What is the reason for micro-cracks in concrete? Why do they occur even before the structure is loaded?
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What is the reason for micro-cracks in concrete? Why do they occur even before the structure is loaded?
vivek gami
Micro crack we found in younger concrete
Reason of micro crack is
We can reduced that micro crack by adding some fibres to the concrete,
CB Sowmya
The reason why micro-cracks occur in concrete even before loading is because of the Interfacial Transition Zone.
The interfacial transition zone is the weakest link in the concrete. It is caused by the formation of a water film around the aggregate surface. When concrete is mixed, the water forms a film around the aggregate, and as a result, the water-cement ratio near that aggregate increases. A high water-cement ratio means less strength.
This water film hinders the hydration reaction and results in a porous network of hydrated products. This porous network is much weaker than the bulk mortar. Therefore, even small changes in temperature cause differential movement of the material in the concrete. Differential movement occurs due to the difference in the porosity of the hydrated products.
As a result, the micro-cracks are formed. They are formed even without the application of loads.
Thanks