DETECTION AND SIZING STUDY OF CRACKS : A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Commonly occurring cracking in structures need investigation for their causes so as to allow engineers to carry out suitable
repair and remedial measures. If the concept behind various causes of cracking is understood by engineers, the repair and
remedies could be made more effective. To examine the exact causes it is necessary to observe carefully, the 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. The first sight of crack is important to be known by the engineer. Structural cracks
are the one whose inherent cause lies in either in incorrect design, or faulty construction or overloading and are the one which
can endanger the safety of a given structure. On the other hand, the non-structural cracks are the one which have the underlying
origin due to moisture or thermal fluctuations, elastic deformation, creep, chemical reaction, or reason related to the foundation
soil such as it movement or settlement or unhindered vegetation. Non-structural cracks are mostly due to internally induced
stresses in building materials and these generally do not directly result in structural weakening. Non uniform settlement is usually
the most problematic, as it leads to structural distortions and therefore not only to serviceability but also ultimate limit states. In
this case study, cracks are detected, crack width and depth are measured, and their profile is plotted. It is hoped that the remedial
and control measures for repair and prevention of cracks that are suggested in the conclusion, will prove useful and help the
engineers to take decisions for quality construction.