Cracking in reinforced concrete structures

Cracking in reinforced concrete structures is an unpredictable occurrence. Nevertheless, the unintentional appearance of cracks may be regarded as a serviceability failure and perhaps, if it reduces the acceptable service life, a durability failure. The extent of this failure varies from case to case but cracking is generally a cause for initial concern – cracks are guilty until proven innocent. The appearance of cracks in a building or structure, particularly after it has entered service, can cause disquiet for all those involved – its designers, owners, occupants and members of the public who use the structure or travel past it. On occasion, whether justified or not, cracking may lead to a loss of confidence in the building. Cracks, whether structurally significant or not, that deeply disturb the occupants of a building may shorten its economic life.