Cracking FAQ -Cracking of concrete is not unusual. Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of elements, such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, restraint (external or internal) to contracting, subgrade settlement, and applied loads. Cracking can be significantly minimized when the causes are taken into account and preventative steps are applied. We have compiled a group of concrete construction tips to help with preventing and repairing cracks, and experienced opinions concerning cracking.

Concrete Cracks: A Shrinking Problem?
While often overlooked, the shrinkage potential of a concrete mixture is perhaps the most important consideration for concrete used to construct industrial floors on ground. All concrete, even shrinkage-compensating concrete, shrinks. Because of a loss in volume, concrete shrinkage can lead to cracking when base friction or other restraint occurs.

Reducing Craze Cracking – It’s called craze cracking or “alligator cracking,” and the more serious form “map cracking,” which effects serviceability.

Alkali-silica Reactivity – What is (ASR) – Alkali-silica Reaction (ASR) causing irreversible deterioration of concretes occurs when silica in reactive aggregates chemically reacts with alkaline components of Portland cement forming ASR gel.

Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR) – Alkali-Carbonate Reaction (ACR) is similar to ASR in that the alkaline environment of concrete attacks the aggregate that includes reactive particles