CRACKS IN CONCRETE !

Concrete is though a relatively durable material , it suffer from damage and/or distress throughout it's life . Distress in structure caused by external and environmental loads exceeding the design stipulations, accidents etc. Poor construction practices error in design, error in detailing, and additional imposed load on structure . All of these results into development of cracks .Most generalised causes are drying shrinkage, thermal stress, weathering,chemical reaction,and corrosion in reinforcement due to penetration of water , cracks due to settlement .

In addition to these blow holes and honeycombing occurs during concreting mainly due to improper formwork and inadequate compaction or loss of grout(cement slurry) through gaps in formwork.

Next post will contain general methods of common cracks in building .