TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT 13-02-2009 Page - 1 -6

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.