Avoidance of cracking in concrete

Introduction:The concrete is one of the essential composite materials used in the construction industry worldwide, so developmental research for this material is significantly important. The first sign that shows the deterioration in concrete material is the crack. The work for avoiding cracks can improve the durability of this material because cracks decrease the designed life of structure.There are many types of cracks, before hardening and after hardening of concrete; research can be conducted on each type separately.The environmental impact of concrete cannot be ignored, so it is important in all research work to keep sustainability aspect in mind. All solutions of problems must be environment friendly. Literature Review:For better understanding of ongoing research work, by world research organizations and institutes related to cracks in concrete, Literature review must be carried out. I will start my work from literature review about my topic to understand the work that is already been done.The literature review will be performed by accessing the online journals which publish research in the relevant field as well as through library references the tentative time duration required for such work could be around one year. I will take part in some courses related to my topic to improve my understanding about it. I will start my research work after finding research gap during my literature review.Research methodology:I will decide my specific topic to work after literature review and will develop a research methodology. I will schedule a series of experiments in lab and would like to create 3d model by using FEM method with the help of any tool like ABAQUS, as I have already used this software in KTH during my master thesis. I developed a 3D shell element model to study the dry joints of composite bridge concrete deck slab element, analysis was performed by considering the linear properties of the material, large displacements and different gap clearances, focus was at the gap region of the prefabricated deck elements. During my PhD research, the experiments performed in lab will be used to validate the model for real situation. A model developed after calibration with lab data can be used for the research with more confidence. Model validated by experiments will gives realistic results.

Results and comparisons:After getting a verified model, different type of results can be obtained by changing the different parameters like dimensions, material properties and loading etc. The results obtained by this model can be used for comparison with already searched results for conclusion or with the lab experimental results for more authentication of model.General Conclusion:Conclusions are drawn on the bases of results obtained from the research work. Some recommendation for better solution of the concrete cracks will be given in the conclusion.Further Research:As research is a continuous process, so it will be proposed to continue this research in different directions by using these results and the model develop.