CURRENT PRACTICE SHEETS: PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE: PLASTIC CRACKING

The formation and prevention of plastic settlement cracking which occurs in columns, deep beams or walls, and shrinkage cracking, which is found in flat exposed slabs, is discussed. Both types of cracking are associated with bleeding of concrete which is also examined. Plastic cracking occurs where the settlement of the mix after compaction is impeded by reinforcement or the shape of the section. It can only be avoided by an improved mix design...