ABSTRACT
In statically indeterminate structures, the reduction in member stiffness due to cracking is accompanied by changes in the reactions and internal forces. The changes can result in an increase in deflection. An example of this situation is the so-called ‘redistribution' of moments associated with cracking in continuous beams and slabs. The relatively large negative moments over interior supports produce cracking accompanied by a drop in the absolute value of the negative moment and an increase in the positive moment and in the deflection. Cracking also causes considerable reduction in the stresses and internal forces induced by temperature variations, support movements or any other type of imposed deformations (see Chapter 11).
