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.