Font Size: 

A dimensionless formulation is proposed of the bridged or the cohesive crackmodel for reproducing the constitutive flexural response of a reinforced concrete element witha nonlinear matrix. The nonlinearity of the matrix is modelled by considering a distribution ofclosing forces onto the crack faces which increases the fracture toughness of the cross-sectionwith a shielding action. The peculiarity of the models consists in the imposition of both theequilibrium and the compatibility conditions to the cracked element. The constitutive flexuralresponse depends on three dimensionless parameters: ~ wc, which controls the extension of theprocess zone, N(1)P and N(2)P , which are related to the reinforcement phases.