Concrete in Tension Area

Material Behavior

Range I
In the range up to approximately σ_ct ≤ 0.7·f_ctm, the concrete shows almost linear elastic behavior. The stiffness can be well described by the tangent modulus E_c0m derived for concrete under compressive stress.

Range II

1. As the load increases further, the microcracks already present in the unloaded concrete grow until the tensile strength f_ctm is finally reached.

Furthermore, the stiffening effect of the concrete in the tension zone (tension stiffening) can be applied. The background to this is described in the chapter Tension Stiffening.