Book Description

This Digest examines the causes of cracking in buildings and shows, with descriptions and illustrations, the visible results of a wide range of problems including a complete solution to every cracking problem. It aims to broaden the understanding of the factors responsible and increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and repair. Avoidance of some of the pitfalls will minimise future trouble in new buildings and lead to better design and workmanship. This Digest was first published in May 1991. The factual content remains valid and this revised issue is primarily concerned with updating references.

Contents:
1 Introduction
2 Extent of movement 
3 The effect of movements: how do cracks occur? 
4 Diagnosis 
5 Temperature changes
6 Initial drying out of moisture and wetting and drying 
7 Loss of volatiles 
8 Freezing and thawing of absorbed water
9 Subsurface crystallisation of soluble salts
10 Sulfate attack 
11 Corrosion or oxidation of steel 
12 Moisture expansion of fired clay products 
13 Carbonation
14 Alkali silica reaction 
15 Hydration of oxides and unstable clinker aggregates
16 Imposed load effects
17 Foundation movement
18 Vibration References 

A4, 12pp, 12 drawings, 12 photos