TECHNICAL SEMINAR

CRACKS IN
BUILDING
Presented by:
m.Vijay krishna reddy
ROLLNO: 08e11a0160
Dept. of civil engg.
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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
LOOPHOLES OF CRACKS
CAUSES OF CRACKS
PREVENTIONS OF CRACKS
REPAIR OF CRACKS
CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION
Cracks result in building when applied
forces are greater than those which the
building or its part can withstand.

LOOPHOLES OF CRACKS

BUILDING BECOME UNSAFE

IT SPOIL THE APPERANCE OF
BUILDING
DAMPNESS IN THE BUILDING
REDUCe MARKET VALUE
INCREASE IN MAINTAINENCE COST

CAUSES OF CRACKS
Non Structural cracks
Moisture changes
Thermal movement
Elastic deformation
Chemical reaction
Foundation movement and settlement of soil
Vegetation
Structural cracks
due to incorrect design
faulty construction
Overloading

Moisture Changes

Building
materials
expand
on
absorbing moisture and shrink on
drying. These are generally reversible.
Shrinkage in concrete or mortar
depends on a number of factors

Cement concrete
Water Content
Aggregates
Curing
Excessive fines
Temperature:

Thermal Movement

All materials expand on heat and contract on cool. It

is one of the most potent causes of cracking in
buildings and needs attention.

ELASTIC DEFORMATION

When two materials having wide

different elastic properties are built
together under the effect of load,
different shear stresses in these
materials create cracks at the
junction

CHEMICAL REACTION

Chemical reactions in building materials

increase their volume and internal stress
causes cracks. The components of structure
also weaken due to chemical reactions.
Some common instances of chemical
reactions are following.
Sulphate attack on cement products
Carbonation in cement based materials
Corrosion of reinforcement in concrete
Alkali aggregate reaction
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FOUNDATION MOVEMENT AND

SETTLEMENT OF SOIL

Unequal bearing pressure under different parts

of the structure
Bearing pressure being in excess of safe bearing
strength of the soil
Low factor of safety in the design of foundations
Local variation in the nature of supporting soil

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VEGETATION

The roots of trees located in the vicinity of a wall

cancreate cracks in walls due to growth of roots under
foundation.

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EARTH QUAKE

Crack may occur due to sudden shift inlower

layer of the earth. The voids in the earth might
have suddenly collapsed and be filled with soil
from the above. Many geological events can
trigger earth movements but is continuous
movement. This results in cracks.

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PREVENTIONS

Modern structures are comparatively tall and

slender, have thin walls are designed for
higher stresses and are built at a fast pace.
These structures are more prone to CRACKS.
Moreover moisture can easily reach the
inside of the modern buildings due to the
usage of thin walls.
Thus measures for control of cracks in
buildings assume much greater importance
than ever before.
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MOISTURE CHANGE

Do not use excessive cement in the

mortar mix.
Use minimum quantity of water according
to water cement ratio.
Proper curing should be started as soon
as initial setting has taken place and be
continued for at least seven to ten days.

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THERMAL CRACKS

To prevent thermal cracks expansion

joints, control joints and joints in case
of change of shape and direction of
wing in a structure are to be provided

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ELASTIC DEFORMATION

Create slip joints under the support of

RCC slab on walls. Masonry work on RCC
slabs and beams should not be started
before drying RCC slab and beam.
Provide horizontal movement joints
between the top of brick panel and RCC
beam/slab

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CHEMICAL
REACTION

Use dense and good quality concrete i.e.

richer mix of cement concrete 1:1.5:3 to
prevent cracks.
Avoid bricks containing too much soluble
sulphates (more than 5 %) and use rich
mortar in such cases.
Use expansion and control joint at closure
intervals

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FOUNDATION MOVEMENT AND

SETTLEMENT OF SOIL

Prevention of moisture penetration in the

surrounding areas has to be ensured by
providing a waterproof blanket around the
plinth.
The masonry wall below ground level should
also be separated from the adjoining soil by
replacing the existing soil with coarse grain
material.
The design of foundation must be based on
sound engineering principles and good practice.

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Vegetation

Do not let trees grow too close to the

buildings, compound walls etc. Remove
any saplings of trees as soon as possible
if they start growing in or near of walls
etc.

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Earth Quake

Construct the foundation of buildings on

firm ground while doing construction. Tie
up the building with connecting beams at
foundation level, door level and roof
level.

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REPAIR OF CRACKS

Cracks must be repaired immediately

when observed otherwise the life of
structure will reduce causing structural
failure.
They not only weaken the building but
spoil the beauty of walls also.

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Repair cracksgiving hollow

sound

Remove plaster applying

proper cut

Prepare the surface

thoroughly

Apply fresh cement

mortar and finish the
surface

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Repair Cracks on Joint of RCC

Slab and Brickwork

Remove plaster and old material

Apply cut and prepare the surface
Apply cement mortar
Make groove
Do curing and finishing

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CONCLUSION

Cracks must be repaired immediately when

observed otherwise the life of structure will
reduce causing structural failure.
The cracks can be prevented at the time
of construction
They not only weaken the building but
spoil the beauty of walls also.
This write up tells you about repair of
cracks in plaster, RCC member, Brick walls,
Floor and Fine Cracks.
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THANK U

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