INTRODUCTION

The research seeks to identify the causes of cracks specifically on buildings. The
locations, shape, size, depth, behavior and other characteristics of cracks on buildings are
studied so as to properly know the causes of the cracks. An overview of the types of
cracks, namely structural and nonstructural cracks, will be done in this research. These
two types of cracks will be studied in a greater detail. Their nature and effects on
buildings will be studied separately. Finally, the research tries to present possible
precautions and remedial measures to alleviate the problems of both structural and
nonstructural cracks on buildings.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Cracks are undesirable features in structures. The causes of cracks are different by nature.
Some of them could be expansion and contraction of soils, consolidation of soil,
vibration, wind, snow loading, overloading, wear and tear and construction and design
defects.

Cracks in buildings are of common occurrence. A building component develops cracks

whenever stress in the component exceeds its strength. Stress in a building component
could be caused by externally applied forces, such as dead, live, wind or seismic loads, or
foundation settlement or it could be induced internally due to thermal variations, moisture
changes, chemical action, etc.

According to Tarsem Lal cracks could be broadly classified as structural or non-

structural. Structural cracks are those which are due to incorrect design, faulty
construction or overloading and these may endanger the safety of a building. Extensive
cracking of an RCC beam is an instance of structural cracking. Non-structural cracks are
mostly due to internally induced stresses in building materials and these generally do not
directly result in structural weakening. In course of time, however, sometime non-
structural cracks may, because of penetration of moisture through cracks or weathering
action, result in corrosion of reinforcement and thus may render the structure unsafe.
Vertical cracks in a long compound wall due to shrinkage or thermal variation is an
instance of non-structural cracking. Non-structural cracks, normally do not endanger the
safety of a building, but may look unsightly, or may create an impression of faulty work
or may give a feeling of instability.

As stated above, our focus area is the study of structural and nonstructural cracks which
have their own independent causes. The question of safety of buildings is primary by
nature since unsafe design and construction of buildings can cause hazardous impacts on
the occupants of the buildings and loss of property. On the other hand, nonstructural
cracks are of a great concern to us because we don’t want buildings to become
aesthetically unpleasing and create discomfort to the occupants. As also stated above,
nonstructural cracks can facilitate the deterioration of structural capacity of buildings
which we will be concerned with in the research paper.

Therefore, we made it our concern to study the causes, nature, types of such cracks so as
to contribute potential methods of precautions and remedial measures.

METHODOLOGY
We use two major methodologies so as to make our research which is listed below.

1. Use of Research Papers and Written Documents and Books:

We will carefully make analysis based on these papers and documents and then we try to
come up with a sorted out knowledge on types, causes, nature and effects of cracks on
buildings.
 2. Case Studies:

The case studies that we make are both on structural and nonstructural components of
buildings that we find cracked in our surrounding. We make a detailed investigation on
all cracked components and typify their nature, causes and effects. We will relate results
that we obtained from one cracked component of a building with another similar
component of another building. This will help us in strengthening the conclusions we
make from our case study.

3. Laboratory Investigation:

This is done by taking several specimens both in number and in kind of both structural
and nonstructural components of buildings that are representative of actual conditions.
From the points of views that we get from the studies on research papers and case studies
on possible causes, nature and effects of cracks, we expose our specimens to conditions
that could cause cracks. This may take a lot of time to come up with a visible result.

PROJECT PLAN
In order to do this project we have prepared the following project plan that shows the
stages we proceed with.

Stage 1: searching for genuine research papers and documents that can help us in
preparing a thorough theoretical analysis.

Stage 2: theoretical analysis on the results obtained from research papers and other
related documents. This gives us preliminary conclusions that could be verified or
disproved later.

Stage 3: case study on buildings. We visit a number of buildings, both big and small, that
are affected by structural and nonstructural cracks.
Stage 4: analysis of the results obtained from the case study we made. This is to be done
by cross checking with the preliminary conclusions we made from the theoretical analysis
based on study on previous research papers and documents.

Stage 5: laboratory investigation. In this stage, we first we decide what components of

the buildings should be sampled based on the goals that we want to achieve. After
selecting those components, we select conditions that we impose on each specimen which
could facilitate the formation of cracks.

Stage 6: analysis of the results obtained from laboratory investigation and making
conclusions based on the results obtained.

Stage 7: collecting all the data, information and particular conclusions we made in each
successive stage and coming into summarized and representative final conclusion. Care
will be given here not to make a misleading final conclusion.

Stage 8: presentation of possible precautions and remedial measures that can be taken to
alleviate cracks based on the particular and final conclusions we made. This finishes the
project.

POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE PROJECT

At the end of the project we believe that the following potential outcomes will result from
the research.

1. Ensuring Safety

This will be achieved by careful study on structural cracks. Nothing can ever be of a great
concern in civil engineering than ensuring safety of the occupants of building. Ways of
dealing with structural cracks of buildings will be presented based on observations we
make.

2. Cost Reduction
Cracks, especially nonstructural, are usually mitigated through continuous maintenance.
This has cost implications. Each time we maintain our building there is a cost that we
spend. Of course, it is impossible to have a building that is 100% free from cracks, but by
observing carefully the causes of cracks that could be easily handled, we will present
solutions that will directly affect cost.

3. Long Life Buildings

Unsafe buildings are always susceptible to failure before their design service life. As
stated above, cracks could possibly be the causes of such failures. Hence, by presenting
possible solutions for these problems, we can contribute to the long life of buildings.

4. Aesthetics, Comfort and Better Service

Aesthetics of buildings is affected greatly due to continuous maintenance we make. By

preparing precautious measures, especially for nonstructural cracks that may occur here
and there in buildings, we can keep the aesthetics of buildings.

Cracks create discomfort to occupants because of fear that the building component that
cracked might fail and collapse. In addition to that, cracks might expose and impair
internal fixtures and facilities inside beams, columns and walls which decrease the
service of the building. Hence, proper crack control methods that are to be presented will
alleviate this problem.

RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR THE RESEARCH

1. Valuable research materials and documents on cracks on buildings
2. Finance majorly for case study and laboratory investigation
3. Laboratory with specified equipment for the proposed work
 STUDY PERIOD
Table 1: Duration of time assigned for each specific work

Week one Searching for genuine research papers and documents that can
help us in preparing a thorough theoretical analysis.

Week two Theoretical analysis on the results obtained from research

papers and other related documents.

Weeks three and Four Case study on buildings.

Week five Analysis of the results obtained from the case study we made.
Week six Rest
Week seven to week Laboratory investigation.
fifteen
Week sixteen Analysis of the results obtained from laboratory investigation
and making conclusions based on the results obtained.

Week seventeen to  Collecting all the data, information and particular

twenty conclusions we made in each successive stage and coming
into summarized and representative final conclusion. Care
will be given here not to make a misleading final
conclusion.
 Final presentation of possible precautions and remedial
measures that can be taken to alleviate cracks.
 REFERENCE
1.