Understanding and Repairing Vertical and Diagonal Cracks with Crack Injection
Cracks in concrete structures are a common occurrence and understanding their type and how to repair them is crucial for maintaining structural integrity. This post focuses on vertical and diagonal cracks, and crack injection for repair.
Types of Cracks
Vertical Cracks
- Run primarily up and down, perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
- Often caused by shrinkage, settlement, or expansion/contraction.
- May indicate structural issues if wide or increasing in size.
Diagonal Cracks
- Run at an angle, neither vertical nor horizontal.
- Can be caused by shear stress, settlement, or overloading.
- Often indicate more significant structural movement when they are at a more horizontal angle.
When to Consider Crack Injection
Crack injection is a method of filling cracks with a sealant to prevent water ingress and restore structural integrity. It's often considered when:
- Cracks are actively leaking water.
- Cracks are structurally significant.
- Cracks are in areas exposed to weather or moisture.
- Cracks are wider than a hairline crack.
- Cracks are showing signs of movement or widening.
Our Crack Injection Process
- Assessment:
- Identify the type, size, and location of cracks.
- Determine the cause of the cracks.
- Evaluate the structural significance.
- Preparation:
- Clean the crack surface.
- Install injection ports along the crack.
- Seal the surface between ports with a sealant.
- Injection:
- Inject the chosen material (epoxy or polyurethane) into the ports.
- Continue until the material flows out of the next port.
- Allow the material to cure.
- Finishing:
- Remove the surface sealant and injection ports.
- Clean up any excess material.
- Inspect the repair.
Materials for Crack Injection
Epoxy
- High strength and structural bonding.
- Best for structural repairs.
- Less flexible.
Polyurethane
- Flexible and good for sealing against water.
- Best for non-structural cracks or those that form with ground movement.
- Expands to fill voids.
Also Consider
- Consult a structural engineer for significant cracks or structural concerns.
- Monitor cracks after repair for any further growth or movement.
- Proper surface preparation is crucial for successful injection.
- Choose the appropriate injection material based on the crack type and purpose of repair.
Always consult with a qualified professional for specific situations and before undertaking any repair work. Here at Cement Works, we are here to help!
