Why do buildings crack? (DG 361)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Why do buildings crack? (DG 361) was first published by BRE in May 1991, and the original content largely remains valid. The current edition was published on 21 August 2014 and includes updated references. It was written by Roger Sadgrove.
Most buildings develop cracks in their fabric, often soon after construction when materials are drying out, but sometimes later. Most early cracking is not structurally significant and is easily repaired. Only rarely does cracking indicate a reduction in structural capacity.
However, diagnosis can be difficult, as every building is unique and several factors may combine to produce a defect. DG 361 examines the causes of cracking in buildings, describes a wide range of potential problems and offers complete solutions to every cracking problem. It is intended to broaden the reader’s understanding of the factors that contribute to cracking and so increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and remediation.
It provides guidance about how to avoid pitfalls and how to reduce the likelihood of future problems in new buildings.
The contents of the 12 page digest are:
- Introduction.
- Extent of movement.
- The effect of movements: how do cracks occur?
- Diagnosis.
- Temperature changes.
- Initial drying out of moisture and wetting and drying.
- Loss of volatiles.
- Freezing and thawing of absorbed water.
- Subsurface crystallisation of soluble salts.
- Sulfate attack.
- Corrosion or oxidation of steel.
- Moisture expansion of fired clay products.
- Carbonation.
- Alkali silica reaction.
- Hydration of oxides and unstable clinker aggregates.
- Imposed load effects.
- Foundation movement.
- Vibration.
- References.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Burland scale
- Cracking and building movement.
- Cracking in buildings.
- Defects in brickwork.
- Defects in construction.
- Defects in dot and dab.
- Defects in stonework.
- Foundations.
- Ground heave.
- Latent defects.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Preventing wall collapse.
- Pyrite and mica redress issues in Dail Eireann.
- Repointing.
- Settlement.
- Sinkholes.
- Subsidence.
- Underpinning.
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.