Concrete Cracks from Shrinkage and Heat

Non-structural concrete cracks can form during placement, curing, and drying. The main groups are plastic cracks, early-age thermal cracks, and drying shrinkage cracks. Another surface pattern called crazing can also appear when finishing or curing is not done well.

Plastic cracks form while the ...

After placing concrete, water may rise to the top of the mix, settling the aggregates.

If reinforcements within the concrete obstruct this natural settlement, plastic settlement cracks develop above the reinforcements. Increasing the top cover can mitigate these cracks.

Water evaporation from concrete's top surface induces tensile ...