What Are The Causes Of Cracks In Buildings And How To Prevent It

Cracks development in buildings is very common. In these cases, it can be noticed and repaired easily. But it has time and cost limitations to repair it. There are many methods to repair cracks in buildings. But we should know it causes and try to prevent it before it occurs

Here are the causes of cracks on buildings and countermeasures for it

Thermal mobility

The cracks will expand when they are hot and when they are cold they shrink. Expansion and contraction occur with changes in temperature regardless of the cross-sectional area of the structure. This is one of the most powerful causes of cracks in buildings that need attention.

Counter Measures for thermal mobility

Joints should be made as

A)  construction joints

B)  expansion joints

C)  control joints

D) sliding joints

Joints must be designed properly to avoid this act of problems

Chemical Reaction

As a result of slowly developing expansive reactions between aggregate containing active silica and alkalis derived from cement hydration, admixtures or external sources

Chemical reactions can be caused by the materials used to make the concrete by the slow growth of alkaline reactions with active silica and alkalinity derived from the hydration of cement, compounds or external sources.

Counter Measures for Chemical Reaction

If the soil contains sulphate and its presence is more than limited per cent we can use rich mix concrete ratio to prevent corrosion in the reinforcement which can cause cracks

 Shrinkage

The amount of water used in the concrete and mortar mix can cause shrinkage And poor compaction cause shrinkage

Counter Measures for Shrinkage

By Encouraging labourers to use vibrators for concrete compaction and proper selection of the water-cement ratio

Quantity of Cement

Rich Concrete Or Mortar Mix Will Cause Shrinkage cracks

Counter Measures for Quantity of Cement

Avoid excessive cement in the mortar mix.

Earthquake

Seismic waves cause vibration on the building which can create cracks and even continuous movements created by these waves can collapse the building

Counter Measures for Earthquake

Use of lead rubber method which can avoid seismic waves to have contact with buildings

Vegetation

Due to the extensive action of the roots of a tree that grow near the foundation can cause cracks in the walls.

Counter Measures for Vegetation

Do not plant trees too close to the building. If trees start to grow on or near the walls, remove them as soon as possible

Poor Construction practices

Poor construction practices are due to ignorance, neglect, or carelessness. poor technique or bad quality of materials can cause cracks in the buildings

Counter Measures for Poor Construction practices

We should have responded by choosing good quality materials and to ensure good construction practices to avoid cracks occurrence

Corrosion Cracks

Avoid of cover usage in steel reinforcement concrete and use of salt contain water on concrete can cause cracks

Counter Measures for  Corrosion Cracks

Using a concrete cover on the proper way and don’t use water that presence of salt

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