What are Cracks in Building Construction?

What are Cracks in Building Construction | Types of Cracks in Concrete Beams and their Causes | Reason and Remedies of Cracks

Cracks in building construction are usually caused by structural movement or settling of the foundation. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor soil conditions, excessive moisture, and faulty construction. Cracks can also be caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the building materials.

Cracks in building construction are cracks that occur in the structural elements of a building. These cracks can occur in the foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, or any other structural element. Cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as settlement, thermal expansion and contraction, soil movement, and more.

Cracks are linear openings that form in materials and structures as a result of stress. Although cracks may form for many reasons, they most commonly occur when a material is subjected to tensile stress, such as when it is stretched or pulled. This type of stress can cause the material to fracture, or break, along its weakest planes. Cracks can also form when a material is subjected to compressive stress, such as when it is squeezed or compressed. In this case, the material may fracture along its strongest planes.

Cracks in building construction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Poorly compacted fill under the foundation
  • Soil expansion or contraction due to changes in moisture content
  • Foundation settlement
  • Wall or floor movement due to changes in temperature or humidity
  • Poorly designed or constructed foundation
  • Improperly cured concrete or masonry
  • Shrinkage of building materials due to drying

If you notice cracks in your foundation or walls, it is important to have them evaluated by a qualified professional to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate repair.

Cracks in building construction are usually caused by one of three things: settlement, poor construction, or thermal expansion and contraction. Settlement is the most common cause of cracks, and usually happens when the foundation of a building settles unevenly into the ground. Poor construction can also cause cracks, if the building is not properly supported or if the materials used are of poor quality. Thermal expansion and contraction can cause cracks when the temperature changes and the materials expand or contract at different rates.

Plastic Settlement Cracks in Concrete

Plastic settlement cracks are caused by the settling or shrinking of the concrete. These cracks will appear in the first few days after the concrete is poured. They are usually small, hairline cracks that will radiate from a point or joint in the concrete. These cracks are not structural, and they can be repaired with a concrete patching compound.

Thermal Cracks in Concrete

Thermal cracks are caused by the expansion and contraction of the concrete as it heats up and cools down. These cracks will usually appear in the summer months as the concrete heats up. They are usually small, hairline cracks that will run in a random pattern across the surface of the concrete. These cracks are not structural, and they can be repaired with a concrete patching compound.

Drying Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete

Drying shrinkage cracks are caused by the evaporation of water from the concrete. These cracks will usually appear within the first few days after the concrete is poured. They are usually small, hairline cracks that will run in a random pattern across the surface of the concrete. These cracks are not structural, and they can be repaired with a concrete patching compound.

Structural Cracks in Concrete

Structural cracks are caused by the weight of the concrete, the contraction and expansion of the concrete, and the settlement of the foundation. These cracks will usually appear after the concrete has cured for several months. They are usually large cracks that run in a straight line or a zig-zag pattern. These cracks can be repaired with a concrete patching compound, but they may require the help of a professional.

We will Cover -:

  • Routing and Sealing of Cracks in Concrete
  • Types of Cracks in Concrete Beams and their Causes
  • Types of Cracks in Fresh and Hardened Concrete, their Causes and Control
  • TYPES OF CRACKS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS
  • Cracks in Foundation
  • Plastic Settlement Cracks in Concrete – its Appearance and Prevention Methods
  • Methods of Concrete Column Repair for Damages and Cracks
  • Grouting Procedure for Repair of Cracks in Concrete Structures
  • Causes and Remedies of Cracks in Concrete Buildings
  • Types of Cracks in Concrete Structures
  • Evaluation of Cracks in Concrete to find Location and Extent of Cracking
  • Methods for Repair of Small and Large Cracks in Concrete
  • Plastic Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete and Its Prevention
  • Types of Cracks in Concrete due to Moisture Change
  • Cement Grouting for Cracks in Concrete and Masonry
  • Epoxy Injection Grouting of Cracks in Structures
  • Repair of Dormant Cracks in Concrete
  • What is Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete? -Types and Causes of Shrinkage Cracks
  • How to Repair Active Cracks in Concrete?
  • 4 Types of Cracks in Concrete Columns and their Causes
  • Cracks in Masonry Walls – Types, Causes and Repair of Cracks
  • Causes and Types of Cracks in Masonry Buildings and their Repair Methods
  • Measures to Mitigate Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Structures
  • Types of Cracks in Prestressed Concrete Beams with Openings and its Control
  • Bacterial Concrete or Self Healing Concrete For Repair of Cracks
  • How to Prevent Cracks in Concrete? Causes & Repairs of Cracks in Concrete
About the Author
Er. Mukesh Kumar
Er. Mukesh Kumar is Editor in Chief and Co-Fonder at ProCivilEngineer.com Civil Engineering Website. Mukesh Kumar is a Bachelor in Civil Engineering From MIT. He has work experience in Highway Construction, Bridge Construction, Railway Steel Girder work, Under box culvert construction, Retaining wall construction. He was a lecturer in a Engineering college for more than 6 years.