Concrete cracking is a regular occurrence, and not all cracks mean failure; however, occasionally they can be indicative of critical structural concerns.
Every crack has a cause, and every cause requires the right consideration. Understanding the differences allows correct assessment for immediate reactive fixes or long-term solutions.
Common types of concrete cracks
Plastic shrinkage cracks: these generally appear soon after concrete is placed and are typically caused by rapid moisture loss due to heat, wind, or low humidity. They can affect surface durability.
Settlement cracks: these occur if the ground beneath the concrete unevenly moves or compacts, typically when inadequate ground preparation or compaction has occurred.
Drying shrinkage cracks: concrete shrinks over time as it loses moisture, typically due to inadequate design of construction or expansion joints in large slabs.
Thermal cracks: as temperature changes, concrete expands and contracts, and when movement is restrained, cracks develop.
Structural cracks: these may result from weak reinforcement design or overloading, and repair becomes both urgent and essential.
Crazing cracks: typically just superficial, these manifest as hairline surface cracks that form a pattern like crazy paving.
Corrosion cracks: when internal steel reinforcement corrodes to rust, it expands and causes cracking.
