Cracks can occur due to chemical reaction in construction materials, changes in temperature and climate, foundation movements and settling of buildings, earthquake, etc. also faulty design bad quality materials, wrong method of construction, weather effects and lots of wear and tear can create crack in walls, floors and ceilings.
Classification:
Structural cracks
- Due to poor structural design
- Improper soil settlements
Non structural cracks
- Crazing cracks due to excess cement content
- Cracks at the different material junction
- Cracks due to improper surface preparation
- Selection of poor quality materials
- surrounding area movements and vibrations
Causes for cracks
- Use of sand that is badly graded and lacks fine material (less than 5% by mass passing the 0.075 mm sieve)
- Evaporation if the wall is not protected from sun and wind
- Suction into the walls if the bricks and blocks are absorbent and they have not been pre-moistened.
- Improper chasing work for electrical and plumbing
- Curing is not done properly after block work and plastering
- Crack may occur due to settlement of lower layer of the earth due to consolidation.
- Using more quantity of cement
