Construction Project Management Services and Construction Books
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement

Common Reasons Concrete Crack and How to Lessen Them

17/11/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Concrete is a building material available in various forms and mixes for extensive infrastructure, from extreme weathering to shielding. It is one of the most long-lasting, most economical building materials. When appropriately used in the appropriate application, concrete should last for many years. Understanding Concrete - Why Builders Need to Know More
 
Even though this material is long-lasting, it can still be susceptible to weathering and cracks. So why does concrete crack? This instance is mainly because of the application, but let's dive right into this topic.
​#homeimprovement #concrete #homeimprovementtips
Picture
Photo by Justus Menke on Unsplash

 Types of Cracks in Concrete

​ Here's an overview of crack types so that you would know what to do about them. 
  • Shrinkage cracks usually occur while the concrete is curing and can be reduced or prevented with proper joint placement.
  • Settlement cracks usually happen when the ground beneath the slab isn't appropriately compacted and part of the concrete sinks.
  • Structural cracks are more comprehensive than a credit card, or running through the entire slab requires repair or replacement of the concrete.

Reasons for concrete cracking

Excess Water in the Mix
 
Concrete does not require too much water for it to accomplish maximum strength. However, most of the concrete used in residential work contains too much water on the job site. Water helps make the concrete easier to install. This excess water also significantly reduces the strength of the concrete. Workability and the impact of water on strength.

And just like how concrete does not necessarily need too much water, you can also consider installing
floor access doors H20 loading whenever you need water tightness and easy access to any basement construction projects. 

 
Shrinkage is usually the leading cause of cracking. When the concrete hardens and dries, it will tend to shrink. This instance is the result of the evaporation of excess water from the mixture. The wetter the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage will occur. Concrete slabs can decrease as much as 1/2 inch per 100 feet. This shrinkage causes forces in the concrete that pull the slab apart. Forces are the causes of cracks. 
 
To avoid this, be very sure you have chosen a reputable contractor who will ensure there's an adequate amount of mixture. It is more expensive to do it right, but it simply takes more workforce to run stiffer mixes.
 
Plastic Shrinkage
 
This instance usually occurs when there is a rapid loss of water from the surface of freshly poured concrete before the concrete is fully set. This situation can cause the top of the concrete slab to dry more quickly than the bottom and can pull apart. To avoid this scenario, the surface of the concrete must be moist. You can do this by covering it with burlap, polyethylene sheeting, or plastic. This process is essential in extreme weather conditions such as high wind, hot temperatures, or direct sunlight. After the concrete setting, be sure to complete this step to ensure the coverings do not disturb or leave unwanted impressions on the new concrete. Furthermore, misting the concrete with water a few times a day will help reduce the evaporation rate from the surface. It is critical to continue this process for at least the first three days of curing.
 
Settlement
 
Settlement cracks happen when the ground under the concrete moves. This issue can result from poorly compacted soil, the wrong soil, water erosion, or tree roots. If your soil is poorly compacted, dig it out and replace it with crushed stone before placing the concrete. If the situation has water drains across the sidewalk, backfill first with several inches of gravel. Also, avoid planting trees next to a concrete sidewalk to prevent roots from growing underneath and cracking the concrete.
  
Drying Shrinkage 
 
Concrete mixtures must have water for proper placement and workability. As excess moisture evaporates from the concrete slab during the curing process, there is a reduction in volume or shrinkage that can occur. Compiled stresses can develop within the concrete slab when supporting soils, granular fill, adjoining structures, or reinforcement within the concrete block the shrinkage. As a result, these stresses can act against the weakest points of the concrete material, which will result in cracking. To help control random cracking caused by shrinkage, you should place control joints on concrete slabs. These control joints create a weak point in the concrete and help guide cracks, ensuring they happen straight versus jagged for better overall aesthetics. 
Picture

Preventing cracking in concrete

Now that you have read the usual causes of concrete cracks, here are some ways you can follow to avoid these conditions and maintain the material's longevity. 
 
Proper Curing of the Concrete
 
While concrete takes 28 days to cure completely, the steps you take in the first few days after the pour are the most significant for ensuring a robust and crack-free surface. The cement cures slowly and needs to maintain moisture to reach its maximum strength. Typically, concrete is less likely to crack if the moisture evaporates gradually; therefore, your project will have more power if you can spray it with water a couple of times each day, preferably for the first week after you've poured the mixture. If the weather is hotter and drier, the more often you should spray the new concrete. 
 
Adding Control Joints
 
Because the soil is constantly in movement underneath, concrete slabs, in due course, will crack. These weak spots are cut into the slab down to a quarter of its depth to anticipate and direct any future cracks. The odds are that any damages will happen in these weakest parts. 
 
You can create control joints in two ways: 
  • You can make them in still-pliable wet concrete through the usage of a concrete grooving tool. 
  • You can cut them into the concrete slabs the day after pouring using a circular saw fitted with a blade.
 
You can determine the maximum spacing between joints for optimum results by multiplying the planned concrete thickness by 2.5. 
 
Mixing The Proper Amount of Water 
 
The common mistake DIYers make to concrete is adding too much water to the dry concrete mix for easier mixing, leading to weak concrete and a higher risk of cracking. According to experts, just one additional quart of water can minimize the concrete's strength by up to 40 percent. When adequately mixed, wet concrete should be thoroughly saturated but not watery. Concrete that flows around in the mixer or wheelbarrow is too wet, and concrete that's crumbly and falls apart is too dry.
#constructionquality

Conclusion

Picture
To know the basics of why concrete cracks are essential in construction projects to be aware of what not to do in those conditions. By following the proper technique, it can help maintain the project's longevity, and at the same time, you won't have to worry about touch-ups and repair costs in no time. 
​#homeconstruction #homerenovations #homerenotips

Other Useful Articles:
​
Control the site mix to improve the quality of concrete
Reinforcing Steel what you should know
Concrete 101: Should You Attempt a DIY or Call a Pro?

Author

​Chris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM)

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Picture
Picture
​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I’m a construction professional, author of several successful construction management books, and a home owner. I’ve made mistakes in construction management, I’ve seen others make mistakes, but importantly I’ve had multiple successful construction projects and I’ve learned from the mistakes. I want to share these lessons and my knowledge with you.
    'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' are my latest books. packed with tips and information to ensure your home construction project is a success. Get your copy today from Amazon and other online stores.

    Picture
    Also available from:
    ​​Amazon Au, 
    Amazon DE, 
    Amazon ES, 
    Amazon CA,
    Amazon IT, 
    Amazon FR, 
    Amazon NL,
    ​Amazon India
    and 'An Introduction to Building Houses - Volume 2 Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home' ​
    Picture

    Archives

    February 2025
    January 2025
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    We welcome genuine comments, especially comments that add additional information to the subject matter in the article. We however reserve the right to remove inappropriate comments, which includes comments that have nothing to do with the subject, comments that include inappropriate language, and comments that are an advertisement for a product or company, or which include an advertising link. Comments must be in English. We will not enter into discussion on why a particular comment was removed.

Construction Books

Successful Construction Project management
Building a Successful Construction Company
Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors
Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
​
Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open
Book Reviews

Construction services

Construction Management Services
Paul Netscher
Construction Management Blog
​Home Improvement Blog

Contact
Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement