CAUSES, REPAIR AND PREVENTION OF

CRACKS (MICRO & MACRO) IN A

TYPICAL BUILDING

Authors

HUSSAIN ALI SUIT-13-01-079-0535

ABBAS KHAN SUIT-13-01-079-0520

IDREES KHAN 2010/CUP/CIV-0711

Supervisor

ENGR, ASGHAR HUSSAIN SHAH

Assistant Professor

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Sarhad University of Information technology 36-B, chinar Road,

University Town Peshawar

JULY 2017
CAUSES, REPAIR AND PREVENTION OF CRACKS
(MICRO & MACRO) IN A TYPICAL BUILDING

Authors

HUSSAIN ALI 2010/CUP/CIV-0727

ABBAS KHAN 2010/CUP/CIV-0712

IDREES KHAN 2010/CUP/CIV-0711

A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

B.TECH Civil Engineering

Project Supervisor:

Engr Asghar Hussain shah

Lecturer at Civil Department

Supervisor Signature: _________________________________________

Sarhad University of information technology

i
 Abstract
Cracking in structures is of common occurrence and engineers are often required to look
into their causes and to carry out suitable repairs and remedial measures. For repairs and
remedies to be effective, it is essential that the engineer should have proper understanding
of various causes of cracking. For investigating the causes it is necessary to observe
carefully location, shape, size, depth, behavior and other characteristics of the cracks, and
to collect information about specifications of the job, time of construction and past history
of the structure. It will also be necessary for the engineer to know as to when the cracks
first came to notice and whether the cracks are structural or non-structural.
Structural cracks are those which are due to incorrect design, faulty construction or
overloading and these may endanger the safety of a building. Non-structural cracks which
are due to moisture changes, thermal variations, elastic deformation, creep, chemical
reaction, foundation movement and settlement of soil, vegetation, etc. Non-structural
cracks are mostly due to internally induced stresses in building materials and these
generally do not directly result in structural weakening. In course of time however,
sometimes these cracks may, because of penetration of moisture through cracks or
weathering action, result in corrosion of reinforcement and thus may render the structure
unsafe.

ii
 Undertaking
I certify that research work titled Causes, Repair and Prevention of Cracks (Micro &
Macro) In a Typical Building is my own work. The work has not been presented
elsewhere for assessment.

HUSSAIN ALI SUIT-13-01-079-0535 Sign: ___________________

ABBAS KHAN SUIT-13-01-079-0520 Sign: ___________________

IDREES KHAN 2010/CUP/CIV-0711 Sign: ___________________

iii
 Acknowledgment
We are grateful and would like to express my sincere gratitude to my Supervisor Engineer
Engr Asghar hussain for his valuable guidance, continuous encouragement and constant
support in making this project possible. We really appreciate his guidance from the Initial
to the final level that enabled me to develop an understanding of this research thoroughly.
Without his advice and assistance it would have been difficult to complete this project. We
also sincerely thanks for the time spent proofreading and correcting my mistakes.
We thanks to all lecturers and members of the staff of the Civil Engineering department,
must, who helped us in many ways and made our work easy. Many thanks go to my member
group for their excellent co-operation, inspirations and supports during this study. This
four year experience with all you guys will be remembered as important memory for me to
face the new chapter of life as an engineer. At the end we would like to thanks any person
which contributed to our final year project directly or indirectly. We would like to
acknowledge their comments and suggestions, which was crucial for the successful
completion of this project.

iv
 Table of Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii

Undertaking........................................................................................................................ iii

Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................... iv

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ v

List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix

List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... xi

CHAPTER 1 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER 2 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

LITERATURE SURVEY ..................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.1 Moisture Changes .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.1.1 Reversible Movement ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.2 Initial Shrinkage ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.3 Cracks In Freshly Laid Cement Concrete.................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.4 Cracks In Brick Work Due To Expansion ................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1.5 Measures For Controlling Cracks Due To Shrinkage Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2 Thermal Variations ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.1 Factors Affect The Thermal Movement .................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.2 Measures For Controlling Cracks Due To Shrinkage Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.3 Provision Of Joints In Structure ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.3 Elastic Deformation ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4 Movement Due To Creep .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.1 Beneficial Effect Of Creep ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.4.2 Measures For Prevention Of Cracks Due To Creep .. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5 Movement Due To Chemical Reaction ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.1 Effect Of Chemical Reaction ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.6 Foundation Movement And Settlement Of Soil ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.6.1 Effect Of Expansive Soil On Building ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

v
 2.6.2 Provision Of Horizontal Extension With An Expansion Joint Error! Bookmark not
defined.
2.7 Cracking Due To Vegetation ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8 General methods for repairing of cracks ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.1 Routing and sealing: .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.2 Stitching..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.3 Additional Reinforcement ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.4 Grouting..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.5 Gravity Filling: .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.6 Dry Packing ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8.7 Epoxy Injection ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 3 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

CAUSES ............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.1 Foundation Subsidence:..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.2 Foundation Settlement: ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.1 Incompatibility Of Building Materials: ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.2 Chemical Reaction Of Materials: .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.3 Thermal Movements. ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.4 Changes In Moisture Content: ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2.5 Structural Instability: ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3 Deciding If The Cracking Is Significant............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.1 Is The Movement Across The Crack Static? ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.2 Is The Movement Across The Crack Cyclic? ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.3 Is The Movement Across The Crack Progressive?.... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.4 Is The Crack Only Aesthetic? .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.5 Is The Crack Affecting The Serviceability? .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.6 Is The Cracking Affecting The Stability?.................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 4 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

REPAIRING ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.1 Epoxy Injection ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.2 Epoxy Injection Easing The Section Of The Beams ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3 Repair Work ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

vi
 4.4 Repair Work Evaluation .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 5 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

PREVENTION ..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.1 Prevention:......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

5.1.1 Cement Concrete: ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.2 Water Content:........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.3 Aggregates: ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.4 Curing: ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.5 Excessive Fines: ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1.6 Temperature:.............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2 Initial Expansion:............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3 Some Measures For Controlling Shrinkage: ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4 Thermal Movement: .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5 Prevention Of Thermal Cracks: ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.6 Elastic Deformation: .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7 Creep: ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.8 General Measures For Avoidance Reduction Of Cracks Due To Elastic Strain, Creep
And Shrinkage: .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.9 Movement Due To Chemical Reaction: ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.10 Some General Preventions: ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.10.1 Corrosion Of Reinforcement: .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.10.2 Foundation Movement And Settlement Of Soil: ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.10.3 Cracking Due To Vegetation: .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 6 ......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

EXPERIMENTAL WORK ................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.1 General Observations: ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.1.1 University Town Site Pictures: .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.1.2 Swat (Kokarai) Site Pictures: .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.2 Test performed: ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3 Conclusion from experiment: ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4 Solution/Repair of the cracks ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.5 Dry Packing ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

vii
 6.4.1 University Town Charbagh Swat Repair Work:............... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.2 Swat (Kokarai) Repair Work: .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Conclusions ........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

References ..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

viii
 List of Figures
Number Page
Fig 2. 1: Relation between Mix Proportion and Drying Shrinkage of Cement Concrete
Mortar (Reproduced From Principles of Modern Buildings Volume 17) ................ Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Fig 2. 2: Effect of Variation in Water Content of Concrete on Drying Shrinkage (Based
On Graph Given In Control of Cracking in Concrete Structures) .. Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Fig 2. 3: Effect of Aggregate Size on Water Requirement of Concrete . Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Fig 2. 4: Effect of Temperature of Fresh Concrete on Water Requirement .............. Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Fig 2. 5: Details of Bearing at the Supports for a Roof Slab of Large Span .............. Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Fig 2. 6: Phenomenon of Creep for a Visco-Elastic Material .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Fig 2. 7: Cracking and Upheaving Of a Tile Floor Due To Sulphate Action in Base
Concrete .............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 2. 8: Cracking Due To Corrosion of Reinforcement ...Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 2. 9: Cracking Of a Compound Wall Due To Growing Roots under the Foundation
............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
-

Fig 3. 1: This Crack Is Aesthetic Damage Only ................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 3. 2: The Crack Width Adjacent to the Window Frame Is About 60mm. Clearly The
Building No Longer Watertight And The Thermal Insulation Is Being Compromised. In
Time The Construction Materials Will Degrade. ..............Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 3. 3: The Panel Of Wall On The Left Of The Crack Is Leaning Outwards. There Is
Only Minimal Lateral Restraint At The Gable And First Floor. ..... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
-

Fig 4. 1: Nipples & Cracks after Injection .........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 4. 2: Loading the Roof (Load Test) .............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
-

Fig 5. 1: Initial Expansion ..................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

ix
Fig 5. 2: Thermal Movement .............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 3: Cracking In Cladding and Cross Walls of a Framed Structure Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Fig 5. 4: Arching up and cracking of coping stones of a long garden wall ............... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 5: Horizontal Crack at the Base of Masonry Parapet Supported On a Projecting
RCC Slab ...........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 6: Joint in floor slab .................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 7: Joint in roof slab ..................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 8: H-Shaped Building & Rectangular shaped building ......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Fig 5. 9: Diagonal Cracks in Cross Walls of Multi-Stroried Load Bearing Structure
............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 10: Horizontal Cracks in a wall at supports due to excessive deflection of a slab of
large span ...........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 11: Cracking and upheaving of a tile floor due to sulphate action in base concrete
............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 12: Foundation movement and settlement of soil ....Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 5. 13: Cracking due to vegetation ................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
-

Fig 6. 1: University Town Site Pictures .............................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Fig 6. 2: Swat (Kokarai) Site Pictures ...............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 3: Ultrasonic Test.....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 4: Ultrasonic Test.....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 5: Schmidt Test ........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 6: Schmidt Test ........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 7: Tell Tale Test .......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 8: Tell Tale Test .......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 9: Qaiser Ali's Research Work ................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 10: Qaiser Ali's Research Work ..............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 11: Qaiser Ali's Research Work ..............................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 12: Repair Work (University Town) .......................Error! Bookmark not defined.

x
Fig 6. 13: Univertity Town Repair Work...........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 14: Repair Work (Swat - Kokarai) ..........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Fig 6. 15: Swat (Kokarai) Repair Work .............................Error! Bookmark not defined.

xi
 List of Tables
Number Page
Table 2. 1: Moisture Movement of Some Common Building Materials ................. Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 2. 2: Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Some Common Building Materials
(Within the Range 0C to I00C) .......................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 2. 3: Heat Reflectivity Co-Efficient Of Some Common Building Materials... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 2. 4: A General Guide for Provision of Movement Joints in Buildings .......... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
-

Table 5. 1: General guide lines to provide movement jointsError! Bookmark not

defined.

xii
13