Modeling of Crack Propagation Patterns in Reinforced Concrete Slabs Based on Principal Stress Trajectories

In the article, on the basis of the analytical method and the finite element method (FEM), calculations of the stress-strain state of a slab freely supported along the contour and a slab with an asymmetric cutout are performed. In the vicinity of the points of the lower (upper) surface of the slab, the main areas and the main stresses are determined, the picture of the biaxial stress state is shown, and on its basis the graphs of the trajectories of the highest tensile stresses are constructed. The trajectory plots were compared with the experimental crack propagation schemes, and a qualitative agreement was noted.