static four‐point bending test and a fatigue loading test by changing the loading positions are conducted on the specimens with artificial horizontal cracks, and each test is reproduced using FEM. The maximum load, the relationship between load and displacement, the strain development, the relative slip displacement of the horizontal crack, the crack pattern, and the failure mode are well reproduced. The results of FEM predicted the fatigue life of the cyclic offset fatigue loading test with a difference of less than one order of magnitude.