Parametric Study of the Bending Moment in a Cracked RC Beam

In this paper we present the results of an initial parametric study of the maximum moment in a simple beam loaded in bending.The investigated RC beam is three-point loaded with a rectangular cross-section.The area of the main flexural crack is modelled with fracture mechanics methods, allowing for crack propagation.Multiple numerical solutions were performed varying the reinforcement ratio, steel type and concrete strength.The aim is to investigate the maximum moment dependence on the present parameters in the assumed model.This analysis is the preliminary stage of a project to determine the maximum bending moment in a reinforced concrete beam in bending considering the concrete tensile strength.