CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS: DEFINITION

Construction defects usually include any deficiency in the performing or furnishing of the design, planning, supervision,
inspection, construction or observation of construction to any new home or building.

REASONS FOR DEFECTS IN CONSTRUCTION

Design Material Construction Subsurface

Deficiencies Deficiencies Deficiencies Deficiencies
• Problems are typically encountered
Common manufacturer • A typical example is • A lack of a solid foundation
with roof systems, which due to
problems with building water infiltration may result in cracked
their design complexity, pitched or
materials can include through some portion foundations or floor slabs and
flat, are prone to leaks.
• A majority of roofing problems are
• deteriorating flashing, of the building other damage to the building.
• waterproofing membranes, structure, which may • If subsurface conditions are not
a direct result of the improper
• asphalt roofing shingles, create an environment properly compacted and
specification of building materials,
• particle board, for the growth of mold. prepared for adequate
which can result in water
• inferior drywall • Other problems drainage, it is likely the
penetration, intrusion or other
• other wall products used in include cracks in property will experience
problems,
• The inadequacy of structural wet and/or damp areas, foundations or walls, problems such as improperly
such as bathrooms and dry rotting of wood, settling to the ground
members, which can result in
laundry rooms. electrical and (subsidence), the
cracks and deterioration of roofing
mechanical problems, structure moving or shifting,
components and materials.
plumbing leaks, or pest flooding and in many cases
infestation. more severe problems such as
landslides.
ROOFING
PROBLEM
S
 PROBLEM-1 DIAGONAL PROBLEM-2 HORIZONTAL C
CRACKS IN BRICK WALLS CRACKS IN BRICK MORTAR JOINTS
R
WIDE AT BOTTOM & NARROW AT THE
TOP CAUSES A
CAUSES  Weakening of mortar due to
1. Differential settlement of sulphate attack. these cracks C
foundation due to normally occur after 2-3yrs of W
expansion of clayey soil construction as the reaction is
KI
by absorption of slow.
moisture. T
This may happen when the rain water finds entry in soil or if a S
H
tree is cut suddenly in the vicinity of structure so that the soil REMEDIES/PRECAUTION
I
which was earlier dehydrated by the tree again absorbs moisture S
1. Sulphate contents of the bricks should be
N
and swells.
checked before allowing their use.
REMEDIES/PRECAUTIONS T
2. Brick walls should not be allowed to be damp
1. In clayey soil, foundation should be taken because
as much as deep so as to minimize the 3. Sulphate attack happens only in presence of H
effect of moisture moisture.
Entry as much as possible. 4. The correct remedy is to reconstruct the affected
E
S
1. Adequate plinth protection and drainage areas
T
arrangement should be made around
the building to minimize water entry in
R
the foundation. U
2. If from any site intended for new construction,
some vegetation is removed, don’t commence C
construction activity immediately specially if T
soil is clay. allow the soil to absorb moisture , U
swells & stabilize
R
SHEET E
NO.
 PROBLEM-3 C
PROBLEM-4
RANDOM CRACK IN CRACKS IN LOAD BEARING MASONRY WALL BELOW .
FLOORING R
R.C.C
SLA
B
CAUSES CAUS A
• Flooring has been cast Due to absence of slip joint between
•ES
continuously without making panels. RCC slab and wall which doesn’t allow C
• Cracks occur due to development of RCC slab to move freely over wall leads
W
tensile stresses on account of to cracking in the wall.
• Sometimes the movements of the slab may also cause KI
shrinkage and thermal contraction of
concrete & occur mostly in the first cracking in the wall. T
dry spell. • Sometimes the movement of the slab may also cause S
H
cracking in masonry at lintel and window sill level because I
PRECAUTIONS here the masonry is weak. N
• These cracks are observed mainly on top most storey of the
• Cast flooring in panels do adequate curing in the intial period of bldg, because roof is more exposed to temperature
hardening of concrete. T
variation.
REMEDIE
S H
• Before casting RCC slab
over bricks wall, E
S
smooth bearing plaster T
should be done over R
brick walls coupled U
with white
wash/bitumen coating C
over it.
• It allows slab to
T
move freely over U
wall
R
SHEET E
NO.
 C
PROBLEM -5 VERTICAL CRACKS AT JUNCTION OF R.C.C. PROBLEM -6 DIAGONAL
COLUMN AND MASONRY CRACKS IN WALL OVER R.C.C. LINTELS.
R
CAUS
CAUS ES A
ES Due to drying shrinkage of lintels
•Differential movement between and sudden deflection of lintels C
R.C.C. column and masonry due to after removal of shuttering. W
thermal expansion/contraction KI
shrinkage. T
•Differential settlement of R.C.C.
S
H
column because of its different
foundation.
I
REMEDIE N
S
•A groove in plaster should be made at
the junction of R.C.C. column and brick REMEDIE T
wall so that crack remains hidden in S
the groove and doesn’t look unsightly. •Use precast lintels as far as possible for small
H
•Alternatively, chicken wire mesh openings.
should be provided in plaster at the •Construct brick wall over lintel after it has
undergone considerable shrinkage. E
S
junction of
R.C.C. column and brick walls. T
•Construct brick wall over lintel after
R
shuttering below it is removed so
that it doesn't undergo sudden U
deflection with the construction of
brick wall over it. C
T
U

R
SHEET E
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 C
PROBLEM -7 VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL CRACK IN PANEL PROBLEM -8 HORIZONTAL CRACKS BETWEEN
WALL IN R.C.C FRAMED STRUCTURE BRICK PARAPET WALL AND ROOF SLAB
R

A
CAUS CAUS
ES ES
Panels wall too lightly built to the differential thermal expansion C
R.C.C. beams so that the beams are and contraction and W
not free to deflect ,load is transmitted differential drying shrinkage KI
the wall and vertical and horizontal of T
cracks are R.C.C. slab &brick wall. S
H
produced in the depending upon the direct in which wall is more
Due to thermal expansion and arching of slab ,it is I
slender (i.e height and length
not free to expand .this situation mainly occurs in N
case of non projecting slab.
REMEDIE
S REMEDIES T
•Make parapet wall a little
• Some gap should be left between top of panel
inside of the edge of slab so
wall and soffit beam /slab so that beam can H
that crack wont be visible.
deflect freely.
• This gap can be fill by weak mortar .
•Providing a groove in plaster at the junction of E
S
•If lateral support is required to be given to wall beam then some
special lateral connections can be made in such a way free deflection
parapet wall and slab so that crack forms in the T
groove and doesn’t look unsightly R
of beam is not hindered in vertical direction.
•put chicken wire mesh in the plaster at the junction
U
of parapet wall and slab .
•Provide adequate
C
insulation cover over
roof slab so that its T
thermal movements are U
minimized.
R
SHEET E
NO.
 C
PROBLEM -9 VERTICAL CRACK BELOW OPENING IN LINE PROBLEM - 10 VERTICAL CRACKS IN THE
WITH WINDOW JAMBS SIDE WALLSAT THE CORNERS OF A LONG R
CAUSES BUILDING.
A
CAUS
These cracks are caused due to vertical ES
C
shear cause by differential strain in lightly 1) The cracks are due to thermal
expansion sometimes aggravated W
loaded masonry below the opening and
heavily loaded portion of wall having no by moisture of long brick wall KI
opening and would be noticed in hot T
weather. S
H
REMEDIES 2) There will be more chances of
• Too much difference in stress in different
I
such cracks occurring in building N
walls or parts of a wall should be constructed in cold weather.
avoided.
• Portions of wall acting as pillars and having T
too much concentric loads should be
replaced by RCC pillars if possible . H
PROBLEM -11
CRACKING DUE TO ARCHING AND UPHEAVING OF A E
S
CAUSES
FLOOR.
1) Due to sulphate action in
T
base concrete. R
2) Due to expansion of clayey REMEDIES U
soil below by absorbing 1)As far as possible long stretches of walls should be
moisture. intercepted by cross walls and expansion joint should C
REMEDIES be given at suitable intervals. T
1) TAKE ALL MEASURES TO PREVENT CONTACT OF SULPHATES 2)Bricks should be allowed to undergo initial moisture U
WITH CEMENT OR USE SULPHATE RESISTENT CEMENT. expansion before use.
R
SHEET E
NO.
 PROBLEM - 1 DAMPNESS IN THE CEILING
BELOW ROOF SLAB/TERRACES/BALCONIES.
3. Roof area around and below the water tank should be
CAUSES
properly cleaned and no vegetation should be allowed to
1. Roof slopes not proper. water stagnates at grow due to dampness. D
some points. 4. Overflow pipe provided in the O.H.T. at roof should be A
2. Rain water pipe choked. So water collects carried up to the nearest rainwater pipe..
around that location and gradually seeps 5. Roof topping concrete should M
below in the roof. not be cast continuously but P
3. Overhead tank not water proofed so water seeps from rather laid in panels and the
it through its pillars to the roof slab. grooves between panels N
4. Area around overhead water tank at roof not properly should be filled with a sealant
E
cleaned. so some vegetation starts growing due to dampness or polymer mixed cement.
and makes its way through the roofing from where water S
also seeps. PROBLEM -2 SEEPAGE IN THE CEILING BELOW S
D
5. Water proofing of roof not properly carried up to the pillars ROOF SLAB IN THE CORNERS ALONG JUNCTION
of overhead water tank because of which water can seep OF WALL AND SLAB. E
throughproofing
6. Water this junction of pillars
treatment doneto theroof
over roofnot
slabs.
carried up F
1.Since the parapet load is low, the roof slab bends
to specified height over parapet wall. E
to lift at its corners due to deflection causing crack..
REMEDIES 2. Since the parapet load is low, slab is also able C
1. Correct the to due to
move contractions/expansion &
wherever required by thermal shrinkage. T
roof slopes
putting screed concrete and Remedie
put 1) By making brick or concrete cornice
s
adequate number of rain water at the bottom of parapet S
pipes wall and making drip mould in
.
2. Water it.
proofing should be done 2) By extending roof slab itself by 2” to 3” beyond the load bearing
inside the overhead water wall and making a drip mould at the bottom .
tank on roof. 3) By taking precautions that minimum water drips through
roof and parapet wall to the outside wall.

SHEET
NO.
 PROBLEM - 3
PROBLEM- 4
SEEPAGE IN THE WALLS OF TOILET ABOVE TOILET FLOOR LEVEL AND
CAUSES ROOFLOT
/TERRACE
OF FINECONCRETE
HAIR LINESLAB POROUS
CRACKS IN
BECAUSE
GENERAL Leakage in water supply lines OF WHICH WATER SEEPS
which are concealed in the walls. D
CAUSES A
REMEDIES Concrete not cast properly and mixing
1) Make a chase in the wall along the route of waterand compacting not done uniformaly
lines in the toilet/bathroom and expose these lines
and properly.
M
at the location+ of dampness . then examine them REMEDY P
for leakage.
Apply water profing coating over
2. In extreme cases some pipe piece can also be found cracked the concrete slab. N
rusted (specially when pipes have become quite old) which E
should be replaced. PROBLEM-5 WATER ENTERING THROUGH DOORS S
2. As a preventive measures, during the time AND WINDOWS OF THE BUILDING AND CAUSING S
D
of new construction , all the water lines DAMPNESS INSIDE THE BUILDING
must be pressure tested before CAUSES
concealing them and before accepting E
the work.save
will this much of future maintenance F
problem. 1. Chajjas not provided over doors E
and windows C
REMEDIES
1. Provide chajjas over doors and windows 2. Stilts not provided at the bottom of
2. Gaps between doors/windows frame and jambs should be door on the outside T
properly sealed through sealant. 3. Floor not sloping away from external door
3. Rubber gasket/beading should be provided on edge of door/ There is gap between door /window frames and S
shutters if you want a perfect leak proof door/
window 5. jambs windows are opened inside the room instead
Glazed
4.
4. window.
Glazed windows should always open outside and not inside the of outside
room.

SHEET
NO.
 PROBLEM -1 PROBLEM – 2
CRACKS TO DEFECTIVE
BRICKWORK FLASHINGS
1. Flashings to the base of the cavity
1. This CAUSES
is the lack of tying have been installed.
in of brickwork.
P
2. Wall has been 2. These flashings are designed to collect
constructed and not any water entry to the
tied into the adjoining 3. Building and discharge it to the outside O
brickwork 4. In this case the end of the flashing has
3. Case a half brick has been cut and abuts the joining wall not been turned up at the O
4. There is no form of tying in of the brickwork, nor fixing
5. Ends and would allow any water trapped within the cavity
REMEDY to R
W
By construction of the two brick walls at 6. Form a water leakage
the same time with the brickwork being REMEDY O
interlocked The flashing in this case should have been turned up at the R
ends to prevent the leaks at the door sill. K
PROBLEM - 3 SPALLING OF M
CONCRETE (CONCRETE CANCER) A
CAUSES REMEDY
• The problem occurs because •The new mesh which has been fitted is also N
the steel reinforcing has bolted and fixed to the affected concrete slab S
insufficient “cover” which above to provide adequate fixing. H
Spalling of concrete is commonly called allows either moisture or salt I
concrete cancer . This occurs when the laden
affect air
theto
steel •This confirms the mesh is only fitted P
steel reinforcing rods within the concrete reinforcing. to provide some bonding agent for
are affected by moisture, or a salt the later rendering to the underside
environment, which causes the steel to of the slab.
rust which then expands and pushes off
the surface
SHEET
NO.
 1. CONCRETE CREEP 2.
CARBONATION
It is the property of concrete by which it continues to deform with time •Carbonation occurs in concrete because the calcium bearing D
under sustained
be divided stress. the total deformation of concrete element canconverted
into two to are
phases present calcium
attacked by carbon dioxide of the air and
parts: carbonate. E
•Carbonation may be recognized in the
1. An initial, instantaneous deformation at an application of field by the presence of a dis colour zone F
load. in the surface of the concrete. the colour E
2. A time dependent deformation due to creep. may vary from light gray and difficult to C
recognize to strong orange and easy to
recognize. carbonation can be visualized T
by using phenolphthalein.
I
REMED S
1
Y. Use the minimum water content necessary for workability; N
REMEDY
do not permit over wet consistencies. C
2. Place the concrete uniformly, and take account of early
1. Design the structure with a mind to the degree of restraint
settlement in the forms, around reinforcement , on O
during drying or cooling of the concrete.
slopes, and elsewhere.
2. Pre stress wherever feasible.
N
3.
SHRINKAGE
The moisture loss results in concrete REMED C
shortening of length. The shortening Y. Provide competent inspection, and back it up.
1 R
of length of a member or contraction 2. Use materials known to have a good service record with E
of the concrete per unit length due to regard to cracking, irrespective of shrinkage or other tests T
drying when concrete sets in known on single contribution causes.
as shrinkage. E
3. Use the minimum cement content consistent with
this is an irreversible process. design requirements.

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NO.
 4. CORROSION OF THE REINFORCEMENT INSUFFICIENT STEEL REINFORCEMENT

•Corrosion of steel bars is due to oxygen and moisture. Due to the insufficient amount of
•Any common steel will corrode slowly when exposed to the air steel present in the concrete element D
with no protection. it will not perform to the design and
•when ordinary steel is used to in concrete, it automatically if over- stressed, suffer from E
protected from corrosion by means of: carbonation or other damages and F
will not have sufficient factor of E
safety.
C
POOR FIXING OF BETWEEN STRUCTURAL
ELEMENTS T
•lack of stitch bars between precast units I
in in-situ joints. S
1. cover of concrete and alkalinity of concrete. •continuity re bars not passing through N
2. steel in corroding expands and can double its volume. all connecting hoops. C
3. layers and lumps can flake off.
4. as most reinforcement is embedded in concrete, this •connecting hoops and tie-rods bent over where they did not line O
N
expansion can push off the surrounding concrete. •ties
up and pre-cast panels not pulled out to make in-situ connections
in-situ elements.
REMED withC R
FLOWCHART SUMMARIZING THE DEFECTS
Y DUE
•Cure the concrete moist or sealed, beginning very early.
TO CHANGE IN SIZE. E
•Avoid extremes of temperature.
MOISTURE OR
•Protect the concrete in service from moisture and THERMAL EXPANSION
MOVEMENT IN MATERIALS T
temperature changes wherever feasible, as by backfilling, CHANGE IN SIZE OF MATERIALS
shading, or coating. CRACKS
E
REMEDY

EXPANSION JOINTS

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