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PLASTIC SHRINKAGE CRACKS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
A Fi el d Experi ence Report
Structure Slab of a Building Date 05 Feb 2009 Pour Duration 10.30 AM to 01.30 PM 3 hours Grade M20 Volume Supplied 30 cum
Condi t ion of Earl y Cur ing dur ing Inspect i on - NO
Photo 1 : The porti on wi th age of 2 to 3 hours after casti ng, starti ng to have thi n crack appeari ng
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Photo 2 : The porti on wi th the age of 3 to 4 hours after casti ng, experi enci ng wi der crack or preci sel y sayi ng crack wi deni ng
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Photo 3 : The crack appeari ng i n Photo 2 got cl osed by gentl e compacti on wi th wooden runner The rammi ng oozes out water t hat hel ps concret e to j oi n agai n
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Photo 4 : Preventi on better than curi ng??? Curi ng i s the Preventi on!!!
Other observat i on made:
Very uneven and loose surface due to lack of final compaction with traditional Long & Thick wooden Runner after the process of vibrating needle compaction followed by levelling.
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Note :
Tamping with the Traditional Long & Thick Runner not only makes loosely levelled (after needle application) surface stronger through gentle compaction but also brings out little amount of water from concrete to the slab surface, which forms a protective coat for the surface and reduces its vulnerability to plastic shrinkage.
Stepping over the stiffening surface will also lead to cracks as surface is put under tension by the foot steps. Hence sprinkling should go along with casting and not necessarily after completion of the casting.
If there is any need to step over the stiffening surface, broad and thick wooden planks shall be laid over the surface to prevent any local settling & resultant cracks.
Handl ing Delay i n sett ing :
If delay setting is encountered, more importance shall be given to sprinkling and covering of surface.
It shall also be ensured that the surface is not disturbed at all in the form of inspection.
Concrete that is having delay setting issue (extending beyond 16 to 20 hours) will have water that has not been utilised for stiffening and hardening (Hydration) process.
This water, available across the wider area, will evaporate if the surface is not covered.
This evaporation of surface water will eventually lead to plastic shrinkage and cracking.
Cur ing .. C.o..nt.i.n..u..ou..s.:
Depending on the climatic conditions the appropriate frequency of (intermittent curing in the form of) sprinkling shall be maintained.
Once the surface gets hardened, the process of continuous curing in the form of water ponding shall begin immediately.
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Adver se effect of Plast ic Shr inkage Cracks :
Though these cracks appear invariably on the surface with the depth of about 10mm or less, neglect of continuous curing @ hardened state will make these vulnerable to drying shrinkage and restrained effects. And consequently these
may extend to full depth of the slab, especially when slab thickness is less than 150mm.
Fi l l ing the cracks with Cement Slurr y???????
As shrinkage is the inherent property of cement particles, it is not advisable to fill the cracks with cement slurry in the event of report of cracks @ hardened state of concrete.
Remedial measure : Customers shall be advised to approach the APPLICATORS through firms like FOSROC or BASF, who can carry out appropriate measures to make the structure durable.
Responsi bi l i t y of r mc manufacturer to prevent plast ic shr inkage cracks:
Good workability Maintaining good workability in Concrete mix is essential for better handling & effective compaction of concrete. The slump shall not be less than 120mm @ site for slab structures.
Retention of workability Concrete shall be designed to retain its workability for the process of pumping, compaction, levelling & Finishing loss of slump shall not be more than 20mm in half an hour duration.
Gradual setting of concrete Concrete shall be designed in such a way that it sets gradually after casting and not @ a faster rate.
Communication Communication on Handling of Fresh Concrete & control of Plastic shrinkage cracks shall be made @ all level and on more number of occasions, especially during the execution of pours.