#foundationcracks

How to Fix Foundation Cracks | Structural Engineers

How to Fix Foundation Cracks | Structural Engineers

Which are the Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks?

Which are the Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks?

Which are the Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks?

Reinforced concrete slabs are necessary for the construction industry, especially in building constructions such as floors, roofs, and pavements. Concrete is a sturdy, long-lasting material that can endure the weather and high loads. Concrete may crack over time despite its strength, causing structural problems if handled slowly.

The most prevalent causes of cracks in reinforced concrete slabs are as follows:

1. Shrinkage

Concrete shrinks as it cures and hardens, causing the slab to crack. Shrinkage cracks may arise due to various causes, including insufficient curing, poor mix design, or quick drying. Shrinkage cracks are often seen in the middle of the slab and may be distinguished by their breadth and pattern. The bigger the width of the crack, the greater the shrinking.

To avoid shrinkage cracks, use a suitable mix design that contains the proper proportions of cement, water, and aggregates. Furthermore, the slab must be properly cured to ensure the concrete dries and hardens evenly.

2. Thermal Changes

Thermal environmental variations may cause concrete to expand or contract, resulting in cracking. When the temperature changes, the slab may expand or contract quicker than the reinforcement can tolerate, resulting in cracking. Outdoor slabs exposed to direct sunshine or harsh weather conditions are more prone to thermal cracking.

Builders should apply suitable reinforcement and account for projected temperature variations in the region to avoid thermal cracking. Additionally, using expansion joints may assist in alleviating tension produced by heat fluctuations and avoiding cracking.

3. Overloading

Overloading may cause a slab to crack, especially if the load is more than it was meant to handle. Overloading may occur due to faulty design, inadequate reinforcement, or excessive usage.

To avoid overloading, builders should design the slab to accommodate the anticipated loads and guarantee proper reinforcing. Sensors or load monitoring systems may also assist in detecting when the slab is exposed to excessive loads and taking suitable action.

4. Poor Construction Practices

Building procedures, such as poor compaction, faulty curing, or insufficient reinforcing, may prevent concrete deterioration and crack under typical loads. Inadequate compaction may cause cavities or air pockets in the concrete, leading to cracking. 

Improper curing may cause shrinkage or crack, causing the concrete to dry too rapidly or unevenly. Inadequate reinforcing might make the slab weak and unable to withstand the anticipated loads.

Suitable building methods and quality control systems are critical to avoid cracking caused by improper construction practices. The concrete must be correctly mixed, put, and cured, and the reinforcing must be appropriately positioned and spaced to give enough support.

5. Settlement

When the ground under the slab settles or moves, it may cause the slab to sink or become uneven. Settlement may result in cracks in the slab, particularly around the edges. Settlement may occur for several causes, including poor soil compaction, insufficient foundation design, or water penetration.

Builders should ensure that the soil is appropriately compacted and that the foundation is constructed to carry the predicted loads to avoid cracks due to settling. Water infiltration and settling may also be avoided by installing suitable drainage systems.

6. Corrosion of Reinforcement

Another typical source of cracks in reinforced concrete slabs is reinforcement corrosion. When the reinforcement corrodes, it expands and cracks the concrete. This cracking is more prevalent in slabs exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as those along the shore or in humid places.

To avoid reinforcement corrosion, builders should utilize corrosion-resistant materials and take precautions to keep water and moisture out of the slab. This may involve using waterproofing materials, ensuring correct drainage, and applying protective coatings or sealants.

7. Chemical Reactions

In reinforced concrete slabs, some chemical interactions may produce cracking. ASR, for example, happens when alkaline cement interacts with silica particles in specific aggregates, causing the concrete to expand and crack. A sulfate attack, for example, happens when sulfates in the soil or water react with the cement in the concrete, causing it to weaken and crack.

To avoid cracking caused by chemical reactions, select materials and mix designs resistant to the particular chemical reactions expected to occur in the region. Regular testing and monitoring also aid in identifying possible problems and enabling fast remedial action.

Conclusion

Shrinkage, heat fluctuations, overloading, poor building techniques, settlement, reinforcement corrosion, and chemical reactions may produce fractures in reinforced concrete slabs. 

Preventive methods, including as correct mix design, enough reinforcing, proper curing, sound building procedures, and quality control, may aid in preventing these fractures in the first place. 

Sometimes, cracks in the foundation can be severe. Depending on the age of the house, the type of foundation, and whether it appears to be expanding, this crack could be mostly harmless or indicate a catastrophic problem. To determine if and how much you should be concerned, it helps to understand a little about why cracks occur and what to do about them.

Cracks in the foundation can be a serious problem and can lead to significant structural damage to your home or building. It's important to take preventive measures to avoid such damage. So let's dive into our main concern: how serious is a crack in the foundation? Let's get started.

How critical and serious are cracks in the foundation? What types of foundation cracks can be severe?

Cracks like hairlines in the foundation, or even more stable cracks that usually appear stable, don't cause immediate alarm, but steps should still be taken to patch them. However, the rift that seems to be growing shows that ongoing unresolved issues can evolve into something more serious.

Most importantly, the point at which you should seek professional advice immediately is when you notice that part of the wall is not aligned with the rest of the foundation. A wall will warp or bend in the middle if it does not protrude from, if the stone or layers of stone are laterally displaced, or if the plumb falls off the top of the wall. 

These are all signs that the wall is slowly collapsing and heading toward complete collapse. Contact We Fix Cracks for Specialist, we can assess problems, and their causes, and suggests solutions.

Some of the preventive measures we must follow against cracks in the foundation:

If your foundation is cracking due to concrete loss or subsidence, there's little you can do about it. However, if the foundation is cracking because the soil on that side of the house is overly saturated, it's often because the water that's running off the roof isn't being diverted away from the foundation enough can take it away. 

Repair foundation cracks

How you repair cracks and tears depends on the size of the crack. Repair hairline cracks with a vinyl concrete patch using a spatula or trowel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal binding. Firmly press the patch into the crack. 

Masonry Crack Sealer is an effective and flexible crack sealer for cracks wide enough to fit a hose tip. Repair both external and internal cracks whenever possible. If the crack is 1/2 inch or larger, fill the crack with foam support rods before caulking or patching.

The Final Wrap up

For any problem regarding your construction foundation, that may be leakage, water draining problem, crack or anything else, you should always call such contractors, who can fulfill your need in the most professional way.