Cracks in Concrete Structures

By
Mohammad T . Alsayyed Ahmad, PH.D., P. E.
International Center for Geotechnical & Engineering Studies
Bethlehem, Palestine
Abumoath2@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Most of the structures encounter cracks during different periods of their lives. People
become annoyed of seeing cracks in their structures especially when investment is very much
high. Since the invention of modern concrete, millions of papers have been written about it and
considerable portion of these papers are dealing with cracks causes, prevention and repair. Huge
number of companies is producing several types of agents for crack repair.

Disputes arise between owners and contractors about the cracks. The owners are looking
for crack free structure. The contractor claims that almost all the structures have cracks. The
contractors defend their stand by blaming others. They may return this to error in design or soil
foundation problem.

In this paper, a collection of literature review that explains and describes the types and
causes of cracks is reviewed, summarized and presented. Cracks that occur in different types of
structures and their significance are investigated. Cracks occur in structural walls and non
structural walls are to be discussed. Cracks occur in slabs or columns are discussed. Cracks
occur in foundations are discussed as well. Cracks happened due to deficiency in the design or
soil problems will be discussed. The limits for total and differential settlement in order to avoid
settlement cracks will be presented. Decisions to be taken by engineers in order to classify and
to be able to present a suggestion to the client will be discussed. No new invention will be seen
in this paper. However, it aims at refreshing the memories of young and old engineers and
making them become more aware of this phenomenon in order to deal with it properly.