Types of Cracks In Concrete Column: Four types of cracks developed in reinforced concrete column are diagonal cracks, horizontal cracks, splitting cracks, corrosion cracks. The causes of cracks in columns can be incorrect design, faulty construction or overloading, corrosion of reinforcement, isolated settlement of foundations, creep and shrinkage.
Cracking in reinforced concrete column is a serious problem and it may lead to the loss of strength, stability, durability, and detrimentally influence aesthetics. Therefore, it is required to investigate different types of cracks that may initiate in columns in order to consider suitable means to restrict them.
There are four main types of cracks found in concrete columns:
Diagonal cracks are the most serious type of crack in a concrete column. They are caused by excessive tensile stress in the concrete, which can be due to overloading, poor design, or corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Diagonal cracks can lead to the failure of the column.
Horizontal cracks are less serious than diagonal cracks, but they can still be a sign of a problem. Horizontal cracks are often caused by settlement of the foundation, which can put stress on the column. Horizontal cracks can also be caused by shrinkage of the concrete.
Splitting cracks are short, vertical cracks that occur in the concrete. They are often caused by drying shrinkage of the concrete, but they can also be caused by overloading or poor design. Splitting cracks are not usually serious, but they can allow water and moisture to penetrate into the concrete, which can lead to corrosion of the reinforcing steel.
Corrosion cracks are caused by the corrosion of the reinforcing steel in the concrete. The steel corrodes when it comes into contact with moisture and oxygen. This can cause the steel to expand and rust, which can create cracks in the concrete. Corrosion cracks are the most serious type of crack in a concrete column, as they can lead to the rapid failure of the column.
The severity of a crack in a concrete column will depend on the size, width, and location of the crack. Small, hairline cracks are usually not serious, but larger cracks can be a sign of a problem. If you see any cracks in a concrete column, it is important to have them inspected by a structural engineer to determine the severity of the problem and to recommend the best course of action.
Here are some additional things to look for when inspecting a concrete column for cracks:
- The depth of the crack
- The width of the crack
- The location of the crack
- The condition of the concrete around the crack
- The presence of any other damage, such as spalling or delamination
If you find any cracks in a concrete column, it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse. The repair method will depend on the severity of the crack and the cause of the crack. In some cases, the crack can be repaired by simply filling it with concrete. In other cases, the entire column may need to be replaced.
It is important to note that not all cracks in concrete columns are serious. However, it is always best to have any cracks inspected by a structural engineer to determine the severity of the problem and to recommend the best course of action.
