Flexural Crack Control in Reinforced Concrete

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) building code has adopted a new design method for the control of flexural cracking. This design method is intended for structures containing steel reinforcement and not requiring specialized crack control procedures. It is the objective of this paper to explore the background for this method, highlight the assumptions, and develop design tools that can be applied for special design cases. This paper presents a summary of a physical model for cracking that was the basis for the new design method, illustrates the development and limitations of the design method, and develops design tools that are applicable for the control of cracking in structures requiring increased levels of crack control and in structures incorporating alternative reinforcement materials. Examples illustrating the use of the new design method as well as tools extending its applicability are presented.