Types of Non-structural Cracks in Concrete

Plastic settlement cracks develop when water rising to the concrete's top surface is obstructed by internal reinforcements. As aggregates settle naturally, reinforcements block this movement, creating tensile stresses and cracks directly above the obstructions. These cracks commonly appear in deep sections and column tops. Increasing the top cover over reinforcements effectively mitigates their formation.

Plastic shrinkage cracks form when the concrete surface dries faster than the interior, creating tensile stresses that the still-plastic concrete cannot resist. These cracks typically appear within hours after pouring in diagonal or random patterns on the surface. Preventing water evaporation through proper curing significantly reduces crack formation during this early stage.

Drying shrinkage cracks develop when externally restrained concrete loses moisture and contracts. External restraint occurs when concrete member ends are fixed or movement is prevented. This restraint generates tensile stresses at the concrete surface, resulting in surface cracks. Movement joints are provided to minimize these cracks by allowing controlled contraction.

Heat generated during cement hydration dissipates from the concrete surface, creating temperature gradients within the material. The surface cools and contracts faster than the interior, inducing tensile stresses on the surface. If this contraction is restrained by the warmer interior concrete, early thermal cracks develop. Insulating concrete minimizes heat dissipation and reduces crack occurrence.

Crazing is a network of fine, discontinuous hairline surface cracks that develop from over-trowelling rich concrete mixes. Excessive trowelling accumulates cement paste on the surface, which dries and shrinks unevenly. This creates the characteristic crazing pattern. Improper finishing or curing, especially under high humidity gradients, contributes to crazing formation.

Plastic cracks form within hours after concrete is poured while the material remains workable, caused by settlement obstruction or rapid surface drying. Drying shrinkage cracks develop later as mature concrete loses moisture and contracts under external restraint. Plastic cracks result from immediate post-placement conditions, while drying shrinkage cracks emerge during the concrete's aging process.

Increasing top cover over reinforcements prevents plastic settlement cracks. Preventing water evaporation reduces plastic shrinkage cracks. Providing movement joints minimizes drying shrinkage cracks. Insulating concrete reduces early thermal cracks by slowing heat dissipation. Proper finishing and curing techniques prevent crazing. Each crack type requires targeted prevention strategies based on its formation mechanism.