Behavior of base restrained reinforced concrete walls under volumetric change

This study is conducted with the intention of modeling base restrained concrete walls subjected to volumetric deformation. To achieve this goal, an analytical study is carried out using the finite element method (FEM) of analysis. The overall crack pattern and the estimated crack widths, which are obtained by using the FEM along with a crack width prediction formula, are in a good agreement with the experimental observations. In addition, parametric studies are performed to investigate the effects of different factors such as wall height, wall length to height ratio, wall thickness, reinforcement ratio, shrinkage and temperature strain on the crack width. Consequently, design recommendations are provided for the minimum amount of reinforcement needed to keep the crack width within the allowable limitation, particularly for liquid containing structural walls. Finally, the results of this study are compared with the provisions of ACI 350 code.