Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 16-342
FY 2016 Annual Program
Title:
Evaluation of Structural Cracking in Concrete
The Problem:
Visual crack measurements are commonly used to monitor the performance of in-service
reinforced concrete structures. While crack data obtained from routine inspections can aid in
identifying structures that are degrading or exhibiting signs of distress, there are essentially no
mechanics-based models or procedures available to correlate visual crack data with structural
capacity. In a few cases, research findings have been used to empirically develop practical field
evaluation tools, relating measured diagonal crack widths to observed member shear strengths;
however, the general application of such crack-based assessment tools remains somewhat
limited to members of similar types and under similar loading conditions. Work aimed toward
developing analytical crack assessment procedures that are practical and generally applicable
for the broad range of reinforced and prestressed concrete elements comprising Texas bridges
would provide a means of assessing strength deficiencies in existing elements and aid in
maintaining a safe and operable system.
Technical
Objectives:
This research will be aimed toward the development of practical calculation methods for
estimating element shear capacity on the basis of visual crack patterns observed in existing
reinforced and prestressed concrete structural members. The mechanical models developed will
adequately consider the influences of size effect in shear, variable reinforcement levels (ratios)
and configurations (bar sizes and spacing), prestress forces, and loading conditions. Developed
strength assessment models will be validated using existing experimental data pertaining to
TxDOT relevant infrastructure elements and will be used to further develop visual crack
inspection aids that can applied in the field.
Desired
Deliverables:
1. Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
2. Research report that documents the development of the crack-based shear strength
assessment procedure, presents the results from all verification studies performed, provides
examples illustrating the use of the calculation procedure developed, and provides
analytically-developed field-suitable visual crack inspection aids for different types of
reinforced and prestressed concrete structural components.
3. The procedures/model will be able to be incorporated into a spreadsheet that the engineer
may use in making a determination of remaining capacity of cracked section.
Proposal
Requirements:
1. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if
they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University
Handbook.
2. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include
project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal
Meeting
Information:
Friday, September 11, 2015 9:00 – 12:00
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
ENV Conference Room, 1st Floor, 1B1A
Webex Information:
Join the online meeting:
Go to:
Project Statement 16-342
Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Join WebEx meeting
Meeting number: 737 294 354
Meeting password: 1234
Teleconference information;
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can
call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-866-6371408 (US)
Conference Code: 199 125 9183
Proposal
Deadline:
Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, October 12, 2015. Email submissions should be
sent to rtimain@txdot.gov.
Project Statement 16-342