Plastic Shrinkage

Cracking

Evaluation and Repair

 ACI 224.1R-93

Causes, Evaluation and Repair of

Cracks in Concrete Structures
 ACI 224.1R-93

Chapter 1 Causes & Control

Chapter 2 Evaluation
Chapter 3 Methods of Crack Repair
 ACI 224.1R-93

Typical Plastic Shrinkage Cracking. (Price 1982)

 ACI 224.1R-93
Chapter 1, Section 1.2

Cracking of Plastic Concrete

Discusses Causes and Prevention ONLY!

 ACI CP-10

-Certification for Concrete Technicians

and Flatwork Finishers-

Discusses Causes and Prevention

ONLY!
 NRMCA
Concrete in Practice

If plastic shrinkage cracks should

appear during final finishing, the
finisher may be able to close them by
refinishing.
 NRMCA
Concrete in Practice

Disclaimer

However, when this occurs, precautions,

as described above, should be taken to
avoid further cracking
 PCA EB001
Design & Control of concrete Mixtures

If plastic shrinkage cracks should

appear during finishing, striking each
side of the crack with a float and
refinishing can close the crack
 PCA EB001
Design & Control of concrete Mixtures

Disclaimer

However, the cracking may reoccur

unless the causes are corrected
 ACI 305R
Hot Weather Concreting

Section 4.3.4
In relatively massive placements,
revibration before floating can sometimes
close this type of cracking.
PCA EB001

Fig. 11-11.
 ACI 224.1R-93

Typical Plastic Shrinkage Cracking. (Price 1982)

Much more serious cracking!
PCA EB001

Fig. 11-13.
ACI 224.1R-93
Chapter 2

Evaluation of
Cracks in
Hardened
Concrete
 ACI 224.1R-93
Chapter 2

1. Identify Location and

Extent of Cracking
Typical Plastic Shrinkage Cracking
Much more serious cracking!
 ACI 224
Chapter 2

2. Determine functionality
- Movement
- Structural
- Maintenance issue
- Cosmetic
 ACI 224
Chapter 2

2.2 Map the cracks!

 ACI 224.1R-93

Fig. 2.1-Comparator
for measuring crack
widths Courtesy of
Edmound Scientific
Co.
Crack Comparitor Card
 ACI 224
Chapter 3

Methods of Crack Repair

in Hardened Concrete
 ACI 224
Chapter 3

3.2 Epoxy injection

- Bonds cracks as narrow as 0.002 in.
- Provides fixity
- Original cause must be addressed
- Typically deferred to specialist
 ACI 503.7-07

Specification for Crack Repair by Epoxy

Injection
 ACI 224
Chapter 3

3.3 Routing and sealing

- Clean cracks
- Enlarge crack along exposed face
- Fill and seal with suitable joint sealant
- Not suitable for structural repairs
 ACI 224.1R-93
Groove cut wlth saw
or chipping tools7

Fig. 3.1-Repair of crack by muting and sealing

(Johnson 1965)
 ACI 224.1R-93

If large enough, treat as an induced crack

Sawcut and fill
 ACI 224.1R-93
Chapter 3

Crack Closed No Bond Breaker With Bond Breaker

Fig. 3.2-Effect of bond breaker

See ACI 504R Re. Aspect Ratio

 ACI 224
Chapter 3
3.11 Polymer Impregnation

Methyl Methacrylate
Flood surfaces
Heat to polymerize, or
Use a catalyst to polymerize
 ACI 224
Chapter 3

3.12.1 Surface Treatments

- Low viscosity penetrating resins
- Urethanes
- Epoxies
- Polyesters
- Acrylics
 ACI 224
Chapter 3

3.12.2 Overlays
- Polymer modified PCC
- Styrene Butadiene
- Bridge decks
- Acrylic latex
- Interior toppings
- Pool decks