A PROJECT REPORT ON

CRACKS IN BUILDINGS; CAUSES AND PREVENTION

Submitted in partia !u"iment #" t$e re%uirement&
!#r t$e a'ard #" Ba($e#r #" Te($n##)* in
Ci+i En)ineerin)
Name Re)d,n#
Challa sruthi 09H51A0169
Shasthrula Abhishek Sharma 09H51A01B7
Puli naveen 09H51A0192
Ch. Ravindhar Redd 09H51A0171
!. "enu #$%al 10H55A0109
Under T$e E&teemed Guidan(e O"
-r, Kandru Sure&$
.A&&#(iate Pr#"e&&#r / 0OD1
DEPART-ENT O! CIVIL ENGINEERING
C-R C#e)e #" En)ineerin) and Te($n##)*
A%%r$ved b A&C'( and A))iliated t$ *+', Hderabad
-andlak$a .v/0 1ed2hal R$ad0 Hderabad 3 A.P. 501401
1
CERTI!ICATE
'his is t$ 2erti) that 1ini Pr$5e2t Re%$rt entitled 6CRACKS IN BUILDINGS 2
CAUSES AND PREVENTION7 is the b$na)ide 8$rk $n bein# submitted b C$aa
Srut$i .09H51A0169/0 S$a&t$rua Ab$i&$e3 S$arma .09H51A01B7/0 Pui na+een
.09H51A0192/0 C$, Ra+ind$ar Redd* .09H51A0171/0 L, Venu )#pa .10H55A109/
Students $) B.'e2h 2ivil en##0 5
th
Semester0 Civil (n#ineerin#0 C1RC(' a22$rdin#
submitted t$ the %artial )ul)illment $) the re9uirements )$r the a8ard $) B.'e2h. ,nder *+',0
Hderabad an $ri#inal re2$rd $) stud %re%ared b the students durin# the :ear 201231;.
'$ the best $) $ur kn$8led#e and belie)0 the 8$rk is $ri#inal and n$t submitted earlier t$ an
$ther universit< instituti$n %ri$r t$ this submissi$n.
,nder the su%ervisi$n and #uidan2e $)
&nternal #uide Head $) the de%artment
1r. -andru Suresh Pr$). -andru Suresh
Ass$2iate %r$)ess$r
2
ACKNO4LEDGE-ENT
Su22ess)ul 2$m%leti$n $) an %r$5e2t 2ann$t be d$ne 8ith$ut %r$%er #uidan2e and
en2$ura#ement $) man %e$%le. 'his a2kn$8led#ement trans2ends the realit. Hen2e & 8$uld
like t$ e=%ress m dee% #ratitude t$ all th$se behind the s2ene 8h$ have hel%ed me t$
trans)$rm an idea int$ a 8$rkin# %r$5e2t 6CRAC-S &+ B,&!>&+?S @ CA,S(S A+>
PR("(+'&A+7.
Birst $) all0 & 8$uld like t$ thank #$d almi#ht and %arents0 8h$ have the #reatest
2$ntributi$ns in all m a2hievements0 )$r the #reat 2are and blessin#s in makin# me
su22ess)ul in all m endeav$urs.
& e=%ress m thanks t$ 1r. -.RA1A!&+?A R(>>:0 %rin2i%al )$r %r$vidin# all the
ne2essar )a2ilities durin# the 2$urse $) m stud.
& 8$uld like t$ e=%ress m #ratitude and sin2ere thanks t$ 1r. -.S,R(SH0 Head $) the
C&"&! de%artment )$r his valuable #uidan2e and en2$ura#ement durin# the 2$urse $) m
stud and in the su22ess)ul 2$m%leti$n $) m %r$5e2t 8$rk. His hel%in# attitude and
su##esti$n have hel%ed me a l$t in su22ess)ul 2$m%leti$n $) the %r$5e2t.
C$aa Srut$i
S$a&t$rua Ab$i&$e3 S$arma
Pui Na+een
C$, Ra+ind$ar Redd*
L, Venu G#pa

3
ABSTRACT
Cra2kin# in stru2tures is $) 2$mm$n $22urren2e and en#ineers are $)ten re9uired t$ l$$k int$
their 2auses and t$ 2arr $ut suitable re%airs and remedial measures. B$r re%airs and remedies
t$ be e))e2tive0 it is essential that the en#ineer sh$uld have %r$%er understandin# $) vari$us
2auses $) 2ra2kin#. B$r investi#atin# the 2auses it is ne2essar t$ $bserve 2are)ull l$2ati$n0
sha%e0 siCe0 de%th0 behavi$ur and $ther 2hara2teristi2s $) the 2ra2ks0 and t$ 2$lle2t
in)$rmati$n ab$ut s%e2i)i2ati$ns $) the 5$b0 time $) 2$nstru2ti$n and %ast hist$r $) the
stru2ture. &t 8ill als$ be ne2essar )$r the en#ineer t$ kn$8 as t$ 8hen the 2ra2ks )irst 2ame
t$ n$ti2e and 8hether the 2ra2ks are stru2tural $r n$n3stru2tural.
Stru2tural 2ra2ks are th$se 8hi2h are due t$ in2$rre2t desi#n0 )ault 2$nstru2ti$n $r
$verl$adin# and these ma endan#er the sa)et $) a buildin#. +$n3stru2tural 2ra2ks 8hi2h are
due t$ m$isture 2han#es0 thermal variati$ns0 elasti2 de)$rmati$n0 2ree%0 2hemi2al rea2ti$n0
)$undati$n m$vement and settlement $) s$il0 ve#etati$n0 et2. +$n3stru2tural 2ra2ks are m$stl
due t$ internall indu2ed stresses in buildin# materials and these #enerall d$ n$t dire2tl
result in stru2tural 8eakenin#. &n 2$urse $) time h$8ever0 s$metimes these 2ra2ks ma0
be2ause $) %enetrati$n $) m$isture thr$u#h 2ra2ks $r 8eatherin# a2ti$n0 result in 2$rr$si$n $)
rein)$r2ement and thus ma render the stru2ture unsa)e.
In #rder t# be abe t# pre+ent #r t# minimi5e #((urren(e #" (ra(3&6 it i& ne(e&&ar*
t# under&tand ba&i( (au&e& #" (ra(3in) and t# $a+e 3n#'ed)e ab#ut (ertain pr#pertie&
#" buidin) materia&6 &pe(i"i(ati#n "#r m#rtar and (#n(rete6 Ar($ite(tura de&i)n #"
buidin)6 &tru(tura de&i)n6 "#undati#n de&i)n6 (#n&tru(ti#n pra(ti(e& / te($ni%ue& and
en+ir#nment&.
4
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................
............1
LITERATURE SURVE7 ......................................................................................................;
1.1 1A&S',R( CHA+?(S .....................................................................................................;
1.2 'H(R1A! "AR&A'&A+S ................................................................................................9
1.; (!AS'&C >(BAR1A'&A+ ............................................................................................14
1.4 1A"(1(+' >,( 'A CR((P .......................................................................................15
1.5 1A"(1(+' >,( 'A CH(1&CA! R(AC'&A+ .........................................................16
1.6 BA,+>A'&A+ 1A"(1(+' A+> S(''!(1(+' AB SA&!.....................................19
1.7 CRAC-&+? >,( 'A "(?('A'&A+ ............................................................................20
T0E CASE STUD7 ..............................................................................................................21
2.1 BAC-?RA,+> ...............................................................................................................21
2.2 &+"(S'&?A'&A+ ............................................................................................................22
2.; R(PA&R PRAPASA!S .....................................................................................................25
2.4 R(PA&R DAR- ...............................................................................................................26
2.5 R(PA&R DAR- ("A!,A'&A+ ....................................................................................26
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................29
RE!ERENCE ........................................................................................................................;1
5
LIST O! !IGURES
Bi#ure 1.1E Relati$n bet8een mi= %r$%$rti$n and drin# shrinka#e $) 2ement 2$n2rete
m$rtar
Bi#ure 1.2E ())e2t $) variati$n in 8ater 2$ntent $) 2$n2rete $n drin# shrinka#e
Bi#ure 1.;E ())e2t $) A##re#ate SiCe $n Dater Re9uirement $) C$n2rete
Bi#ure 1.4E ())e2t $) 'em%erature $) Bresh C$n2rete $n Dater Re9uirement
Bi#ure 1.5E >etails $) bearin# at the su%%$rts )$r a r$$) slab $) lar#e s%an
Bi#ure 1.6E Phen$men$n $) 2ree% )$r a "is2$3(lasti2 material
Bi#ure 1.7E Cra2kin# and ,%3heavin# $) a tile )l$$r due t$ Sul%hate A2ti$n in base 2$n2rete
Bi#ure 1.FE Cra2kin# due t$ 2$rr$si$n $) rein)$r2ement
Bi#ure 1.9E Cra2kin# $) a 2$m%$und 8all due t$ #r$8in# r$$ts under the )$undati$n
Bi#ure 2.1E Buildin# !a$ut
Bi#ure 2.2E Cra2ks in the beams
Bi#ure 2.;E +i%%les G 2ra2ks a)ter in5e2ti$n
Bi#ure 2.4E !$adin# the r$$) .!$ad test/
6
LIST O! TABLES
'AB!( 1E 1A&S',R( 1A"(1(+' AB SA1( CA11A+ B,&!>&+? 1A'(R&A!S
'AB!( 2E CA(BB&C&(+' AB 'H(R1A! (HPA+S&A+ AB SA1( CA11A+
B,&!>&+? 1A'(R&A!S .D&'H&+ 'H( RA+?( 0IC t$ 100I C/
'AB!( ;E H(A' R(B!(C'&"&': CA(BB&C&(+' AB SA1( CA11A+ B,&!>&+?
1A'(R&A!S
'AB!( 4E A ?(+(RA! ?,&>( BAR PRA"&S&A+ AB 1A"(1(+' *A&+'S &+
B,&!>&+?S
7
INTRODUCTION
1$dern stru2tures are 2$m%arativel tall and slender0 have thin 8alls0 are
desi#ned )$r hi#her stresses and are built at a )ast %a2e. 'hese stru2tures are0 there)$re0 m$re
2ra2k3%r$ne as 2$m%ared 8ith $ld stru2tures 8hi2h used t$ be l$80 had thi2k 8alls0 8ere
li#htl stressed and 8ere built at a sl$8 %a2e. 1$re$ver0 m$isture )r$m rain 2an easil rea2h
the inside and s%$il the )inish $) a m$dern buildin# 8hi2h has thin 8alls. 'hus measures )$r
2$ntr$l $) 2ra2ks in buildin#s have assumed mu2h #reater im%$rtan2e $n a22$unt $) the
%resent trends in 2$nstru2ti$n.
Cra(3& in buidin)& are #" (#mm#n #((urren(e, A buidin) (#mp#nent
de+e#p& (ra(3& '$ene+er &tre&& in t$e (#mp#nent e8(eed& it& &tren)t$, Stre&& in a
buidin) (#mp#nent (#ud be (au&ed b* e8terna* appied "#r(e&6 &u($ a& dead6 i+e6
'ind #r &ei&mi( #ad&6 #r "#undati#n &ettement #r it (#ud be indu(ed interna* due t#
t$erma +ariati#n&6 m#i&ture ($an)e&6 ($emi(a a(ti#n6 et(,
Cra2ks 2$uld be br$adl 2lassi)ied as stru2tural $r n$n3stru2tural. Stru2tural
2ra2ks are th$se 8hi2h are due t$ in2$rre2t desi#n0 )ault 2$nstru2ti$n $r $verl$adin# and
these ma endan#er the sa)et $) a buildin#. (=tensive 2ra2kin# $) an RCC beam is an
instan2e $) stru2tural 2ra2kin#. +$n3stru2tural 2ra2ks are m$stl due t$ internall indu2ed
stresses in buildin# materials and these #enerall d$ n$t dire2tl result in stru2tural
8eakenin#. &n 2$urse $) time0 h$8ever0 s$metime n$n stru2tural 2ra2ks ma0 be2ause $)
%enetrati$n $) m$isture thr$u#h 2ra2ks $r 8eatherin# a2ti$n0 result in 2$rr$si$n $)
rein)$r2ement and thus ma render the stru2ture unsa)e. "erti2al 2ra2ks in a l$n# 2$m%$und
8all due t$ shrinka#e $r thermal variati$n is an instan2e $) n$n3stru2tural 2ra2kin#. +$n3
stru2tural 2ra2ks0 n$rmall d$ n$t endan#er the sa)et $) a buildin#0 but ma l$$k unsi#htl0
$r ma 2reate an im%ressi$n $) )ault 8$rk $r ma #ive a )eelin# $) instabilit. Cra2ks ma
a%%re2iabl var in 8idth )r$m ver thin hair 2ra2ks barel visible t$ naked ee .ab$ut 0.01
mm in 8idth/ t$ #a%in# 2ra2ks 5 mm $r m$re in 8idth. A 2$mm$nl kn$8n 2lassi)i2ati$n1 $)
2ra2ks0 based $n their 8idth isE .a/ thinJ less than 1 mm in 8idth0 .b/ medium J 1 t$ 2 mm
in 8idth0 and .2/ 8ide J m$re than 2 mm in 8idth. Cra2ks ma be $) uni)$rm 8idth
thr$u#h$ut $r ma be narr$8 at $ne end0 #raduall 8idenin# at the $ther. Cra2ks ma be
strai#ht0 t$$thed0 ste%%ed0 ma% %attern $r rand$m and ma be verti2al0 h$riC$ntal $r dia#$nal.
1
Cra2ks ma be $nl at the sur)a2e $r ma e=tend t$ m$re than $ne laer $) materials.
A22urren2e $) 2l$sel s%a2ed )ine 2ra2ks at sur)a2e $) a material is s$metimes 2alled
K2raCin#K.
&nternall indu2ed stresses in buildin# 2$m%$nents lead t$ dimensi$nal 2han#es
and 8henever there is a restraint t$ m$vement as is #enerall the 2ase0 2ra2kin# $22urs. >ue
t$ dimensi$nal 2han#es 2aused b m$isture $r heat0 buildin# 2$m%$nents tend t$ m$ve a8a
)r$m sti)) %$rti$ns $) the buildin# 8hi2h a2t as )i=ed %$ints. &n 2ase $) smmetri2al
stru2tures0 the 2entre $) the stru2ture a2ts as a )i=ed %$int and m$vement takes %la2e a8a
)r$m the 2entre. A buildin# as a 8h$le3 2an easil m$ve in the verti2al dire2ti$n0 but in the
h$riC$ntal dire2ti$n0 sub3stru2ture and )$undati$n e=ert a restrainin# a2ti$n $n the m$vement
$) the su%erstru2ture. 'hus0 verti2al 2ra2ks $22ur in 8alls m$re )re9uentl due t$ h$riC$ntal
m$vement. "$lume 2han#es due t$ 2hemi2al a2ti$n 8ithin a 2$m%$nent result in either
e=%ansi$n $r 2$ntra2ti$n and as a result 2ra2ks $22ur in the 2$m%$nents. &nternal stresses in
buildin# 2$m%$nents 2$uld be 2$m%ressive0 tensile $r shear. 1$st $) the buildin# materials
that are sub5e2t t$ 2ra2kin#0 namel0 mas$nr0 2$n2rete0 m$rtar0 et20 are 8eak in tensi$n and
shear and thus )$r2es $) even small ma#nitude0 8hen the 2ause tensi$n $r shear in a number0
are able t$ 2ause 2ra2kin#. &t is %$ssible t$ distin#uish bet8een tensile and shear 2ra2ks b
2l$sel e=aminin# their %hsi2al 2hara2teristi2s. >e%endin# $n 2ertain %r$%erties $) buildin#
materials0 shrinka#e 2ra2ks ma be 8ider but )urther a%art0 $r ma be thin but m$re 2l$sel
s%a2ed. As a #eneral rule0 thin 2ra2ks0 even th$u#h 2l$sel s%a2ed and #reater in number0 are
less dama#in# t$ the stru2ture and are n$t s$ $b5e2ti$nable )r$m aestheti2 and $ther
2$nsiderati$ns as a )e8er number $) 8ide 2ra2ks.
2
LITERATURE SURVE7
&n $rder t$ be able t$ %revent $r t$ minimiCe $22urren2e $) 2ra2ks0 it is ne2essar t$
understand basi2 2auses $) 2ra2kin# and t$ have kn$8led#e ab$ut 2ertain %r$%erties $)
buildin# materials. Prin2i%al 2auses $) $22urren2e $) 2ra2ks in buildin#s are as )$ll$8sE
a/ 1$isture 2han#es0
b/ 'hermal variati$ns0
2/ (lasti2 de)$rmati$n0
d/ Cree%0
e/ Chemi2al rea2ti$n0
)/ B$undati$n m$vement and settlement $) s$il0 and
#/ "e#etati$n.
9,9 -OISTURE C0ANGES
As a #eneral rule0 m$st $) the buildin# materials havin# %$res in their m$rtar0 burnt 2la
bri2ks0 s$me st$nes0 timber0 et2. (=%and $n abs$rbin# m$isture and shrink $n drin#. 'hese
m$vements are reversible0 that is C2li2 in nature and is 2aused b in2rease $r de2rease in the
inter3%$re %ressure 8ith m$isture 2han#es0 e=tent $) m$vement de%endin# $n m$le2ular
stru2ture and %$r$sit $) a material.
Re+er&ibe -#+ement
Br$m 2$nsiderati$n $) m$isture m$vement $) reversible nature0 materials 2$uld be br$adl
2lassi)ied as underE
a/ 1aterials havin# ver small m$isture m$vement0 as )$r e=am%le0 burnt 2la bri2ks0
i#ne$us r$2ks0 limest$ne0 marble0 #%sum %laster0 metals0 et2. 'he use $) these materials d$es
n$t 2all )$r man %re2auti$ns.
b/ 1aterials havin# small t$ m$derate m$isture m$vement0 as )$r e=am%le0 2$n2rete0 sand3
lime bri2ks0 sandst$nes0 2ement and lime m$rtars0 et2. &n the use $) these materials s$me
%re2auti$ns in desi#n and 2$nstru2ti$n are ne2essar.
Based $n resear2h0 ran#e $) reversible m$isture m$vement $) s$me $) the 2$mm$nl used
buildin# materials is #iven in 'able 1.
3
TABLE 9 -OISTURE -OVE-ENT O! SO-E CO--ON
BUILDING -ATERIALS
S N#, -ateria -#i&ture -#+ement .Dr* t# &aturati#n
per(ent1
.1/ .2/ .;/
i/ Burnt 2la bri2ks0
limest$ne
0.002 t$ 0.01
ii/ H$ll$8 2la bri2ks0 terra
2$ta
0.006 t$ 0.016
iii/ (=%anded 2la 2$n2rete0
2inder
0.017 t$ 0.04
C$n2rete
iv/ Sandst$ne0 sand3lime
bri2ks0
0.01 t$ 0.05
C$n2rete bl$2kKs
v/ B$am 2ellular 2$n2rete 0.04 t$ 0.05
vi/ Cast3st$ne0 dense
2$n2rete0
0.02 t$ 0.06
Cement lime m$rtars
vii/ Aut$32laed aerated
2$n2rete0
0.0; t$ 0.0F
2linker 2$n2rete
viii/ 1arble +e#li#ible
i=/ D$$d al$n# #rain 0.000 F
=/ D$$d a2r$ss #rain J
tan#ential
5 t$ 15
=i/ D$$d a2r$ss #rain J
radial
; t$ 5

&nitial drin# shrinka#e in 2ement and lime a %r$du2t 8hi2h is %artl irreversible is 50
%er2ent m$re than the values $) reversible shrinka#e #iven ab$ve. >ata )$r items .i/ t$ .vii/
are re%r$du2ed )r$m KPrin2i%les $) m$dern buildin#s K. "$lume & and )$r items .viii/ t$ .=i/
)r$m KC$mm$n de)e2ts in buildin#sK.
INITIAL S0RINKAGE
4
&nitial shrinka#e0 8hi2h is %artl irreversible0 n$rmall $22urs in all buildin# materials $r
2$m%$nents that are 2ement<lime based0 )$r e=am%le0 2$n2rete0 m$rtar0 mas$nr units0
mas$nr and %lasters. 'his shrinka#e is $ne $) the main 2auses $) 2ra2kin# in stru2tures.
&n)luen2e $) these )a2t$rs $n shrinka#e is as )$ll$8sE
a1 Cement (#ntent Jas a #eneral rule0 ri2her the mi=0 #reater the drin# shrinka#e.
C$nversel0 lar#er the v$lume $) a##re#ate in 2$n2rete0 lesser the shrinka#e. B$r the ran#e $)
a##re#ate 2$ntent #enerall used )$r stru2tural 2$n2retes0 in2reasin# the v$lume $) a##re#ates
b 10 %er2ent 2an be e=%e2ted t$ redu2e shrinka#e b ab$ut 50 %er2ent. Relati$n bet8een mi=
%r$%$rti$n and shrinka#e is de%i2ted in Bi#.1.1.
.Re%r$du2ed )r$m LPrin2i%les $) 1$dern Buildin#s "$lume 17/
!i)ure 9,9: Reati#n bet'een mi8 pr#p#rti#n and dr*in) &$rin3a)e #" (ement
(#n(rete m#rtar
b1 4ater (#ntent J ?reater the 9uantit $) 8ater used in the mi=0 #reater the shrinka#e.
'hus a 8et mi= has m$re shrinka#e than a dr mi= 8hi2h is $ther8ise similar. 'hat e=%lains
8h a vibrated 2$n2rete0 8hi2h has l$8 slum%0 has lesser shrinka#e than a manuall
2$m%a2ted 2$n2rete0 8hi2h needs t$ have #reater slum%. &n terraCC$ and 2$n2rete )l$$rs0 use
$) e=2ess 8ater in the mi= .2$mm$nl res$rted t$ b mas$ns t$ save time and lab $ur $n
2$m%a2ti$n and s2reedin#/ is $ne $) the %rin2i%al 2auses $) 2ra2kin# in su2h )l$$rs. A t%i2al
relati$n bet8een 8ater 2$ntent and drin# shrinka#e is sh$8n in Bi#.1.2
5
.Based $n #ra%h #iven in LC$ntr$l $) Cra2kin# in C$n2rete Stru2tures ;/
!i)ure 9,;: E""e(t #" +ariati#n in 'ater (#ntent #" (#n(rete #n dr*in) &$rin3a)e
(1 A))re)ate& J B usin# the lar#est %$ssible ma=imum siCe $) a##re#ate in 2$n2rete and
ensurin# #$$d #radin#0 re9uirement $) 8ater )$r 2$n2rete $) desired 8$rkabilit is redu2ed
and the 2$n2rete thus $btained has less shrinka#e be2ause $) redu2ti$n in the %$r$sit $)
hardened 2$n2rete. An 8ater in 2$n2rete mi= in e=2ess $) that re9uired )$r hdrati$n $)
2ement0 t$ #ive the desired 8$rkabilit t$ the mi=0 results in )$rmati$n $) %$res 8hen it dries
$ut0 thus 2ausin# shrinka#e. Bi#ure 1.; illustrates the e))e2t $) a##re#ate siCe $n 8ater
re9uirement 5. B$r the same 2ement3a##re#ate rati$0 shrinka#e $) sand m$rtars is 2 t$ ; times
that $) 2$n2rete usin# 20 mm ma=imum siCe a##re#ate and ; t$ 4 times that $) 2$n2rete usin#
40 mm ma=imum siCe a##re#ate F.
!i)ure 9,<: E""e(t #" A))re)ate Si5e #n 4ater Re%uirement #" C#n(rete
d1 U&e #" a((eerat#r& J ,se $) 2al2ium Chl$ride as a22elerat$r in 2$n2rete a%%re2iabl
shrinka#e in2reasesJbein# u% t$ 50 %er2ent 8ith 0.5 t$ 2.0 %er2ent additi$n $) 2al2ium
2hl$ride. Shrinka#e 2$uld be mu2h m$re i) %r$%$rti$n $) 2al2ium 2hl$ride is hi#her.
1$re$ver0 it has s$me 2$rr$sive e))e2t $n rein)$r2ement in 2$n2rete.
6
e1 Curin)JCurin# als$ %las an im%$rtant %art in limitin# shrinka#e. &) %r$%er 2urin# is
started as s$$n as initial set has taken %la2e and it is 2$ntinued )$r at least 7 t$ 10 das0 drin#
shrinka#e is 2$m%arativel less0 be2ause 8hen hardenin# $) 2$n2rete takes %la2e under m$ist
envir$nments0 there is initiall s$me e=%ansi$n 8hi2h $))sets a %art $) subse9uent shrinka#e.
Steam 2urin# $) 2$n2rete bl$2ks at the time $) manu)a2ture redu2es their liabilit t$ shrinka#e
as hi#h tem%erature results in %re32arb$nati$n.
"1 Pre&en(e #" e8(e&&i+e "ine&JPresen2e $) e=2essive )inesJsilt0 2la0 dust Jin a##re#ates
has 2$nsiderable e))e2t $n e=tent $) shrinka#e in 2$n2rete. Presen2e $) )ines in2reases s%e2i)i2
sur)a2e area $) a##re#ates and 2$nse9uentl the 8ater re9uirement. Ri#htl0 there)$re0
s%e2i)i2ati$ns )$r )ine and 2$arse a##re#ates )$r 2$n2rete la mu2h em%hasis $n 2leanliness
$) a##re#ates and sti%ulate a limit )$r the ma=imum %er2enta#e $) )ines in a##re#ates 8hi2h
is ; %er2ent )$r 2$arse as 8ell as un2rushed )ine a##re#ate a22$rdin# t$ &SE ;F;31970.
)1 0umidit* J (=tent $) shrinka#e als$0 de%ends $n relative humidit $) ambient air. 'hus0
shrinka#e is mu2h less in 2$astal areas 8here relative humidit remains hi#h thr$u#h$ut the
ear. !$8 relative humidit ma als$ 2ause %lasti2 shrinka#e in 2$n2rete.
$1 C#mp#&iti#n #" (ement J Chemi2al 2$m%$siti$n $) 2ement used )$r 2$n2rete and m$rtar
als$ has s$me e))e2t $n shrinka#e. &t is less )$r 2ements havin# #reater %r$%$rti$n $) tri3
2al2ium sili2ate and l$8er %r$%$rti$n $) alkalis like s$dium and %$tassium $=ides. Ra%id
hardenin# 2ement has #reater shrinka#e than $rdinar P$rtland 2ement.
=1 Temperature J an im%$rtant )a2t$r 8hi2h in)luen2es the 8ater re9uirement $) 2$n2rete
and thus its shrinka#e is the tem%erature $) )resh 2$n2rete. 'his is illustrated in Bi#.1.4 based
$n studies made b Bureau $) Re2lamati$n0 ,SA ;.
7
!i)ure 9,>: E""e(t #" Temperature #" !re&$ C#n(rete #n 4ater Re%uirement
&) tem%erature $) 2$n2rete #ets l$8ered )r$m ;FIC t$ 10IC it 8$uld result in redu2ti$n $)
8ater re9uirement t$ the e=tent $) ab$ut 25 litres %er 2ubi2 meter $) 2$n2rete )$r the same
slum%. &t0 thus0 )$ll$8s that in a tr$%i2al 2$untr like &ndia0 2$n2rete 8$rk d$ne in mild
8inter.
CRACKS IN !RES0L7 LAID CE-ENT CONCRETE
&n )reshl laid 2ement 2$n2rete %avements and slabs0 s$metimes 2ra2ks $22ur be)$re 2$n2rete
has set due t$ %lasti2 shrinka#e. 'his ha%%ens i) 2$n2rete sur)a2e l$ses 8ater )aster than
bleedin# a2ti$n brin#s it t$ t$% $) 2$n2rete at the sur)a2e results in shrinka#e and as 2$n2rete
in %lasti2 state 2ann$t resist an tensi$nM sh$rt 2ra2ks devel$% in the material. 'hese 2ra2ks
ma be 5 t$ 10 2m in de%th and their 8idth 2$uld be as mu2h as ; mm. An2e )$rmed these
2ra2ks sta and ma0 a%art )r$m bein# unsi#htl a))e2t servi2eabilit $) the 5$b. &n $rder0 t$
%revent %lasti2 shrinka#e $) 2$n2rete0 it is ne2essar t$ take ste%s s$ as t$ sl$8 d$8n the rate
$) eva%$rati$n )r$m the sur)a2e $) )reshl laid 2$n2rete. &mmediatel a)ter %la2in# $)
2$n2rete0 s$lid %arti2les $) the in#redients $) 2$n2rete be#in t$ settle d$8n b #ravit a2ti$n
and 8ater rises t$ the sur)a2e. 'his %r$2ess J kn$8n as bleedin#J%r$du2es a laer $) 8ater
at the sur)a2e and 2$ntinues till 2$n2rete has set. As l$n# as rate $) eva%$rati$n is l$8er than
the rate $) bleedin#0 there is a 2$ntinu$us laer $) 8ater at the sur)a2e0 as eviden2ed b the
a%%earan2e $) L8ater sheenK $n the sur)a2e and shrinka#e d$es n$t $22ur.
8
CRACKS IN BRICK 4ORK DUE TO E?PANTION
Dhen 2la bri2ks .$r $ther 2la %r$du2ts/ are )ired0 be2ause $) hi#h tem%erature .900IC t$
1000IC/0 n$t $nl interm$le2ular 8ater but als$ 8ater that )$rms a %art $) the m$le2ular
stru2ture $) 2la0 is driven $ut. A)ter burnin#0 as the tem%erature $) bri2ks )alls d$8n0 the
m$isture3hun#r bri2ks start abs$rbin# m$isture )r$m the envir$nment and under#$ #radual
e=%ansi$n0 bulk $) this e=%ansi$n bein# irreversible.
(=tent $) irreversible e=%ansi$n de%ends $n the nature $) s$il0 that is0 its 2hemi2al
and mineral$#i2al 2$m%$siti$n and the ma=imum tem%erature $) burnin#. Dhen bri2ks are
)ired at ver hi#h tem%erature0 as in the 2ase $) en#ineerin# bri2ks0 be2ause $) )usi$n $) s$il
%arti2les0 there is dis2$ntinuit in the %$res and as a result0 8ater abs$r%ti$n and m$isture
m$vements are less.
-EASURES !OR CONTROLLING CRACKS DUE TO S0RINKAGE
.&/ t$ av$id 2ra2ks in bri2k8$rk $n a22$unt $) initial e=%ansi$n0 a minimum %eri$d varin#
)r$m 1 8eek t$ 2 8eeks is re2$mmended b auth$rities )$r st$ra#e $) bri2ks a)ter these are
rem$ved )r$m -ilns.
.ii/ Shrinka#e 2ra2ks in mas$nr 2$uld be minimiCed b av$idin# use $) ri2h 2ement m$rtar
in mas$nr and b delain# %laster 8$rk till mas$nr has dried a)ter %r$%er 2urin# and has
under#$ne m$st $) its initial shrinka#e.
.iii/ ,se $) %re2ast tiles in 2ase $) terraCC$ )l$$rin# is an e=am%le $) this measure. &n 2ase $)
in3situ<terraCC$ )l$$rin#0 2ra2ks are 2$ntr$lled b lain# the )l$$r in small alternate %anels $r
b intr$du2in# stri%s $) #lass0 aluminium $r s$me %lasti2 material at 2l$se intervals in a #rid
%attern0 s$ as t$ render the shrinka#e 2ra2ks im%er2e%tibl small.
.iv/ &n 2ase $) stru2tural 2$n2rete0 shrinka#e 2ra2ks are 2$ntr$lled b use $) rein)$r2ement0
2$mm$nl termed as Ktem%erature rein)$r2ementK. 'his rein)$r2ement is intended t$ 2$ntr$l
shrinka#e as 8ell as tem%erature e))e2t in 2$n2rete and is m$re e))e2tive i) bars are small in
diameter and are thus 2l$sel s%a2ed0 s$ that0 $nl thin 2ra2ks 8hi2h are less %er2e%tible0
$22ur.
9,; T0ER-AL VARIATIONS
&t is a 8ell kn$8n %hen$men$n $) s2ien2e that all materials0 m$re $r less0 e=%and $n heatin#
and 2$ntra2t $n 2$$lin#. 1a#nitude $) m$vement0 h$8ever0 varies )$r di))erent materials
de%endin# $n their m$le2ular stru2ture and $ther %r$%erties. Dhen there is s$me restraint t$
9
1$vement $) a 2$m%$nent $) a stru2ture0 internal stresses are set u% in the 2$m%$nent0
resultin# in 2ra2ks due t$ tensile $r shear stresses. (=tent $) thermal m$vement in a
2$m%$nent de%ends $n a number $) )a2t$rs0 su2h as tem%erature variati$n0 dimensi$ns0 2$3
e))i2ient $) e=%ansi$n and s$me $ther %hsi2al %r$%erties $) the materials.
N >ata 2$ntained in this table is )r$m KPrin2i%les $) m$dern buildin#sK. "$l. &1 e=2e%tin#
item .iii/0 8hi2h is )r$m the KPer)$rman2e $) hi#hO rise mas$nr stru2tures 1F and item .vi/
8hi2h is )r$m K 'hermal m$vements and e=%ansi$n 5$ints in buildin#s. C$e))i2ients $)
'hermal e=%ansi$n $) s$me $) the 2$mm$n buildin# materials are #iven in 'able 2.
TABLE ; COE!!ICIENT O! T0ER-AL E?PANSION O! SO-E
CO--ON BUILDING -ATERIALS .4IT0IN T0E RANGE @AC
t# I@@AC1
S,NO -ATERIAL CO2E!!ICENT O!
T0E-AL E?PANSION
.1/ .2/ .;/
i/ Bri(3& and bri(3'#r3 5 t$ 7
ii/ Cement m#rtar and
C#n(rete
10 t$ 14
iii/ Sand2ime bri(3& 11 t$ 14
iv/ St#ne&:
a/ &#ne$us r$2ks .#ranite0
et2/
F t$10
b/ !imest$nePs 2.4 t$ 9
2/ 1arble 1.4 t$ 11
d/ Sandst$nes 7 t$ 16
e/ Slates 6 t$ 10
v/ -eta&:
a/ Aluminium 25
b/ Br$nCe 17.6
2/ C$%%er 17.;
d/ !ead 29
e/ Steel and ir$n 11 t$ 1;
!ACTORS E!!ECT T0E T0ER-AL -OVE-ENT
Ather )a2t$rs 8hi2h in)luen2e the thermal m$vement $) 2$m%$nent areE 2$l$ur and sur)a2e
2hara2teristi2s0 thermal 2$ndu2tivit0 %r$visi$n $) an insulatin# $r %r$te2tive laer and
internall #enerated heat0 as dis2ussed bel$8E
A1 C##ur and Sur"a(e C$ara(teri&ti(&
10
>ark 2$l$ured and r$u#h te=tured materials have l$8er re)le2tivit than li#ht 2$l$ured and
sm$$th te=tured materials and thus0 )$r the same0 lk0l%. Q.e=%$sure 2$nditi$ns0 #ain $) heat
and 2$nse9uentl rise in tem%erature $) the )$rmer is m$re.
b1 T$erma C#ndu(ti+it*
!$8 thermal 2$ndu2tivit $) a 2$m%$nent0 8hi2h is sub5e2t t$ s$lar radiati$n0 %r$du2es a
thermal #radient in the 2$m%$nent0 resultin# in 8ar%in# $) the 2$m%$nent. &n 2ase $) 2$n2rete
r$$) slabs0 as the material has l$8 2$ndu2tivit0 thermal #radient is 9uite a%%re2iable and that
2auses the slab t$ ar2h u% and als$ t$ m$ve $ut8ard due t$ heat )r$m the sun. 'his results in
2ra2ks in e=ternal 8alls 8hi2h su%%$rt the slab and in the internal 8alls that are built u% t$ the
s$))it $) the slab. &t is thus ver ne2essar t$ %r$vide a laer $) ade9uate thi2kness $) a
suitable material %re)erabl 8ith a #$$d re)le2tive sur)a2e $ver 2$n2rete r$$) slab in $rder t$
minimiCe 2ra2kin# in 8alls.
(1 Pr#+i&i#n #" an In&uatin) #r Pr#te(ti+e La*er
&) there is a laer $) an insulatin# $r heat abs$rbin# material a2tin# as %r$te2tive 2$ver t$ a0
2$m%$nent0 shieldin# it )r$m sun ras0 heat #ain $r l$ss $) the 2$m%$nent is 2$nsiderabl
redu2ed and thus its thermal m$vement is lessened.
d1 Interna* Generated 0eat
Rise $) tem%erature in )resh 2$n2rete 2an take %la2e n$t $nl due t$ heat #ained )r$m an
e=ternal s$ur2e but als$ due t$ heat #enerated 8ithin the material b hdrati$n $) 2ement.
Re)le2tivit 2$3e))i2ient $) s$me $) the 2$mm$nl used buildin# materials are #iven in 'able
;.
TABLE < 0EAT RE!LECTIVIT7 CO2E!!ICIENT O! SO-E
CO--ON BUILDING -ATERIALS
S.+$ 1aterial Re)le2tivit C$3e))i2ient
.1/ .2/ .;/
&/ As%halt 0.09 t$ 0.17
ii/ ?.&. sheets 0.10 t$ 0.;6
iii/ Asbest$s 2ement sheets 0.29 t$ 0.5F
11
iv/ Bri2k8$rk .e=%$sed/ 0.;0 t$ 0.5F
v/ Cement m$rtar and
2$n2rete
0.;4 t$ 0.65
vi/ ?ranite .reddish/ 0.45
"ii/ Aluminium %aint 0.46
viii/ Aluminium sheets 0.47
i=/ 1arble .8hite/ 0.56
=/ Dhite %aint 0.71
=i/ Dhite8ash 0.79 t$ 0.91
-EASURES !OR CONTROLLING CRACKS DUE TO S0RINKAGE
S$me #eneral measures )$r %reventi$n $) 2ra2ks due t$ thermal m$vement are #iven bel$8E
a/ Dherever )easible0 %r$visi$n sh$uld be made in the desi#n and 2$nstru2ti$n $) stru2tures
)$r unrestrained m$vement $) %arts0 b intr$du2in# m$vement 5$ints $) vari$us t%es0
namel0 e=%ansi$n 5$ints0 2$ntr$l 5$ints and sli% 5$ints.
b/ (ven 8hen 5$ints )$r m$vement are %r$vided in vari$us %arts $) a stru2ture0 s$me am$unt
$) restraint t$ m$vement due t$ b$nd0 )ri2ti$n and shear is unav$idable. C$n2rete0 bein#
str$n# in 2$m%ressi$n0 2an stand e=%ansi$n but0 bein# 8eak in tensi$n0 it tends t$ devel$%
2ra2ks due t$ 2$ntra2ti$n and shrinka#e0 unless it is %r$vided 8ith ade9uate rein)$r2ement )$r
this %ur%$se. . 1embers in 9uesti$n 2$uld thus devel$% 2ra2ks $n a22$unt $) 2$ntra2ti$n and
shrinka#e in the latter dire2ti$n. &t is0 there)$re0 ne2essar t$ %r$vide s$me rein)$r2ement
2alled Ktem%erature rein)$r2ementO in that dire2ti$n.
2/ Aver )lat r$$) slabs0 a laer $) s$me insulatin# material $r s$me $ther material havin#
#$$d heat insulati$n 2a%a2it0 %re)erabl al$n# 8ith a hi#h re)le2tivit )inish0 sh$uld be
%r$vided s$ as t$ redu2e heat l$ad $n the r$$) slab.
PROVISION O! JOINTS IN STRUCTURE
1$vement 5$ints in stru2tures are intr$du2ed s$ that undul hi#h stresses are n$t set u% in an
%art $) a stru2ture0 and it ma n$t devel$% unsi#htl 2ra2ks. Dhen a 5$int %ermits e=%ansi$n
as 8ell as 2$ntra2ti$n it is termed as Ke=%ansi$n 5$int 5 0 8hen it all$8s $nl 2$ntra2ti$n0 it is
termed as K2$ntr$l 5$intK and 8hen the 5$int %ermits slidin# m$vement $) $ne 2$m%$nent $ver
an$ther it is termed as Ksli% 5$intP. &n)$rmati$n #iven in 'able 4 is intended t$ serve as a
#eneral #uide in this re#ard.
TABLE >: A GENERAL GUIDE !OR PROVISION O! -OVE-ENT
12
JOINTS INBUILDINGS
T*pe #" Stru(ture -#+ement #" J#int&
1. RCC r$$) slab Pr$vide 20 t$ 25 mm 8ide0 5$int at 10 t$
20 1 a%art
2. Su%%$rts )$r RCC slabs 4
t$ 6m len#th
Pr$vide sli% 5$int bet8een slab and
bearin# 8all.
;. RCC )ramed and bearin# Stru2ture Pr$vide 25 t$40mm 8ide e=%ansi$n
5$ints at ;0 t$ 45 1 interval
4. *un2ti$n bet8een $ld and ne8 stru2ture Pr$vide verti2al sli% 5$ints
5. C$m%$und 8alls (=%ansi$n 5$int 5 t$ F mm at 5 t$ F 1
interval and 2han#e $) dire2ti$n
6. C$n2rete %avement Pr$vide 20 t$ 25 mm 8ide 5$ints at 25 m
t$ 40 m interval 8ith 2$ntr$l 5$ints at 5
t$ F m. &n 2r$ss dire2ti$n 2$ntr$l 5$ints
have t$ be %r$vided at ; t$ 5 m intervals.
7. Cha55a Pr$vide e=%ansi$n 5$int 5 t$ F mm 8ide
at 4 t$ 6 1 interval.
F. RCC Railin# Pr$vide e=%ansi$n 5$ints 5 t$ F mm 8ide
at 6 t$ 9 m interval.
N#te B "#r &ei&mi( C#ne& III6 IV / V6 e8pan&i#n =#int& $a+e t# be mu($ 'ider "#r '$i($
IS: ><;D29EFD GC#de #" pra(ti(e "#r eart$%ua3e re&i&tant de&i)n and (#n&tru(ti#n #"
buidin)& ."ir&t re+i&i#n1 &$#ud be re"erred,
9,< ELASTIC DE!OR-ATION
Stru2tural 2$m%$nents $) a buildin# su2h as 8alls0 2$lumns0 beams and slabs0 #enerall
2$nsistin# $) materials like mas$nr0 2$n2rete0 steel0 et20 under#$ elasti2 de)$rmati$n due t$
l$ad in a22$rdan2e 8ith H$$kKs la80 the am$unt $) de)$rmati$n de%endin# u%$n elasti2
m$dulus $) the material0 ma#nitude $) l$adin# and dimensi$ns $) the 2$m%$nents. 'his
de)$rmati$n0 under 2ir2umstan2es su2h as th$se menti$ned bel$80 2auses 2ra2kin# in s$me
%$rti$nsE
a/ Dhen 8alls are unevenl l$aded 8ith 8ide variati$ns in stress in di))erent %arts0 e=2essive
shear strain is devel$%ed 8hi2h 2auses 2ra2kin# in 8alls.
13
b/ Dhen a beam $r slab $) lar#e s%an under#$es e=2essive de)le2ti$n and there is n$t mu2h
verti2al l$ad ab$ve the su%%$rts0 ends $) beam<slab 2url u% 2ausin# 2ra2ks in su%%$rtin#
mas$nr.
!i)ure 9,H: Detai& #" bearin) at t$e &upp#rt& "#r a r##" &ab #" ar)e &pan
2/ Dhen t8$ materials0 havin# 8idel di))erent elasti2 %r$%erties0 are built side b side0 under
the e))e2t $) l$ad0 shear stress is set u% at the inter)a2e $) the t8$ materials0 resultin# in3
2ra2ks at the 5un2ti$n. Sahlin has re2$mmended use $) 2ellular %lasti2 %ad 8ith a laer $) tar3
)elt under the slab bearin# t$#ether 8ith a )illin# $) mineral 8$$l bet8een the slab and bri2k
2$ver in the u%%er3m$st $ne $r t8$ st$rePs $) a multi3st$ried buildin# havin# lar#e s%ans s$
as t$ av$id 2ra2ks at su%%$rts due t$ de)le2ti$n0 and shrinka#e $) slab as sh$8n in )i#ure 1.5.
9,> -OVE-ENT DUE TO CREEP
S$me buildin# items0 su2h as 2$n2rete0 bri2k8$rk and timber0 8hen sub5e2ted t$ sustained
l$ads n$t $nl under#$ instantane$us elasti2 de)$rmati$n0 but als$ e=hibit a #radual and sl$8
time3de%endent de)$rmati$n kn$8n as 2ree% $r %lasti2 strain. 'he latter is made u% $) delaed
elasti2 strain 8hi2h re2$vers 8hen l$ad is rem$ved0 and vis2$us strain 8hi2h a%%ears as
14
%ermanent set and remains a)ter rem$val $) l$ad. 'his %hen$men$n kn$8n as 2ree% is
e=%lained in Bi#. 1.6.
!i)ure 9,D: P$en#men#n #" (reep "#r a Vi&(#2Ea&ti( materia
BENE!ICIAL E!!ECT O! CREEP
&n 2ertain situati$ns0 2ree% has a bene)i2ial e))e2t $n the %er)$rman2e $) materials0 as it tends
t$ relieve shrinka#e and thermal stresses. B$r e=am%le0 seas$nal variati$ns in tem%erature
bein# #radual and sl$80 have less dama#in# e))e2t $n a stru2ture be2ause $) 2ree% in the
material. Similarl0 i) %r$2ess $) 2urin# $) 2$n2rete and mas$nr is dis2$ntinued #raduall0
thereb sl$8in# d$8n the %a2e $) drin# $) these items0 shrinka#e stress #ets relieved due t$
2ree%0 and 2ra2kin# due t$ shrinka#e is lessened.
-EASURES !OR PREVENTION O! CRACKS DUE TO CREEP
'h$u#h it ma n$t be %$ssible t$ eliminate 2ra2kin# alt$#ether0 )$ll$8in# measures 8ill
2$nsiderabl hel% in minimiCati$n $) 2ra2ks due t$ elasti2 strain0 2ree% and shrinka#eE
1/ ,se 2$n2rete 8hi2h has l$8 shrinka#e and l$8 slum%.
2/ >$ n$t ad$%t a ver )ast %a2e $) 2$nstru2ti$n.
15
;/ >$ n$t %r$vide bri2k8$rk $ver a )le=ural RCC member .beam $r slab/ be)$re rem$val $)
2enterin#0 and all$8 a time interval $) at least 2 8eeks bet8een rem$val $) 2enterin# and
2$nstru2ti$n $) %artiti$n $r %anel 8all $ver it.
4/ Dhen bri2k mas$nr is t$ be laid abuttin# an RCC 2$lumn0 de)er bri2k8$rk as mu2h as
%$ssible.
5/ Dhen RCC and bri2k8$rk $22ur in 2$mbinati$n and are t$ be %lastered $ver0 all$8
su))i2ient time .at least $ne m$nth/ t$ RCC and3 bri2k8$rk t$ under#$ initial shrinka#e and
2ree% be)$re takin# u% %laster 8$rk. Als$0 either %r$vide a #r$$ve in the %laster at the
5un2ti$n $r )i= a 10 2m 8ide stri% $) metal mesh $r lathin# $ver the 5un2ti$n t$ a2t as
rein)$r2ement )$r the %laster.
6/ &n 2ase $) RCC members 8hi2h are liable t$ de)le2t a%%re2iabl under l$ad0 )$r e=am%le0
2antilevered beams and slabs0 rem$val $) 2enterin# and im%$siti$n $) l$ad sh$uld be de)erred
as mu2h as %$ssible .at least $ne m$nth/ s$ that 2$n2rete attains3su))i2ient stren#th0 be)$re it
bears the l$ad.
9,H -OVE-ENT DUE TO C0E-ICAL REACTION
Certain 2hemi2al rea2ti$ns in buildin# materials result in a%%re2iable in2rease in v$lume $)
materials0 and internal stresses are set u% 8hi2h ma result in $ut8ard thrust and )$rmati$n $)
2ra2ks. 'he materials inv$lved in rea2ti$n als$ #et3 8eakened in stren#th. C$mm$nl
$22urrin# instan2es $) this %hen$men$n areE sul%hate atta2k $n 2ement %r$du2ts0 2arb$nati$n
in 2ement3based materials0 and 2$rr$si$n $) rein)$r2ement in 2$n2rete and bri2k8$rk0 and
alkali3a##re#ate rea2ti$n.
E!!ECT O! C0E-ICAL REACTION
A1 Due t# Sup$ate Atta(3
S$luble sul%hate 8hi2h is s$metimes %resent in s$il0 #r$und 8ater $r 2la bri2ks rea2t 8ith
tri32al2ium aluminates 2$ntent $) 2ement and hdrauli2 lime in the %resen2e $) m$isture and
)$rm %r$du2ts 8hi2h $22u% mu2h bi##er v$lume than that $) the $ri#inal 2$nstituents. 'his
e=%ansive rea2ti$n results in 8eakenin# $) mas$nr0 2$n2rete and %laster and )$rmati$n $)
2ra2ks. B$r su2h a rea2ti$n t$ take %la2e0 it is ne2essar that s$luble sul%hates0 tri2al2ium
aluminates and m$isture J all the three are %resent.
Severit $) sul%hate atta2k in an situati$n de%ends u%$nE
16
a/ Am$unt $) s$luble sul%hates %resentM
b/ Permeabilit $) 2$n2rete and m$rtarM
2/ %r$%$rti$n $) tri32al2ium aluminates %resent in the 2ement used in 2$n2rete and m$rtarM
and Sul%hate atta2k $n 2$n2rete and m$rtar $) mas$nr in )$undati$n and %linth 8$uld result
in 8eakenin# $) these 2$m%$nents and 1a0 in 2$urse $) time0 result in une9ual settlement $)
)$undati$n and 2ra2ks in the su%erstru2ture. &) bri2k a##re#ate used in base 2$n2rete $)
)l$$rin# 2$ntains t$$ mu2h $) s$luble sul%hates .m$re than 1 %er2ent/ and 8ater table is hi#h
s$ as t$ 2ause l$n# s%ells $) dam%ness in the base 2$n2rete0 the latter 8ill in 2$urse $) time
s8ell u% resultin# in u% heavin# and 2ra2kin# $) the 2$n2rete )l$$r.
!i)ure 9,F: Cra(3in) and Up2$ea+in) #" a tie "##r due t# Sup$ate A(ti#n in
ba&e (#n(rete
,%3heavin# $) a 2$n2rete tile )l$$r due t$ sul%hate atta2k is sh$8n in Bi#ure 1.7.
Genera -ea&ure& "#r A+#idan(e #" Sup$ate Atta(3:
a/ &n 2ase $) stru2tural 2$n2rete in )$undati$n0 i) sul%hate 2$ntent in s$il e=2eeds 0.2 %er2ent
$r in #r$und 8ater e=2eeds ;00 %%m0 use ver dense 2$n2rete and either in2rease ri2hness $)
mi= t$ 1E1<5E; $r use sul%hate resistin# P$rtland 2ement<su%er3sul%hated 2ement $r ad$%t a
2$mbinati$n $) the t8$ meth$ds de%endin# u%$n the sul%hate 2$ntent $) the s$il.
b/ B$r su%erstru2ture mas$nr0 av$id use $) bri2ks 2$ntainin# t$$ mu2h $) s$luble sul%hates
.m$re than 1 %er2ent in e=%$sed situati$ns0 su2h as %ara%ets0 )ree standin# 8alls and mas$nr
in 2$nta2t 8ith dam% s$il as in )$undati$n and retainin# 8allsM and m$re than ; %er2ent in
2ase $) 8alls in less e=%$sed l$2ati$ns/ and i) use $) su2h bri2ks 2ann$t be av$ided0 use ri2h
2ement m$rtar .1E1<2E4.5 $r 1E1<4 E;/ )$r mas$nr as 8ell as %laster $r use s%e2ial 2ements
menti$ned earlier and take all %$ssible %re2auti$ns t$ %revent dam%ness in mas$nr.
b1 Due t# C#rr#&i#n #" Rein"#r(ement
,nder m$st 2$nditi$ns 2$n2rete %r$vides #$$d %r$te2ti$n t$ steel embedded in it. Pr$te2tive
17
"alue $) 2$n2rete de%ends u%$n hi#h alkalinit and relativel hi#h ele2tri2al resistivit $)
2$n2rete0 e=tent $) %r$te2ti$n0 de%endin# u%$n the 9ualit $) 2$n2rete0 de%th $) 2$n2rete
2$ver and 8$rkmanshi%. As steel #ets 2$rr$ded0 it in2reases in v$lume thus settin# u% internal
stress in 2$n2rete. &n 2$urse $) time it )irst 2auses 2ra2ks in line 8ith the dire2ti$n $)
rein)$r2ement and later 2auses s%allin# $) 2$n2rete0 disl$d#in# 2$ver $) rein)$r2ement )r$m
the b$d $) the 2$n2rete0 thus seri$usl dama#in# the stru2ture. '$ %revent su2h 2ra2kin# and
%remature deteri$rati$n0 it is desirable t$ s%e2i) 2$n2rete $) ri2her mi= .sa 1E1<5E;/ )$r thin
se2ti$ns in e=%$sed l$2ati$ns and t$ take s%e2ial 2are ab$ut #radin#0 slum%0 2$m%a2ti$n and
2urin# $) 2$n2rete.
.
!i)ure 9,I: Cra(3in) due t# (#rr#&i#n #" rein"#r(ement
9,D !OUNDATION -OVE-ENT AND SETTLE-ENT O! SOIL
Shear 2ra2ks in buildin#s $22ur 8hen there is lar#e di))erential settlement $) )$undati$n either
due t$ une9ual bearin# %ressure under di))erent %arts $) the stru2ture $r due t$ bearin#
%ressure $n s$il bein# in e=2ess $) sa)e bearin# stren#th $) the s$il $r due t$ l$8 )a2t$r $)
sa)et in the desi#n $) )$undati$n.
E!!ECT O! E?PANSIVE SOIL ON BUILDING
Buildin#s 2$nstru2ted $n shrinkable 2las .als$ s$metimes 2alled e=%ansive s$ils/ 8hi2h
s8ell $n abs$rbin# m$isture and shrink $r drin# as a result $) 2han#e in m$isture 2$ntent $)
the s$il0 are e=tremel 2ra2k %r$ne and s%e2ial measures are ne2essar t$ %revent 2ra2ks in
su2h 2ases. ())e2t $) m$isture variati$n #enerall e=tends u% t$ ab$ut ;.5 m de%th )r$m the
sur)a2e and bel$8 that de%th it be2$mes ne#li#ible. R$$ts $) )ast #r$8in# trees0 h$8ever
2ause drin# and shrinka#e $) s$il t$ #reater de%th. ())e2t $) s$il m$vement 2an be av$ided
18
$r 2$nsiderabl redu2ed b takin# the )$undati$n ;.5 m dee% and usin# m$$rum0 #ranular s$il
$r 9uarr s%$il )$r )illin# in )$undati$n tren2hes and in %linth. "ariati$n in m$isture 2$ntent
$) s$il under the )$undati$n $) a buildin# 2$uld be 2$nsiderabl redu2ed b %r$vidin# a
8ater%r$$) a%r$n all r$und the buildin#. ,se $) under3reamed %iles in )$undati$n )$r
2$nstru2ti$n $n shrinkable s$ils has %r$ved e))e2tive and e2$n$mi2al )$r av$idin# 2ra2ks and
$ther )$undati$n %r$blems. &t is ne2essar that bulb $) the %ile is taken t$ a de%th 8hi2h is n$t
mu2h a))e2ted b m$isture variati$ns.
PROVISION O! 0ORICONTAL E?TENTION 4IT0 AN E?PENTION
JOINT
S$metimes it be2$mes ne2essar t$ make a h$riC$ntal e=tensi$n t$ an e=istin# stru2ture.
Sin2e )$undati$n $) a buildin# #enerall under#$es s$me settlement as l$ad 2$mes $n the
)$undati$n0 it is ne2essar t$ ensure that ne8 2$nstru2ti$n is n$t b$nded 8ith the $ld
2$nstru2ti$n and the t8$ %arts .$ld and ne8/ are se%arated b a sli% $r e=%ansi$n 5$ints ri#ht
)r$m b$tt$m t$ the t$%0 as $ther8ise 8hen the ne8l 2$nstru2ted %$rti$n under#$es
settlement0 an unsi#htl 2ra2k ma $22ur at the 5un2ti$n. Care sh$uld als$ be taken that in the
vi2init $) the $ld buildin#M n$ e=2avati$n bel$8 the )$undati$n level $) that buildin# is
made. Dhen %lasterin# the ne8 8$rk a dee% #r$$ve sh$uld be )$rmed se%aratin# the ne8
8$rk )r$m the $ld. &) the e=istin# stru2ture is 9uite l$n# .20 t$ 25 m/0 the $ld and ne8 8$rk
sh$uld be se%arated b an e=%ansi$n 5$int 8ith a #a% $) ab$ut 25 t$ 40 mm s$ as t$ all$8
s$me r$$m )$r unhindered e=%ansi$n $) the t8$ %$rti$ns $) the buildin#.
9,F CRACKING DUE TO VEGETATION
(=isten2e $) ve#etati$n0 su2h as )ast #r$8in# trees in the vi2init $) 2$m%$und 8alls 2an
s$metimes 2ause 2ra2ks in 8alls due t$ e=%ansive a2ti$n $) r$$ts #r$8in# under the
)$undati$n. R$$ts $) a tree #enerall s%read h$riC$ntall $n all sides t$ the e=tent $) hei#ht $)
the tree ab$ve the #r$und and 8hen trees are l$2ated 2l$se t$ a 8allM these sh$uld al8as be
vie8ed 8ith sus%i2i$n.
19
!i)ure 9,E: Cra(3in) #" a (#mp#und 'a due t# )r#'in) r##t& under t$e
"#undati#n
T0E CASE STUD7
A 2ase stud )$r 2auses $) 2ra2ks and the re%air $) the main r$$)in# beams $) Hall 2$n2rete
slab 8ill be %resented. 'his 2ha%ter in2ludes the )$ll$8in#E
13 Ba2k#r$und
23 &nvesti#ati$n
;3 Re%air %r$%$sals
43 Re%air 8$rk
53 (valuati$n $) the re%air 8$rk
20
;,9 BACKGROUND
'he a))li2ted stru2ture )$rms %art $) the ?ram Shabha Hall at !$hian. 'he buildin# 8as
desi#ned )$r 500 %ers$ns. 'he buildin# is $ne st$r and it 2$nsists $) 1ain Hall 8ith area 20=
;0m0 kit2hen0 st$re0 and r$$ms )$r %ers$ns. Bi#ure 2.1 sh$8s the la$ut $) the buildin#. 'he
buildin# 8as under 2$nstru2ti$n and the 8$rk 8as rea2hed the )inishin# sta#e. Attenti$n 8as
dra8n t$8ards the main beams in the Hall 8here stru2tural distress in the )$rm $) )le=ural
and shear 2ra2kin# had been $bserved. Cra2kin# 8as )irst n$ti2ed in Au#ust and b
Se%temberM it had %r$#ressed t$ the e=tent that the 2lient re9uested immediate a2ti$n b the
2$ntra2t$r. Bi#ure 2.2E sh$8s the 2ra2ks in the beams.
!i)ure ;,9: Buidin) La*#ut
21
;,; INVESTIGATION
An investi#ati$n %r$2ess 8as 2arried $ut in $rder t$ determine the 2auses $) 2ra2ks. 'he
investi#ati$n %r$2ess basi2all 2$nsists $) revie8in# te2hni2al in)$rmati$n0 2$nditi$n surve
$) the site )$r visual ins%e2ti$n0 s%e2i)i2 )ield tests t$ 2he2k )$r stren#th0 rein)$r2ement
details0 et2. 'he investi#ati$n %r$2ess 2arried $ut in $rder t$ determine the 2auses $) 2ra2ks $)
HallPs beams 8as in2luded the )$ll$8in# %hasesE
Vi&ua In&pe(ti#n
'he )irst si#ns $) deteri$rati$n in 2$n2rete buildin#s are usuall )ine 2ra2ks and rust stains
8hi2h ma be a22$m%anied b s%allin# $) 2$n2rete. "isual &ns%e2ti$n is the )irst ste% t$ be
taken in $rder t$ %re%are a 2$m%lete investi#ati$n t$ determine the 2ause0 nature and e=tent $)
deteri$rati$n. Based $n the visual ins%e2ti$n )$r the main beams $) the Hall0 it 8as $bserved
the )$ll$8in#E
22
!i)ure ;,;: Cra(3& in t$e beam&
N Cra2kin# $) all 12m and 16m s%an '3beams runnin# al$n# the len#th $) the buildin# has
been $bserved in the r$$) slab.
N 'he 2ra2kin# )$ll$8s %atterns 2hara2teristi2all ass$2iated 8ith )le=ural and shear )ailure.
N Ble=ural 2ra2kin# 8as s%a2ed at ab$ut 200mm intervals al$n# the s%an and had e=tended
600mm u% the 8eb $) the se2ti$n.
N >ia#$nal shear 2ra2kin# 8as )$und t$ be a%%r$=imatel 600mm in len#th initiated at
a%%r$=imatel 0.5 meter )r$m the su%%$rt.
N Cra2ks var in siCe0 )r$m )ine 2ra2ks .R0.;mm/ t$ lar#e .R2.0mm/.
N C$n2rete 8as #enerall s$und 8ith n$ si#ns $) s%allin#.
N At a number $) l$2ati$ns0 the rein)$r2ement 8as ins%e2ted and )$und t$ be )ree $)
2$rr$si$n.
!ied In+e&ti)ati#n
'he %ur%$se $) this investi#ati$n 8as t$ determine the 2$m%ressive stren#th and stru2tural
ade9ua2 $) 2$n2rete in the stru2ture0 as a result $) visible 2ra2ks and d$ubt in the 9ualit $)
2$n2rete. A t$tal $) )ive .5/ 2$res 8ere drilled )r$m the beams $) the Hall r$$) usin# a r$t$3
hammer drill 8ith a n$minal 6 mm bit drillin# a h$le ;03;5 mm dee% int$ 2$n2rete 21. All the
)ive 2$res 8ere tested in 2$m%ressi$n a)ter 2al2ulatin# the avera#e 2r$ss se2ti$nal area $)
ea2h 2$re. 'he test results are sh$8n in the table bel$8 and the 2$m%lete re%$rt is atta2hed in
the A%%endi=.
C#re
J
Den&it*
.NKm< 1
C#mpre&&i+e Stren)t$
. NK mm; 1
1 21100 12.2
2 21710 14.1
; 21620 1;.5
4 22;00 14.5
5 22240 14.9
Stru(tura De&i)n Re+ie'
As %art $) the investi#ati$n0 the stru2tural desi#ns )$r the 2ra2ked beams 8ere revie8ed. 'he
analsis has revealed that0 based $n the $ri#inal desi#n stren#th $) the 2$n2rete0 20 +<mm2
the beams are sa)e under e=%e2ted l$adin# 2$nditi$ns. ,sin# the in3situ stren#th $) the
2$n2rete0 14 +< mm20 as a basis )$r 2he2ks0 the analsis reveals that the ultimate m$ment
2a%a2it $) the beams is e=2eeded.
23
'he 2al2ulati$ns .atta2hed in the A%%endi=/ sh$8ed that the m$ment 2a%a2it is
redu2ed )$r the beams. 'hus0 leadin# t$ redu2ti$n in the $verall )a2t$r $) sa)et $) the sstem.
C#n(u&i#n O" T$e In+e&ti)ati#n 4#r3
a1 Interpretati#n #" (#re te&t re&ut&
A22$rdin# t$ the stru2tural desi#n $) the buildin#0 the 2F3da desi#n 2$n2rete 2linder
stren#th 8as re9uired t$ be 20 +< mm2. &n a22$rdan2e 8ith &SE 45632000 C$de Re9uirements
)$r Rein)$r2ed C$n2rete 60 C$n2rete in an area re%resented b 2$re tests shall be 2$nsidered
stru2turall ade9uate i) the avera#e $) three 2$res is e9ual t$ at least F5 %er2ent $) the desi#n
stren#th and i) n$ sin#le 2$re is less than 75 %er2ent $) the desi#n stren#th. &) these
re9uirements are n$t met and i) d$ubts 2$n2ernin# the sa)et $) a stru2ture remain a stru2tural
stren#th investi#ati$n b analsis $r b means $) l$ad tests is re9uired. 'here)$re0
'he l$8est individual 2$re 2$m%ressive stren#th re9uiredE
S 0.75 = desi#n stren#th
S0.75 = 20 +<mm
2
S 15 +<mm
2
'he Avera#e $) three 2$re 2$m%ressive stren#th re9uiredE
S 0.F5 = desi#n stren#th
S 0.F5 = 20 +<mm
2
S 17.9 +< mm
2
Based $n the a2tual 2$re 2$m%ressive stren#th test results0 the 2$n2rete in the stru2ture tested
is unsatis)a2t$r in 9ualit and stren#th 2an be 2$nsidered stru2turall inade9uate a22$rdin#
t$ &SE 456320000 C$de $) Pra2ti2e )$r Plain and Rein)$r2ed C$n2rete 6.
b1 Stru(tura a&&e&&ment re&ut
Based $n the $ri#inal desi#n stren#th $) the 2$n2rete .20 +<mm
2
/0 the beams are sa)e under
e=%e2ted l$adin# 2$nditi$ns. ,sin# the in3situ stren#th $) the 2$n2rete0 14 +<mm
2
0 as a basis
)$r 2he2kin#0 the analsis reveals that the ultimate m$ment 2a%a2it $) the beams is
e=2eeded. 'he stru2tural 2al2ulati$ns sh$8ed that the m$ment 2a%a2it $) the beams is
redu2ed. 'his leads t$ redu2ti$n in the $verall )a2t$r $) sa)et $) the sstem 8hi2h means the
beams needed )urther stren#thenin#.
;,< REPAIR PROPOSALS
Havin# 2$m%leted the investi#ati$n 8$rk and dra8n the 2$n2lusi$n 2$n2ernin# the re9uired
remed t$ the %r$blem0 ne=t ste% 8as t$ devel$% a %r$%er re%air sstem. &n $lder t$ s$lve the
%r$blem0 the t8$ alternatives 8ere %r$%$sedE
24
Ep#8* In=e(ti#n
&n this s$luti$n all 2ra2ks sh$uld be in5e2ted 8ith li9uid e%$= resin t%e Araldite $) #rade
.?: 25/ $r e9uivalent. 'his s$luti$n is a22e%table i) the )a2t$r $) sa)et is redu2ed )r$m ;.0
t$ 1.5 and n$ additi$nal l$ads t$ the r$$) in the )uture. Als$0 the beams must be tested a)ter
the 2$m%leti$n $) the re%air 8$rk b usin# l$ad test.
Ep#8* In=e(ti#n ea&in) T$e Se(ti#n #" T$e Beam&
'his s$luti$n )$r kee%in# the )a2t$r $) sa)et e9uals ;.0 as it is re9uired b Buildin#s C$de
Re9uirements )$r Rein)$r2ed C$n2rete. &n this s$luti$n a ne8 laer $) rein)$r2ement sh$uld
Be )itted ar$und the beams and a laer $) 2$n2rete %um%ed usin# sh$t2rete. As an alternative
)$r this s$luti$n0 steel %lates 2an be installed and )i=ed 8ith beams b usin# e%$= resin
b$nded t$ in2rease the stren#th $) the beams )$r the )le=ure and shear stren#th. A)ter
revie8in# the %r$%$sed s$luti$ns and the 2$nditi$ns $) the buildin#0 the s$luti$n $) e%$=
in5e2ti$n 8as sele2ted.
;,> REPAIR 4ORK
As menti$n be)$re e%$= in5e2ti$n s$luti$n 8as sele2ted. 'he )$ll$8in# ste%s 8ere )$ll$8ed
t$ 2arr $ut the re%air 8$rkE
13 'he 2ra2ks 8ere 2leaned th$r$u#hl 8ith 2$m%ressed air.
23 (ntr %$rts .+i%%les/ 8ere installed usin# adhesive material0 s%a2in# 40 2m bet8een the
t8$ ni%%les. B$r s$me 2ra2ks 8hi2h 2$ntinue t$ the $ther side $) the beam0 the ni%%les 8ere
installed in b$th sides 8ith sta##ered distributi$n.
;3 'he 2ra2ks sur)a2es 8ere sealed 8ith e%$= in $rder t$ kee% the in5e2ted e%$= )r$m
leakin# $ut.
43 A)ter drin# the sealed e%$=0 in5e2ti$n %r$2ess 8as started usin# e%$=. 'he in5e2ti$n 8as
e=e2uted usin# in5e2ted sstem )$r e%$=. 'he in5e2ti$n 8as started at the l$8est ni%%le until
the e%$= level rea2hes the ni%%le ab$ve. 'he l$8er ni%%le 8as then 2a%%ed0 and the %r$2ess
8as re%eated at the hi#her ni%%les until the 2ra2k 2$m%letel )illed and all ni%%les 8ere
2a%%ed .Bi#ure 2.;/. 'he in5e2ti$n %r$2ess 8as 2$ntinued until all 2ra2ks 2$m%letel in5e2ted.
53 A)ter drin# the e%$=0 the ni%%les and sur)a2es sealed 8ere rem$ved.
63 &n)$rmati$n ab$ut ea2h 2ra2k 8as re2$rded in tables in2lude the 2ra2k len#th0 2ra2k 8idth0
9uantit $) e%$= in5e2ted0 and als$ dra8in#s sh$8ed the l$2ati$n $) the 2ra2ks $n the beam.
25
;,H REPAIR 4ORK EVALUATION
A22$rdin# t$ Buildin# C$de Re9uirements )$r Rein)$r2ed C$n2rete0 a stren#th evaluati$n
ma be re9uired i) the materials are 2$nsidered t$ be de)i2ient in 9ualit0 i) there is eviden2e
indi2atin# )ault 2$nstru2ti$n0 i) a stru2ture has deteri$rated0 i) a buildin# 8ill be used )$r a
ne8 )un2ti$n0 $r i)0 )$r an reas$n0 a stru2ture $r a %$rti$n $) it d$es n$t a%%ear t$ satis) the
re9uirements $) the 2$de 1.
!i)ure ;,<: Nippe& / (ra(3& a"ter in=e(ti#n
A)ter the 2$m%leti$n $) e%$= in5e2ti$n 8$rk0 l$ad test 8as 2arried $ut $n the re%aired beams
in $rder t$ ensure the e))e2tiveness $) the re%air 8$rk and t$ ensure the inte#rit )$r th$se
beams. 'he %rin2i%al aim $) l$ad test #enerall is t$ dem$nstrate satis)a2t$r %er)$rman2e
under an $verl$ad ab$ve the desi#n 8$rkin# value. 'his is usuall 5ud#ed b measurement $)
de)le2ti$ns under this l$ad0 8hi2h ma be sustained )$r a s%e2i)ied %eri$d. 'he need ma
arise )r$m d$ubts ab$ut the 9ualit $) 2$nstru2ti$n $r desi#n0 $r 8here s$me dama#e has
$22urred0 and the a%%r$a2h is %arti2ularl valuable 8here %ubli2 2$n)iden2e is inv$lved.
'he l$ad test 8as 2arried $ut $n the re%aired beams and the )$ll$8in# %r$2edure 8as
)$ll$8edE
'he t$tal tests l$ad 8as 2al2ulated0
'est l$ad S >esi#n dead l$ad T 1.25 = .desi#n im%$sed !$ad/
A sstem $) steel %i%es atta2hed t$ steel %late 8as ri#idl )i=ed at a test l$2ati$n. A
dial #au#e m$unted $n a tri%$d0 8as )i=ed beneath the steel %i%e. B this means an
de)le2ti$n $) the stru2ture u%$n l$adin#0 8$uld immediatel be transmitted and
26
re2$rded $n a dial #au#e. Preliminar readin#s 8ere taken be)$re the test l$ads 8ere
a%%lied.
'he 2al2ulated test l$ad 8as %la2ed as a l$ad 2$nsisted $) ba#s $) sand in laers0 $n
the r$$) .Bi#ure 2.4/. 'he l$ad 8as %la2ed in in2rements and sustained )$r %eri$d $)
24 h$urs. At 24 h$urs )inal de)le2ti$n readin#s 8ere taken.
'he ma=imum de)le2ti$n all$8ed b the &SE 45632000 2$de 6 8as 2al2ulated
1a=imum de)le2ti$n S !t
2
<2000=h.
'he results sh$8ed that the all$8able de)le2ti$n e9uals 6.4mm and the a2tual
de)le2ti$n e9uals 2.0mm. 'he l$ad test results sh$8ed that the de)le2ti$ns $) the
beams 8ere 8ithin the all$8able limits. 'he results indi2ate the e))e2tiveness $) the
re%air 8$rk0 the inte#rit $) th$se beams and the %er)$rmed a 8ell %er)$rman2e
under an $verl$ad ab$ve the desi#n 8$rkin# value.
!i)ure ;,>: L#adin) t$e r##" .L#ad te&t1
27
CONCLUSION
?enerall s%eakin#0 )$r 2auses and %reventi$n $) 2ra2ks in an %arti2ular 2ase it is
ne2essar t$ make 2are)ul $bservati$ns and t$ 2$lle2t detailed in)$rmati$n in re#ard t$
the )$ll$8in# as%e2ts as ma be relevant t$ a %arti2ular 2aseE
Dhat is the %ast hist$r $) the stru2ture in re#ard t$ ear $) 2$nstru2ti$n0
subse9uent additi$ns and alterati$ns0 ma5$r re%airs0 et2U
Dhat are the s%e2i)i2ati$ns $) that %art $) the stru2ture 8here 2ra2ks have
$22urredU
Dhen the 2ra2ks 8ere )irst $bservedU Have the 2ra2ks sin2e 8idened $r
e=tendedU &) the 2ra2ks are in 8alls sh$uld be )i=ed t$ m$nit$r the %r$#ress $)
2ra2kin#.
>$ the 2ra2ks $%en and 2l$se 8ith 2han#e in tem%erature durin# the 2$urse $)
a daU
Are the 2ra2ks su%er)i2ial $r dee%0 and in the latter 2ase0 8hat is the de%th $)
2ra2kin#U A )ine steel 8ire ma be used as a %r$be t$ measure the de%th $) a
2ra2k and 8here ne2essar0 a small %at2h $) the a))e2ted %art ma be rem$ved
t$ determine the de%th $) a 2ra2k. &n 2ase $) 8alls0 it sh$uld be as2ertained
8hether the 2ra2ks are thr$u#h $r n$t0 b e=aminin# b$th sides $) the 8all.
Dhat are the startin# and endin# %$ints $) the 2ra2ksU Have these an relati$n
8ith the $%enin#s and 8eak se2ti$ns in the buildin#sU >$ the 2ra2ks start
ab$ve >PC $r d$ these %ass thr$u#h >PC and e=tend t$ the )$undati$nU
Dhat are the #e$metries $) the 2ra2ks0 that is0 8hether these are h$riC$ntal0
verti2al0 dia#$nal $r rand$m0 8hether strai#ht0 t$$thed0 ste%%ed and 8hether $)
uni)$rm 8idth $r ta%erin#0 et2U &n 2ase $) verti2al and dia#$nal 2ra2ks in
8alls0 i) 2ra2ks are strai#ht0 mas$nr units 8$uld als$ have 2ra2ked 8hile
t$$thed and ste%%ed 2ra2ks 8$uld )$ll$8 the 2$urse $) verti2al and h$riC$ntal
28
5$ints in mas$nr. &n 2ase $) ta%erin# 2ra2ks0 it sh$uld be $bserved as t$ 8hi2h
end $) the 2ra2k is 8ider0 that is0 u%%er $r l$8er.
>$ the 2ra2ks )$ll$8 an set %attern in re#ard t$ dire2ti$n and s%a2in#U As an
e=am%le0 verti2al 2ra2ks ma $22ur in a l$n# 2$m%$und 8all at m$re $r less
uni)$rm s%a2in# $) sa 4 t$ 6 m all al$n# the len#th0 $r in a buildin#0 dia#$nal
2ra2ks ma $22ur $ver m$st $) the d$$r $%enin#s similarl situated0 startin#
)r$m the lintels and travellin# u%8ard in a dire2ti$n a8a )r$m the $%enin#. &n
2$n2rete )l$$rs0 2ra2ks ma $22ur in m$st $) the %anels m$re $r less in the
middle0 $r dia#$nal 2ra2ks ma $22ur at the 2$rners.
&s there an di))eren2e in the level $n the t8$ sides $) a 2ra2kU 'his 2$uld be
determined b m$vin# ti% $) a )in#er a2r$ss a 2ra2k $r b %uttin# a strai#ht
ed#e a2r$ss the 2ra2k. B this 2he2k0 tensile 2ra2ks 2$uld be distin#uished
)r$m shear 2ra2ks and als$ b$8in# $r 2urvin# $) 8alls 2$uld be dete2ted.
>$ the 2ra2ks have shar% $r r$unded ed#esU 'his 2$uld be )$und $ut b visual
e=aminati$n either 8ith the naked ee $r 8ith the hel% $) a ma#ni)in# #lass.
R$unded ed#es $) 2ra2ks 8ill mean alternate 2$m%ressive and tensile )$r2es as
in 2ase $) thermal m$vements.
Are the 2ra2ks a22$m%anied b a b$8 in the member0 i) s$0 8hat is the e=tent
$) b$8U A b$8 8ill indi2ate bu2klin# $) the 3member due t$ 2$m%ressive
)$r2e.
Are there an si#ns $) 2$ntinu$us dam%ness in the area a))e2ted b 2ra2ksU &s
the area sub5e2ted t$ severe e=%$sure t$ rainU Are there an indi2ati$ns $)
leaka#e $) 8ater )r$m an s$ur2e0 su2h as 8ater su%%l lines0 st$ra#e stands0
drains0 rain0 et2U
Are there an si#ns $) #eneral $r l$2al subsiden2e ar$und the buildin#U &s the
buildin# built $n shrinkable 2la s$ilU >$es it have shall$8 )$undati$nU Are
there an s%e2ial )eatures ab$ut the #r$8th $) ve#etati$n ar$und the stru2tureU
>$ the bri2ks used in the35$b 2$ntain e=2essive 9uantities $) s$luble
sul%hatesU >$es the s$il $r #r$und 8ater under the stru2ture 2$ntain e=2essive
9uantities $) s$luble sul%hatesU S$me #uidan2e has als$ been #iven )$r
dia#n$sin# 2auses $) 2ra2ks that ma have $22urred in a stru2ture and suitable
remedial measures0 8here )easible0 have been su##ested.
29
RE!ERENCE
1. ACl manual $) 2$n2rete %ra2ti2e0 Part 1 19760 Ameri2an C$n2rete &nstitute.
2. C$n2rete in sul%hate3bearin# s$ils and #r$und 8aters0 British Resear2h (stablishment
>i#est3174.
;. C$ntr$l $) 2ra2kin# in 2$n2rete stru2tures0 Re%$rt $) ACl C$mmittee 224. AC& *$urnal0
1972
4. Cra2kin# in buildin#s0 British Resear2h (stablishment >i#est375.
5. &S.;4143196F >esi#n and installati$n $) 5$ints in buildin#s0 &ndian Standards &nstituti$n
6. &SE 45632000 C$de $) %ra2ti2e )$r %lain and rein)$r2ed 2$n2ede .third revisi$n/0 &ndian
Standards &nstituti$n.
7. &S.3;F;31970 S%e2i)i2ati$n )$r 2$arse and )ine a##re#ates )r$m natural s$ur2es )$r 2$n2rete
.se2$nd revisi$n/0 &ndian Standards &nstituti$n.
F. *ai -rishna G *ain .AP/0 Plain and rein)$r2ed 2$n2rete0 196F0 "$l. 110 +em Chand and
Br$s0 R$$rkee.
9. 1.!.?ambhir C$n2rete 'e2hn$l$#0 20050 ;rd (diti$n0 the 12?ra83Hill C$m%anies0 +e8
>elhi.
10. Remedial measures $) 2ra2ked buildin#s in e=%ansive s$il areas. Buildin# >i#est +$. 910
CBR&0 R$$rkee.
11. Ramesh and >atta Cra2kin# in rein)$r2ed 2$n2rete. &ndian *$urnal0 Se%tember 1974.
12. Sahlin0 Sven Stru2tural mas$nr0 Prenti2e3Hall &n20 +e8 *erse0 1971.
1;. Sharma and PA+'0 Cra2kin# in 2$n2rete stru2tures0 Cement and C$n2rete *$urnal0
A2t$ber &960.
14. Suresh Chand0 Cra2ks in buildin#s and their remedial measures. &ndian C$n2rete *$urnal0
A2t$ber 1979.
15. Sul%hate atta2k $n bri2k8$rk0 British Resear2h (stablishment >i#est3F9.
16. !(+CV+(R .>/0 1$vements in buildin#s 197;0 Per#am$n Press0 A=)$rd.
17. Prin2i%les $) m$dern buildin#0 19610 "$l. &. Her 1a5estKs Stati$ner A))i2e0 !$nd$n.
30
1F. 'h$mas -A++A'H0 'he %er)$rman2e $) hi#h rise mas$nr stru2tures. Per)$rman2e $)
Buildin#s Stru2tures0 1976. Pente2h Press.
19. &SE ;F;31970 S%e2i)i2ati$n )$r 2$arse and )ine a##re#ates )r$m natural s$ur2es )$r
2$n2rete .se2$nd revisi$n/0 &ndian Standards &nstituti$n.
31