Control of Cracking in Concrete
Introduction
The age-old axiom
in concrete construction is that concrete cracks. While cracks may develop in concrete for a variety of causes, the underlying principle is the relatively low tensile
strength of concrete. Visible cracking occurs when the tensile stresses exceed the tensile strength of the material. Visible cracking is frequently a concern since these cracks provide easy access for the infiltration of aggressive solutions into the concrete and reach the reinforcing steel or, other components of the structure leading to deterioration. This document reviews the causes of cracking, discusses various tests that can be performed to assess the susceptibility of a material to cracking, and provides several case studies.
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