CEOS.fr experimental programme and reference specimen tests results

Abstract

CEOS.fr research project aims to improve the tools for designing the reinforced and prestressed thick concrete structures. Specific test were performed on various test bodies at full scale and 1/3 scale. This document is an overview of the experimental results obtained from the testing of large reinforced concrete specimen proposed for the benchmark ConCrack, including shear wall at scale 1/3 and tests on full scale prismatic blocks with free shrinkage (RL1 and RL6 beams) tested on bending loading. All the test bodies were fully instrumented in order to follow and locate crack initiation and propagation. A particular attention was paid to the measurement of crack widths and crack spacing, during service limit stage and until the end of loading. A summary of experimental results is provided herein: for reference RL1 and RL6 beams and reference shear wall 3.

Keywords:

• massive RC structures
• serviceability
• cracking pattern
• crack widths
• thick slabs
• thick walls

Acknowledgements

The results reported in this paper are a short resume focusing on the analyses of crack patterns of large beam RL and shear wall tested by CEOS.fr project. Members of the project tasks group who participate to the first analyses on experimental results are the following: Static Monotonic Load: Jacques Cortade (Consulting), Claude Rospars (IFSTTAR/EDF/3SR), Gianlucca Ruocci (EGIS), Jean-Philippe Dubois (Consulting), Gautier Moreau (EDF R&D), Francis Barré (GDS), Hervé Lançon, Sébastien Baron and Régis Blin (SITES), L. Jason (CEA), L. Demilecamps (VINCI Construction). Cyclic Load: Philippe Bisch (EGIS), Gianlucca Ruocci and Silvano Erlicher (EGIS), Gautier Moreau (EDF R&D), Etienne Gallitre (EDF SEPTEN), Christian Gallois (AREVA), Christian La Borderie (University of Pau), Philippe Rivillon (CSTB), Arnaud Delaplace (LMT Cachan till 2010). The investigation and results reported herein are supported by the French National Programme CEOS.fr (study and design of specific structures in relation to cracking and shrinkage) sponsored by the French Ministry in charge of sustainable development (MEDDE-DRI).