Size effects on flexural response of reinforced concrete elements with a nonlinear matrix

A dimensionless formulation of the bridged and of the cohesive crack model for reproducing the constitutive flexural response of a reinforced concrete element with a nonlinear matrix is proposed. The nonlinearity of the matrix is modelled by considering a distribution of closing forces onto the crack faces which increases the fracture toughness of the cross-section with a shielding action. The peculiarity of the models consists in the imposition...