Cracks on concrete surface || Remove cracks

Crack Identification by Appearance & their Probability with Remedies/Solution

When do Cracks occur?

We have seen cracks in different formats, some are straight lines, diagonal, web, zig-zag lines etc. These cracks can be divided into groups through which we can easily identify the cause behind it.

Cracks can be found in two situations:

Cracks - Before Hardening

1. Plastic
    a) Plastic Shrinkage
    b) Plastic Settlement

2. Constructional Movement
    a) Form work Movement
    b) Sub-Grade Movement

3. Early Frost Damage

Cracks After Hardening

1. Physical
    a) Shrinkable Aggregates
    b) Drying Shrinkage
    c) Crazing
2. Chemical
    a) Corrosion of Reinforcement
    b) Alkali-Aggregate Reactions
    c) Cement Carbonation
3. Thermal
     a) Freeze/Thaw Cycles
     b) External Seasonal Tmpratures Variations
     c) Early Thermal Contractions
         i) External resistant
        ii) Internal temprature gradients
4. Structural
    a) Accidental Overload
    b) Creep
    c) Design Loads

Identification of Cracks on Concrete Surface

From the image, it is easy to remember all these above types of cracks. Below image can help the civil engineers to identify the cracks at their site or project.

The Alphabet written on the each crack can be correlate with below table which clarify the MOST COMMON LOCATION, PRIMARY & SECONDARY CAUSE, and REMEDY as well. These are intrinsic cracks. For further details, please refer links mentioned on the side bar.

Cause, Remedy & Time of Appearance of Crack

Conclusion
To conclude, ever prevention is better than cure. Paying attention at every step of making concrete and a good supervision impart improved quality, secure money & time, and at last a sanctification of work.

Read More : 

Surface Voids on concrete surface

Cracks Immediate After Concreting

Plastic Shrinkage Cracks

AAC Blocks vs Red Bricks

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