Scheme of crack formation on the example of an axially tension reinforced concrete bar

The paper presents in a schematic way the idea of the formation of cracks in reinforced concrete structures on the example of an axially tension bar. The initial and final state of the cracks was described. A formula for the width of the crack was derived. The geometric interpretation of cracks for the initial cracking phase and the tension stiffening effect were presented on the example of an axially tension element. Examples of calculations of the tension stiffening effect, crack width and average adhesion stresses for the initial crack phase were presented