Case 3 – Shrinkage Cracks
- Introduction
- Causes of Defects
- Good Practices
- Standards
- Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Remedial
- Similar Cases
- References
Remedial (see also Remedial)
The repair method for a shrinkage crack shall be cosmetic and is different from that of a structural repair. The main purpose of repairing a shrinkage crack is to seal the crack, not to re-introduce stresses into an already “relieved” previously stress concentrated area. Hence, materials used for the sealing are usually elastomeric types which allow movements but provide adequate sealing functions.
The following methods can be used to repair the crack.
1. Repair of crack lines (Procedure of Surface Repair)
Surface repairs can be done on the floor slab if there are no signs of water seepage from underneath or widening of gap with time.
2. Polymer Modified Cementitious Grouting
This can be applied on the crack so that the final appearance of the concrete structure closely resembles the concrete that is being repaired, in respect of strength and long term movement. Its characteristics are also improved, with regards to bonding, flexibility and time within which strength is gained.