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
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.