Crack width model for thick reinforced concrete plates subjected to in-plane forces

An extensive experimental program is conducted in the present study to investigate the cracking behavior of two normal strength concrete plates and thirteen high strength concrete plates. The results raise questions about the applicability of the present code approaches to predict the crack width of thick concrete plates used for offshore structures and containment structures for nuclear power plants. The main objective is to provide a simple equation for crack width prediction of a concrete plate to ensure the control of crack openings in designing thick high strength reinforced concrete structures. The model predictions are compared with the results of the tests of reinforced concrete panels subjected to in-plane tension forces along with the code approaches for predicting the crack width.