CASE STUDY OF IDENTIFICATION,

EVALUATION AND REPAIR OF CRACKS IN

CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN SRIET CAMPUS

ABSTRACT

Cracks are one kind of universal problem of concrete construction,

it affects the building artistic and the function, and it also destroys the
walls integrity, affects the structure safety, even reduce the durability of
structure. Therefore we should take measures to reduce and prevent the
cracks to occur. Some faulty steps during construction lead to different
type of cracks on various structural and non- structural parts of the
building. Timely identification of such cracks and adopting preventive
measure are essential. The repair materials and repair technique are
different depending upon forms of cracks according to their positions in
structure. Some types of cracks seriously need attention as they are
structurally hazardous. In some cases, restorative work can cause more
serious problems and extend the results to be more cracking and more
make damage in buildings.This project describes the various types of
cracks that occurred in SRIET campus and explains the risk associated
with it. This report also features the various techniques and specific
method for each type of cracks that arrest and prevent further cracking.
 CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

A crack is a complete or incomplete separation of concrete into

two or more parts produced by breaking or fracturing. Cracks are one
kind of universal problem of concrete construction as it affects the
building artistic and it also destroys the walls integrity, affects the
structure safety even reduce the durability of structure. Cracks develop
due to deterioration of concrete or corrosion or reinforcement bars due to
poor construction or inappropriate selection of constituent material and
by temperature and shrinkage effects.
Cracks in concrete structures can indicate major structural
problems and detract from the appearance of monolithic construction.
The cracks are very severe, affecting the structural formation of the
building, and they are caused by soil consolidation under the footings
and the foundation walls; differential settlement of the building as a
whole and a poor foundation design and construction method.
Cracks can be treated as cancer in R.C.C structure, as cancer which in
its primary stage is curable to a certain extent but becomes danger to life
in later stage; same happens with cracks
Cracking is usually the first sign of distress in concrete. It is, however,
possible for deterioration to exist before cracks appear. Cracking can
occur in hardened and fresh, or plastic, concrete as a result of volume
changes and repeated loading. This involves tensile stresses being loaded
onto the concrete, the cracks occurring when the force exceeds its
maximum tensile strength.It isimportant to identify the primary concern
in regard to any cracking. The main concerns are whether the cracks are

2
affecting structural integrity, caused by inappropriate design,
aesthetically unacceptable, or reducing durability. We can only identify
the primary concern after evaluating a crack thoroughly.The type of
cracking provides useful information to help understand a cracks effects
on structural stability.
A cracks status is critically important. Active cracks may require
more complex repair procedures that may include eliminating the actual
cause of the cracking in order to ensure a successful long-term repair.
Failure to address the underlying cause may result in the cracks repair
being short-term, making it necessary to go through the same
processagain.
Dormant cracks are those not threatening a structures stability, but
those responsible for the structure must address durability issues and take
appropriate action if aesthetics are a priority. A cracks environmental
conditions influence the extent to which it affects its structures integrity.
Greater exposure to aggressive conditions increases the possibility of
structural instability.
Cracks sizes range from micro-cracks that expose the concrete to
efflorescence to larger cracks caused by external loading conditions.
Noting cracks sizes, shapes, and locations, can aid in determining their
initial causes.The stress-strain response of concrete is closely associated
with the formation of micro cracks, that is, cracks that form at coarse-
aggregate boundaries (bond cracks) and propagate through the
surrounding mortar (mortar cracks)

3
1.2 Objectives

Following are the objectives of this report:-

1. Identification of the various types of cracks in SRIET campus.

2. Analysing the causes for the crack formation.
3. Suggesting some appropriate techniques to control the crack
formation.

CHAPTER 2
4
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Literatures referred below have been studied to gain in depth

knowledge of the crack behaviour.

1. CRACK WIDTH PREDICTION IN PRECAST DECK SLAB

CONCRETE STRUCTURE, iJET, Volume 3 No. 1, January 2013.

NAWIR RASIDI, AGOES SOEHARDJONO MD, ACHFAS

ZACOEB has investigated about the crack width in concrete structures
and also discussed types of cracks, different formulas to measure crack
width by different investigators and codes, allowable crack width of
concrete structure. Finally they have also proposed one formula to find
crack width by testing of bridge deck panel system.A literature review
also suggests that there is no general agreement among various
investigators on the relative significance of different variables affecting
the crack width, despite the large number of experimental work carried
out during the past few decades. An analytical method is developed to
determine the concrete stress distribution near flexural cracks in
reinforced concrete one-way slabs and used to investigate the effects of
various variables on the spacing and width of cracks. The formula is
developed using a large number of curvature values calculated from the
concrete and steel strains at various sections between adjacent cracks for
a number of composite precast deck slabs.
The present method of incorporating the tension stiffening effect is
verified by comparing calculated fracture mechanic and those measured
by other investigators. The curvature values at sections between adjacent
cracks are calculated using an empirical formula. Development of this
formula is based on the curvature values calculated using the concrete
and steel strains at various sections between successive cracks, for a

5
number of composite precast deck slabs. Using the curvature values
evaluated by the proposed formula, short-term deflections were
determined for a large number of flexural members and the results were
compared with those measured by other investigators. This comparison
indicated that the present method of incorporating the tension stiffening
effect in fracture mechanic calculations is acceptable

2. STUDY TYPE OF CRACKS IN CONSTRUCTION AND ITS

CONTROLLING, IJETAE( ISSN 2250-2459, Volume 2, Issue
8,August 2012)

KAZEM REZA KASHYZADEH, NEDA AGHILI KESHEH studied

the different types of cracks, main causes of cracks, main areas of crack
positioned in a structure, tools used for measuring cracks.They explained
about the evaluation of cracks that can be done by different technique
like Crack Compactor and by ultrasonic Testingand they are concluded
by proper investigation and care should be given to the structure when
crack is formed.In present paper, shortly describe about what should know
every civil engineer in the face of the building has been cracking. Mostly,
useful life of many building is lower than strength loading. Despite the
weakness of the skeleton indicatethat the Turks are a Sakhnman. Often,
the cracking phenomenon and until that outcome is very important to be
left disabled, all the work that needs to be done include: filling out
simple repairs or re Bndkshy. But quitting can be a first sign of a serious
weakness in the building so that the potential benefit or affect the
structural stability. The importance of proper evaluation is necessary to
leave.
Obviously, the evaluation of restorative work done improperly can
lead to costly and unnecessary. In some cases, restorative work can cause

6
more serious problems and extend the results to be more cracking and
more make damage in buildings.

3. CAUSES AND EVALUATION OF CRACKS IN CONCRETE

STRUCTURES, IJTRA (ISSN 2320-8163, Volume 2, Issue 5,
September October 2014)

SYED MOHD MEHNDI is discussed in this project about different

types of cracks, Main reason for cracking, and method of evaluation of
cracking in different concrete structures. And he also suggests reason for
different types of cracks occurred.This research work focused on
checking the cause and evaluation of cracks at every stage in R.C.C
structures. This paper will describe how to find out cracks size and cause
of cracks. Cracks generally occur both in plastic and elastic state of
concrete. I have selected this topic because less work is being done in
this area in India.
The repair materials and repair technique are different depending
upon forms of cracks according to their positions in structure. Good
crack repair methods depends on knowing the cause of cracks and
selecting appropriate repair method that take these causes into account
otherwise the repair would not last long. This report serves as a tool in
process of cracks evaluation and causes of cracks in concrete structures.
So we can say if crack repair is assumed to be building of structure than
this report can be assumed as foundation of it.

4.STUDY ON CAUSES OF CRACKS & ITS PREVENTIVE

MEASURESIN CONCRETE STRUCTURES, IJERA(ISSN 2248-9622,
Volume 5, Issue 5 (part-2) May 2015)

7
 POOJA NAMA, ANKUSH JAIN, RAJAT SRIVASTAVAAND
YASH BHATIA,from this research it is found that building cracks has
direct and indirect impacts and building cracks do not cause structural
problem in direct way but it facilitates the activities which ultimately
cause the problem.The problem of cracking in building is becoming a
difficult puzzle for engineers nowadays. Cracking is an unavoidable
response of any structure while designers are trying to eliminate many of
the causes of cracking and design tolerance for other factors. We all want
our building structurally safe but it is not so easy.
Some faulty steps during construction and some unavoidable
reasons different type of cracks starts to appear on various structural and
non- structural parts of the building. So, timely identification of such
cracks and adopting preventive measure are essential. The repair
materials and repair technique are different depending upon forms of
cracks according to their positions in structure. Some types of cracks
seriously need attention as they are structurally hazardous. In this paper,
we will discuss about the problem engineers are facing i.e. of cracking
after construction and what preventive measures should be taken along
with the techniques to cure cracks.

8
9
 CHAPTER 3

CASE STUDY

3.1 General

It is important to realise, that even fire cracks in structural members,

can reduce their resistance very largely. In this project, various types of
cracks in SRIET campus were studied. Some parts of the structure in this
building have started showing cracks at various locations all across the
campus which leads to the decrease in the durability as well as strength
of the structure. The reason for their appearance & remedial measures to
conduct them is discussed. Cracks can be classified as follows:-

I. Based on type:
a) Structural cracks
b) Non-structural cracks
II. Based on the concrete stage:
a) After hardening
Physical
Shrinkable aggregates
Drying shrinkage
Crazing
Chemical
Corrosion of reinforcement
Alkali- aggregate reactions
Cement carbonation shrinkage
Thermal
Freeze/thaws cycles
External seasonal temperature variations
Structural
Accidental overload
Creep

b) Before hardening
Plastic
Plastic shrinkage
Plastic settlement
Constructional movement

10
 Formwork movement
Sub-grade movement
III. Based size:
a. Macro cracks
b. Micro cracks

3.2 BASED ON TYPE

3.2.1 Structural cracks:

These cracks occur due to incorrect design, faulty construction or

overloading and these may endanger the safety of a building. Structural
cracks are of important and have to be dealt more carefully because
neglect to this leads to unsafe structure. Structural cracks are due to poor
construction sites, swollen soil, poor soil bearing or overloading.

This crack is due to poor soil below the plinth beam. The same is
shown in image S01 & S02. These cracks are usually accompanied by
other signs of foundation issues such as sticking doors and windows,
slanted doors, sloping floors and cracks in porches. The common
characteristics of structural cracks include:

Continuous horizontal cracks along walls

Vertical cracks that are wider at the top or bottom

Stair-step cracks

Foundation wall cracks

Cracks in beams, foundation slabs

Angled cracks that form in the corners of walls with a horizontal

crack in the centre

Cracks wider than 1/8"

11
 Cracks extending to the upper levels of the home

(S01)

(S02)

For example as we see in the ground floor of Block of A, in the

western side of room no A001, structural cracks started to appear (image
S01). To control this, rebar technique is adopted in stages, which are
shown in images S03 & S04. Rebar also known as reinforcing steel,
reinforcement steel, is a steel bar or mesh of steel wires used as a tension
device in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures to
strengthen and hold the concrete in tension. Rebar's surface is often
patterned to form a better bond with the concrete.

Concrete is a material that is very strong in compression, but

relatively weak in tension. To compensate for this imbalance in
12
concrete's behaviour, rebar is cast into it to carry the tensile loads. 10 mm
groove is made at every 3M interval or 2 grooves of 10mm thickness are
made at every column location. 10mm diameter bars were placed in the
groove and it is welded to the previous reinforcements. Then it is covered
with rich mortar.

(S03)

(S04)

3.2.2 Non-Structural Cracks

Non Structural cracks occur mostly due to internally induced

stresses in building materials. These cracks normally do not endanger the
safety but may look unsightly, create an impression of faulty work or

13
give a feeling of instability. These are mostly due to internally induced
stresses in buildings materials and do not endanger safety of a building
but may look unsightly, or may create an impression of faulty work or
may give a feeling of instability.

In some situations due to penetration of moisture through them

non-structural cracks may spoil the internal finishes thus adding to the
cost of maintenance, or corrode the reinforcement, thereby adversely
affecting the stability of the Structure in long run.

Non-structural cracks started to appear in the polytechnic block as seen

in image S05.

(S05)

Controlling measures such as Portland cement grouting can be

taken. Wide cracks, particularly in gravity dams and thick concrete walls,
may be repaired by filling with Portland cement grout.

This method is effective in stopping water leaks, but it will not

structurally bond cracked sections. The procedure consists of cleaning
the concrete along the crack; installing built-up seats (grout nipples) at
intervals astride the crack (to provide a pressure tight connection with the
injection apparatus); sealing the crack between the seats with a cement

14
paint, sealant, or grout; flushing the crack to clean it and test the seal; and
then grouting the whole area. Grout mixtures may contain cement and
water or cement plus sand and water, depending on the width of the
crack.

(S06)
3.3 CRACKS IN HARDENED CONCRETE- AFTER HARDENING
3.3.1. Cracks due to Physical problems
3.3.1.1 Shrinkable aggregates
Aggregate has a coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction
of about 0.0000055 in./in./degrees Fahrenheit. After hardening, concrete
will contract as a result of cooling after the peak heat of hydration
(typically coinciding with drop in ambient temperature at night). A 40
degrees Fahrenheit drop in temperature between day and night can cause
about 1/32 inch of contraction in a 10 foot length of concrete. This
magnitude of shortening is sufficient to cause cracking, especially at
early ages when the strength of the concrete is low. Therefore, it
important to consider the potential for early age temperature drops and
install contraction joints properly to control the location of cracking.
Keeping concrete placement temperatures as low as possible and close to
the ultimate operating temperature of the facility (target 80 degrees

15
Fahrenheit) helps to decrease the magnitude of the temperature drop.
These types of crack can be visualised in the image S07

(S07)
Vacuum concrete can be done to prevent this, it is process of
concreting which enables to meet this conflicting demand and this
process helps to get a high workable concrete in get high strength. After
laying concrete, water which was making concerting workable extracted
by a special method known as vacuum method.

(S08)

3.2.1.2 Drying shrinkage

16
 After hardening, concrete begins to shrink as water not consumed
by cement hydration leaves the system. This is known as drying
shrinkage. Water that necessary to hydrate cement is required for proper
workability and finish ability is called water of convenience. In
general, the higher the additional water content, the higher the shrinkage
potential. For small, unrestrained concrete specimens (prisms), a low
ultimate shrinkage (strain) is considered to be less than 520 millionths (at
50 percentage relative humidity and [73 degrees Fahrenheit]). Typical
concrete shrinkage has been measured at 520 to 780 millionths.
However, for some mixtures, shrinkage exceeding 1,100 millionths has
been documented. Using concrete with a higher drying shrinkage
increases the risk of problems with the floor performance.Drying
shrinkage of concrete is the reduction in volume caused by the loss of
water. These cracks can be seen.

(S09)

Shrinkage-compensating concrete made with expansive cements

can be used to minimize or eliminate shrinkage cracking. The properties
and use of expansive cement concrete are summarized in ACI 223, ACI
223 (1970), ACI SP- 38, and ACI SP-64.

17
 (S10)
The other controlling measures such as Dry packing can be
chosen, Dry packing is the hand placement of a low water content mortar
followed by tamping or ramming of the mortar into place, producing
intimate contact between the mortar and the existing concrete.
Because of the low water-cement ratio of the material, there is
little shrinkage, and the patch remains tight and can have good quality
with respect to durability, strength, and water tightness. To minimize
shrinkage in place, the mortar should stand for 1/2 hour after mixing and
then should be remixed prior to use.
The mortar should be placed in layers about 3/8 in. (10 mm) thick.
Each layer should be thoroughly compacted over the surface using a
blunt stick or hammer, and each underlying layer should be scratched to
facilitate bonding with the next layer. The repair should be cured by
using either water or a curing compound. The simplest method of moist
curing is to support a strip of folded wet burlap along the length of the
crack.

18
 (S11)

3.3.1.3 Crazing
Craze cracks are small pattern cracks on a slabs surface. They are
associated with early surface drying, causing the immediate surface to
shrink differently than the underlying concrete. Crack patterns typically
form grids of about 2-inch diameters. Craze cracks are very small and are
found in the top surface of a slab. They are typically 1/10 millimetre
(0.004 inches) or less in thickness, and 1 millimetre (1/32-inch) or less in
depth.
Crazing is caused by drying out of the concrete surface, so it is
particularly common when the surface has been exposed during
placement to low humidity, high air or concrete temperature, hot sun, or
any combination of these. Concrete contractors can minimize or prevent
craze cracks by starting to cure as soon as possible after final finishing,
especially on a hard-troweled floor.
Moist curing is best, although a spray-on monomolecular curing
compound also can be effective. Using a drier, stiffer mix can reduce
crazing as well. For exterior slabs, minimize the amount of working or
troweling of the surface and use a boomed finish, which tends to mask
minor cracks and surface blemishes.

19
Crazing cracks started to appear as seen in photo below:

(S12)
Controlling measures such as Sealers and surface hardeners actually can
make crazing more obvious. If the owner really wants to fix crazing, a
thin overlay is about the only choice.

(S13)

3.3.2 CRACKS DUE TO CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS

3.3.2.1Corrosion of reinforcement
The corrosion of steel reinforced concrete member by the
formation of electro-chemical cell results in cracking (characteristically
parallel to the reinforcement), spalling or in delamination of concrete.
This corrosion may occur due to chloride attack and carbonation.
The production of corrosion occupies a volume several times larger than

20
the original steel so that their formation results in cracking. This makes it
easier for aggressive agents to ingress towards the steel, with a
consequent increase in the rate of corrosion. These are normally seen in
columns and beams where environment is in favour of corrosion.

Corrosion of reinforcement cracks started to appear as seen in photo:

(S14)

Remedial measures can be taken asGood quality concrete adding

suitable admixture of corrosion inhibitor is adopted, it depending on the
environment surroundings of desired concrete member. Providing
adequate clear cover also discourage cracking of this type.

(S15)

21
3.3.2.2 Alkali- aggregate reactions

In most concrete, aggregates are more or less chemically inert.

However, some aggregates react with the alkali hydroxides in concrete,
causing expansion and cracking over a period of many years. This alkali-
aggregate reaction has two forms: alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-
carbonate reaction (ACR).Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is of more
concern because aggregates containing reactive silica materials are more
common.

In ASR, aggregates containing certain forms of silica will react

with alkali hydroxide in concrete to form a gel that swells as it adsorbs
water from the surrounding cement paste or the environment. These gels
can induce enough expansive pressure to damage concrete.Alkali-
carbonate reaction (ACR) is observed with certain dolomitic rocks.
Dedolomitization, the breaking down of dolomite, is normally associated
with expansion. This reaction and subsequent crystallization of brucite
may cause considerable expansion.

Alkali- aggregate reactions crack is not available anywhere in the

campus.

Remedial measures can be taken asthe optimum method for minimizing

the potential for expansion due to alkali-silica reaction in concrete is to
replace a portion of the Portland cement by a supplementary cementing
material. Low-lime fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica
fume, meta kaolin and natural pozzolans used in the appropriate
quantities have been found to be an effective antidote for alkali-silica
reaction. Mixtures of two supplementary cementing materials with

22
Portland cement (so-called ternary mixtures) have also been found to be
very effective in preventing deterioration due to alkali-silica reaction.

3.3.2.3 Cement carbonation shrinkage

Carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere reacts in the presence of

water with hydrated cement is cement carbonation. Calcium hydroxide
[Ca(OH)2] gets converted to calcium carbonate and also some other
cement compounds are decomposed. Such a complete decomposition of
calcium compound in hydrated cement is chemically possible even at the
low pressure of carbon dioxide in normal atmosphere.

Carbonation penetrates beyond the exposed surface of concrete

very slowly. The rate of penetration of carbon dioxide depends also on
the moisture content of the concrete and the relative humidity of the
ambient medium. Carbonation is accompanied by an increase in weight
of the concrete and by shrinkage. These cracks are visible in the power
house of western block.

(S16)

Remedial measures can be taken by making the concrete denser

and providing adequate cover to the reinforcement.

23
3.3.3 CRACK DUE TO THERMAL PROBLEMS
3.3.3.1 Freeze/thaws cycles
When water freezes, it expands about 9 percent. As the water in
moist concrete freezes it produces pressure in the pores of the concrete. If
the pressure developed exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete, the
cavity will dilate and rupture. The accumulative effect of successive
freeze-thaw cycles and disruption of paste and aggregate can eventually
cause expansion and cracking, scaling, and crumbling of the concrete.
Freeze/thaws cycles cracks not appeared anywhere in campus.

Remedial measures can be taken as Smith and Cos Permanent Concrete

sealer is, in fully cured concrete, a permanent treatment to resist freeze
thaw damage.

(S17)

3.3.3.2 External seasonal temperature variations

In thicker sections, the internal temperature rises and drops slowly,
while the surface cools rapidly to ambient temperature. Surface
contraction due to cooling is restrained by the hotter interior concrete that
doesnt contract as rapidly as the surface. This restraint creates tensile
stresses that can crack the surface concrete as a result of this uncontrolled
temperature difference across the cross section. In most cases thermal

24
cracking occurs at early ages. In rarer instances thermal cracking can
occur when concrete surfaces are ex-posed to extreme temperature
rapidly.
External seasonal temperature variations cracks started to appear as seen
in photo below:

(S18)

Epoxy injection method can be adopted to prevent further

cracking. The technique generally consists of establishing entry and
venting ports at close intervals along the cracks, sealing the crack on
exposed surfaces, and injecting the epoxy under pressure. Epoxy
injection has been successfully used in the repair of cracks in buildings,
bridges, dams, and other types of concrete structures (ACI 503R).
However, unless the cause of the cracking has been corrected, it will
probably recur near the original crack.

25
 (S19)

3.3.4 CRACK DUE TO STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

3.3.4.1 Accidental overload
The cross section of concrete is designed with both calculated and
estimated loads, determined from building codes. Design includes such
factors as the strength of the concrete, the number, sizing, and placement
of reinforcing bars, and size and shape of the concrete cross section.
When a structure is overloaded to the extent not covered in safety factors,
concrete may be damaged or fail. Overloading may be in shear, flexure,
or tension, or may be a result of fatigue or cyclic loading.
Accidental overload cracks appeared in the terrace floor of main block.

(S20)

26
 Cracked reinforced concrete has been successfully repaired by
inserting reinforcing bars and bonding them in place with epoxy. This
technique consists of sealing the crack, drilling holes that intersect the
crack plane at approximately 90 degree, filling the hole and crack with
injected epoxy and placing a reinforcing bar into the drilled hole.
Typically, No. 4 or 5 bars are used, extending at least 18 in. (0.5 m) each
side of the crack. The reinforcing bars can be spaced to suit the needs of
the repair. They can be placed in any desired pattern, depending on the
design criteria and the location of the in-place reinforcement.

3.3.4.2 Creep
Creep cracks occur in metals and alloys after prolonged exposure
to stress at elevated temperatures. It is usually associated with the tertiary
stage of creep, and brings about the onset of creep failure. It can,
however, initiate at the relatively early stages of creep, and develop
gradually throughout creep life. Creep damage is manifested by the
formation and growth of creep voids or cavities within the microstructure
of the material.Creep cracks can be seen in the front of block D, which is
shown in the photo given below:

(S21)

27
 Remedial measures such as Stitching can be done, it involves
drilling holes on both sides of the crack and grouting in U-shaped metal
units with short legs (staples or stitching dogs) that span the crack as
shown in Fig . Stitching may be used when tensile strength must be
reestablished across major cracks. The stitching procedure consists of
drilling holes on both sides of the crack, cleaning the holes, and
anchoring the legs of the staples in the holes, with either a non-shrink
grout or an epoxy resin-based bonding system.

(S22)

3.3.5 BEFORE HARDENING

3.2.5.1 Cracks due to Plastic problems

The primary cause of "plastic" cracks is the rapid evaporation of

water from the surface of the concrete. Immediately after the concrete
has been placed, the particles within the concrete begin to settle. When
the particles settle, the water within the concrete displaces and rises to
the top. This process is better known as "bleeding." Not all of the water
within the concrete displaces. Under most weather conditions, some of

28
the water on the surface of the concrete evaporates. The rate of
evaporation depends on factors such as the temperature of the concrete,
temperature of the air, relative humidity, and wind velocity surrounding
the concrete. The highest evaporation rates are obtained when the
concrete and air temperatures are high, when the relative humidity of the
air is low, when the concrete temperature is high compared to the air
temperature, and when a strong wind is blowing over the surface of the
concrete. The rapid evaporation of water at the surface is most associated
with placing concrete in hot weather conditions.

3.3.5.2 Plastic shrinkage

Plastic shrinkage cracks typically occur on horizontal surfaces

exposed to the atmosphere. These cracks are different from other early
cracks becausethey are deeper and wider. Plastic shrinkage cracks are
typically two to four inches deep and approximately one-eighth inch
wide. They may also extend several feet in length adopting a crows-foot
pattern. These cracks form before any bond has developed between the
aggregate particles and mortar. Therefore, the cracks tend to follow the
edges of large aggregate particles or reinforcing bars and never break
through the aggregate particles. Although plastic shrinkage cracks
usually do not impair the structural performance of the slab, cracks in
some building floors have been blamed for
leakage.Plasticshrinkagecracks started to appear as seen in image S23.

29
 (S23)

To control this crack, Epoxy injection method can be done. The

technique generally consists of establishing entry and venting ports at
close intervals along the cracks, sealing the crack on exposed surfaces,
and injecting the epoxy under pressure.

Epoxy injection has been successfully used in the repair of cracks

in buildings, bridges, dams, and other types of concrete structures (ACI
503R).

(S24)

30
3.3.5.3 Plastic settlement

Cracks caused when the settlement of fresh concrete is restrained

by reinforcement or formwork. Plastic settlement cracks can form in
young concrete, within the first few hours after placing. As water moves
upward through the mixture, the denser constituents move downward.
This downward movement may be obstructed by the top layer of
reinforcement or by the shuttering. The plastic concrete may arch over
the top of individual reinforcing bars, bringing the surface into tension.
Cracks may develop at regular spacing and usually follow the line of the
uppermost bars, giving a series of parallel cracks; there may also be
shorter cracks at right angles over the bars running in the opposite
direction. These plastic settlement cracks can be visualised in the rear
side of the polytechnic block.

(S24)

Retrofitting measures such as re-vibration and reworking can be

done in the surface while the concrete is still plastic. Careful timing is
essential to ensure the concrete re-liquefies under the action of the
vibrator so that the cracks are fully closed. Re-vibrate too soon and
cracks Mayreform; too late and the bond to the reinforcement may be

31
damaged. Mechanical re-trowelling of the surface may be sufficient to
close the cracks and compact the concrete around the reinforcement
provided the cover is not too great, but the best result is where this is
combined with some form of vibration

3.3.6 Constructional movement

Constructional movement is an assembly designed to safely absorb
the heat-induced expansion and contraction of construction materials, to
absorb vibration, to hold parts together, or to allow movement due to
ground settlement or earthquakes. They are commonly found between
sections of buildings, bridges, sidewalks andrailway tracks.
3.3.6.1 Formwork movement

Formwork is significantly important activity for concreting. Good

quality of formwork can contribute a great too good quality of concrete.
It not only holds the concrete during its wet stage but has many other
important functions in this activity of concreting. Bad formwork has
often yielded failures of minor as well as major magnitude. It is also
fairly popular as shuttering.Its functional as well as financial share in the
entire concreting activity cant be ignored. The photo shown below is
seen with these cracks.

(S25)

32
 Post-tensioning is often the desirable solution when a major
portion of a member must be strengthened or when the cracks that have
formed must be closed, this technique uses pre stressing strands or bars
to apply a compressive force. Adequate anchorage must be provided for
the pre stressing steel, and care is needed so that the problem will not
merely migrate to another part of the structure.

(S26)

3.3.6.2 Sub-grade movement:

All topsoil and soft spotsshould be removed. The soil beneath the
slab shouldbe compacted soil or granular fill, well compactedby rolling,
vibrating or tamping. The slab, and there-fore, the subgrade, should be
sloped for proper drain-age. In winter, remove snow and ice prior to
placingconcrete and do not place concrete on a frozensubgrade. Smooth,
level subgrades help preventcracking.
Subgrade movement started to appear as seen in photo:

33
 (S27)
Remedial measures can be includeDrilling and plugging,Drilling
and plugging a crack consists of drilling down the length of the crack and
grouting it to form a key This technique is only applicable when cracks
run in reasonable straight lines and are accessible at one end. This
method is most often used to repair vertical cracks in retaining walls. A
hole [typically 2 to 3 in. (50 to 75 mm) in diameter] should be drilled,
centered on and following the crack.

(S28)

3.3.7 Cracks Based on size

3.3.7.1 Macro cracks

Macro-cracking, however is not desirable and occurs when parts

are plated under adverse conditions. Macro-cracks typically have a
density of only 1 - 50/lineal inch and some can even be visible to the

34
naked eye. Macro-cracking is very detrimental due to poor corrosion
resistance, low wear potential and the possibility of flaking during use.

Macro cracks cannot be seen anywhere in the campus. To prevent

this, Gravity Filling can be done. Figure is attached below, Low viscosity
monomers and resins can be used to seal cracks with surface widths of
0.001 to 0.08 in. (0.03 to 2 mm) by gravity filling. High-molecular-
weight methacrylates, urethanes, and some low viscosity epoxies have
been used successfully.
The lower the viscosity the finer the cracks that can be filled. The
typical procedure is to clean the surface by air blasting and/or water
blasting. Wet surfaces should be permitted to dry several days to obtain
the best crack filling.

(Gravity Filling)
3.3.7.2 Micro cracks

They are usually very fine voids caused by large capillary pores
resulting from the use of low grades (strength) of concrete with high
water to cement ratio.They could also occur due to addition of excess
water or high water to cement ratio of concrete mix. Fine cracks are
generally present in concrete and can occur due to various reasons. They
35
do not pose a serious threat to concrete deterioration initially as they are
generally not deep and are discontinuous.

With lapse of time due to variations in temperatures, changes in

weather conditions, changes in loading conditions they increase in depth,
length and width and combine with other fine cracks to create continuous
passage for moisture, chlorides, sulphates and other chemicals from the
environment to enter and start corrosion of steel in concrete and other
deleterious reactions.Micro cracks started to appear as seen in photo:

(S29)
Surface treatment can be done to control this,Low solids and low-
viscosity resin-based systems have been used to seal the concrete
surfaces, including treatment of very fine cracks. They are most suited
for surfaces not subject to significant wear. Bridge decks and parking
structure slabs, as well as other interior slabs may be coated effectively
after cracks are treated by injecting with epoxy or by routing and sealing.
Materials such as urethanes, epoxies, polyesters, and acrylics have been
applied in thickness of 0.04 to 2.0 in. (1 to 50 mm), depending on the
material and purpose of the treatment.

36
(S30)

37
 CONCLUSION

38
 CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSION

From the above case study we have concluded that some preventions
could be taken care of during the construction process itself.Any lack of
attentiveness can lead to a cause for damage in the building in its future,
which can also lead to the failure of structure. Cracks may occurred due
to various reasons, as discussed earlier.

The occurrence of cracks cannot be stopped but particular measures

can be taken to restrict them to reduce the level and degree of
consequences. Generally speaking, for causes and prevention of cracks in
any particular case, it is necessary to make careful observations and to
collect detailed information in the form of a checklist with regards to the
following aspects as may be relevant to a particular case.

With so many causes and types of cracks, it can be difficult to identify

which cracks or defects indicate a more serious structural issue and
which are simply architectural. Many cracks are caused by either over
loading, shrinkage, corrosion or poor workmanship. When looking at a
specific cracking pattern or defects in concrete, sometimes the cause can
be attributed to a specific reason. Other times the pattern may have
multiple causes leading to its current state.

Some guidance has also been given for diagnosing causes of cracks
that may have occurred in a structure and suitable remedial measures,
where feasible, have been suggested.

39
 There are so many structures which have failed due to occurrence of
cracks and these failures caused a huge loss of life and property, so if
cracks get identified suitable remedial measures should be taken as soon
as possible. Better understanding of the causes of cracks one may be able
to avoid major structural catastrophes.

40
 REFERENCES

41
 REFERENCES

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