The first problem I encountered when I started my career in construction was concrete cracks. These cracks are rather elusive and they occur in structures with a potential to compromise both the structural integrity and the face value of structures. Let me explain whether you are a new builder or an expert one, it is crucial to understand why concrete cracks and how to avoid them. Here I present some information about what causes them, what sort of cracks there are, and how you can avoid them, so you don’t have to waste your valuable time and money and stress yourself out.
Regardless of how robust concrete is, it will have its weak spots just like almost every other material. For some reason, they may appear on the walls and ceilings, and they may be a result of environmental factors, bad techniques or even bad material. Let’s explore some common causes:
Concrete shrinks because it loses moisture when it hardens or dries naturally. This shrinkage can build strain, particularly when the drying is not even, and preexisting joints or fractures develop into cracks.
Temperature changes cause concrete to expand in hot conditions and shrink in cold conditions. When these movements are not countered by adequate expansion joints, they create stresses and cause cracks to form.
One big problem many people have is putting too much water into the mix. Although it does make the mixture easier to pour it does have a dire effect on the finished product. They found that water in the concrete tends to evaporate, and when this happens, voids are created in the structure making it weak to cracks.
Concrete is intended to support substantial weights, yet the application of excessive weights on it, particularly when the cement mortar has not been set yet, can result in tension cracks that bring out the structural weak point of the construction.
Curing helps the concrete to gain maximum strength and also to make it more durable. If this process is omitted or done hurriedly, the building will likely develop cracks and other structural problems.
To respond to cracks successfully, it is important to recognize their kinds. Each crack tells a story about the forces acting on the concrete and what went wrong:
These small cracks are normally surface and they do not pose any serious threat to the structures but they expand if ignored.
This type of crack results from the application of enormous weight on structures or movement of the foundation and it shows that there is something gravely wrong and needs to be fixed.
These occur when the concrete which has recently been placed releases its water content at a faster than desired rate, this could be due to heat or wind.
Concrete similarly gains volume in high-temperature regimes, and when this pressure is placed on concrete, without expansion joints, the concrete cracks.
When the ground on which concrete is poured contracts or expands or has some sort of uneven settlement, stress is applied and this causes cracks.
Applying weight on concrete beyond its potential will result in the appearance of cracks on the concrete surface.
Read Also: Exploring the Role of TMT Bars in Reinforced Concrete Structure
Fortunately, a large number of concrete cracks are avoidable with proper procedures in place. Here are steps you can take to minimize the chances of cracks:
Always select good brands like S-E-L Tiger that have the best and the most durable TMT bars that have far outpaced products like concrete to emerge as the number 1 building material for all.
Avoid working beyond the water-to-cement ratio that is prescribed by the standard proportions. Over wetting down reduces the strength of the mix and enhances the tendency to crack on drying.
The expansion joints are used for permitting concrete to expand and contract without failing. Make sure that they are well-spaced when applied.
Two main factors that determine the strength and durability of concrete are curing. Maintain the surface wet at least for 7-14 days to achieve equal hardening and minimum crack formation.
To reduce the shrinkage cracks it is advisable to use curing compounds, place a plastic cover over the concrete surface or use water spray.
Make sure that the subgrade on which concrete is to be placed is properly compacted and possesses load-bearing capacity. This results in cracking when the distribution is not even.
Avoid shortcuts. Consult people who know how concrete is poured, cured and properly finished.
That is why concrete cracks are so annoying, however, they do not have to be unavoidable. This way you will understand what causes them and also put measures in place that will help build structures that would not be brought down easily.
Selecting high-quality TMT bars such as the ones that S-E-L Tiger supplies is the best way to get rid of such issues.From designing a simple house to undertaking huge construction projects, those looking for fewer cracks and more quality should turn to S-E-L Tiger’s premium quality TMT bars.
S-E-L Tiger’s manufactures TMT bars that are the best alternative to your concrete problems.
Yes, S-E-L Tiger’s TMT bars are made to withstand different weather conditions; therefore they are strengthened to prevent cracking especially when the weather is so hot or cold.
Differentiating competitive forces are quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, to which S-E-L Tiger remains dedicated. Our TMT bars go through extensive quality checks to guarantee optimum performance to make them a popular endorsement among builders.
