Although concrete is the robust building block of most cities, it is inevitable that cracks will develop. From roots growing into pavement slabs to design flaws causing gradual breakdown, we have put together a guide to help you identify specific concrete cracks and their causes.
Structural cracks
It is unlikely that you will miss these, as structural cracks are typically wide and deep and can be detrimental to the concrete structure as a whole if ignored. They are typically caused long before the concrete has settled due to poor design and construction but can be worsened over time by weathering. A guide to weathering types can be found here on the civilengineeringbible website.
Crazing cracks
Crazing cracks are subtler than structural cracks and less dangerous to the concrete. The only real damage is aesthetic, so repairs are not necessary. Once again, these are caused during the pouring process when the surface dries too fast.
Crusting cracks
Like crazing cracks, crusting cracks are caused by the top layer of the slab drying faster. These cracks are also mostly surface-level and again, this is an issue to avoid rather than one that can be repaired.
Re-entrant corner cracks
You will most commonly spot this type of crack around manholes. Caused by poor planning and uneven shrinking, professionals will typically install control joints that guide cracking and mitigate damage. Specialist services for installing concrete Swindon can be found online, such as www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-swindon.
Foundation settlement cracks
As the name would suggest, these cracks are typically found near the foundations and corners of buildings in a stair-step/zigzag pattern. They appear when the ground beneath the concrete foundation sinks, causing the foundation to become uneven. Improper preparation of the foundation is the leading cause of this problem, but these cracks can be repaired when they appear – the sooner the better, of course.
Internal reinforcement corrosion cracks
Despite rebars being used to reinforce concrete, you will often see concrete broken apart by them. This is caused by water seeping into the concrete and corroding the metal, gradually expanding the rebars until the concrete is wedged apart.