Can Cracks Be Avoided In Concrete?

Cracking is one of the most common causes of customer complaints that concrete contractors deal with. Few homeowners are aware of the fact that new concrete normally cracks and there is no absolute guarantee against this. Nevertheless, while cracks cannot be entirely prevented, a professional concrete mason takes careful measures to minimise cracking.

Here are the most common reasons for concrete cracking. These must be considered in order to take the necessary actions to prevent it happening.

Excess water added to the concrete mix. It is very common place for concrete contractors to add excessive amounts of water to the concrete mix to help make the concrete more workable when placing. The problem with this is that it affects the strength of the concrete greatly. Too much water also makes a much higher chance of shrinkage cracking. When concrete and hardens, excess water in the mix evaporates making the concrete pull apart creating shrinkage cracks. How to solve it: To get the optimum strength from your concrete, the minimum amount of water you can add to the concrete mix to activate the cement should be added. Find out the maximum amount you an add to your mix design without compromising the concrete strength. To help with workability, chemical additives can be added to the concrete either at the batching plant or onsite. Concrete professionals will also add control joints to the concrete to encourage the concrete to crack at a predetermined point.

The concrete is drying too fast. Concrete turning from a liquid to a solid, happens because of a chemical reaction. One of the requirements for this reaction is water. This is called hydration. Hydration happens over days and weeks after the concrete has been poured. Cracking can occur when this reaction happens to quickly. The Solution: For concrete to achieve its maximum strength, adequate curing needs to happen to ensure that there is sufficient water for proper hydration. Curing also keeps shrinkage cracking at bay by giving the concrete time to harden. There are many different curing methods. Some are laying coverings such as canvas or plastic or use of chemical curing agents.

The wrong strength concrete has been used. Concrete can come in different grades or strengths. Cracking can occur if you have used a concrete mix which is not strong enough for your project. The Solution: Get in touch with a ready mix representative and choose a mix design which is strong enough for your needs.

Sudden fluctuations in temperature can create cracks in concrete also. For example, if you are pouring a concrete driveway and you get a sudden drop in temperature. The middle of the concrete will be expanding and the surface will be cooling and contacting. This results in cracks. Corrosion of steel reinforcement over time can also lead to cracking. If the ground underneath the concrete settles this can result in the slab being unevenly supported which will eventually lead to cracking. Because of all these reasons, it is crucial that you have your concrete installed by an experienced concrete professional. They will ensure that the necessary steps are taken prior to, during and after the concrete is placed to minimise the likelihood of these cracks happening.

About the Author:
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