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(photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? - Properties (2) - Nairaland

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Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by phemmy88(m): 2:36pm On Jan 12, 2016
Its one of the following


1. Bad foundation
2. bad plastering matrl
3. Earth movement
4. Weather
5. Shrinkage
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by greatiyk4u(m): 2:39pm On Jan 12, 2016
Ans......bending and shear forces.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by true2home(m): 2:45pm On Jan 12, 2016
Hi,

when you build in an area with clay properties, then there is going to be such cracks in buildings as you are witnessing. Clay has a dynamic characteristic; it shrinks when its dry and expands when its wet. As this happens, if the foundation the houses are sitting on is mostly clay soil, then things are bond to move. This my one cent sir.

4 Likes

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by golpen(m): 2:45pm On Jan 12, 2016
dgitrader:
Greetings to my property experts, owners and enthusiasts!



I discovered crack in a window frame, I was furious, went round the newly built bungalow, and found another same type in the opposite end of the building. I became extra mad! I summoned the mason and architect. but before they arrived days later, I was shocked to discover same cracks in many houses, shops and schools in the same neighborhood. in fact 65%, both new and old bungalows. the area is in jos, and hard clay soils throughout. even a school managed by expertiates nearby, had its crack from window to floor to window in opposite ends!

cc
opalu
spyder880
abdulwastecx
kkonsults
segcymoor
darchitect
mufutau55. etc etc
I could have asked in your threads, but opened this so more people can learn and share, thanks for understanding.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES?
and there any future consequences and corrective adjustments?


Basically sir, I think cracks occur because of lack of elasticity. Weather conditions in the area may expand these structures and when it is not taken into consideration, cracks like that or worse may occur.

Caution should be taken when mixing the materials, I'm not an expert so your architect should know the proportions better, to allow for elasticity of the structures. Thanks

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by haywire07(m): 2:46pm On Jan 12, 2016
When u see cracks like this in buildings, its caused by majorly foundation problems.

In a bungalow, u might not need a wiremesh or hardcore.
Next time:
1. Take note of the mix ratio of your concrete. U might be using ratio 1:3:6 but your aggregate are much larger. So select the right size of aggregate.

2. If u won't do a soil test, probably becos its a small building, just ensure the earth of the foundation trench is well compacted and leveled. (Compacted to the extent that u might find it difficult to dig again).
Settlement of soil causes foundation problems which then leads to cracks on the structure.
I must tell u that, very soon the crack might extend to the floor and a space between the wall and the ceiling.

There re remedies like ..polyfillers (I dont know where dey sell that sha) or what I can suggest again is that u Shld use 'redbrick' to tile the surface of the wall from dpc to window level (about 1.2m high) so that the crack won't be visible probably to ur client .

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by karleone(m): 2:55pm On Jan 12, 2016
podosci:
Defects in Plaster regularly fall into this categories
•Non-structural cracks •Structural cracks •Debonding •Lack of hardness •Grinning •Expansion •Popping
BUT your cracks seems to have occurred before the application of Plaster leading me to conclude it's a structural (serviceability) crack. I have come across something of that nature in a book (construction technology by Eric fleming) where he talks about cracks in and around Windows and doors.... I would try and check and get back to you.
Please Sir, do you have the soft copy of the textbook @bolded? I'd love to read it. Please reply for convo sake.

@OP, since the cracks were noticed after plastering and is not deep as to affecting the blocks, then I should go with Abdulwastecx's opinion. All you need is a retouch on the work. Basically, you could make use of a better mix for strength sake.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by xtremely9ja: 3:11pm On Jan 12, 2016
from the picture showing the crack from the wall extending all across the floor and with all you have said about other buildings within that locality, I can confidently say that those cracks are as a result of differential settlement.
The problem with this is that, no matter the numbers of repairs you embark upon to restore the building, until the settlement is final (which can take quite some time even years) it will keep on coming back.
One way to forestall this kind of case, is to do proper soil investigation before you build, because if the bearing capacity and the type of soil was put in consideration before building the foundation would have been designed to redistribute the loads so that there can be an even settlement.

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by guruvick(m): 3:29pm On Jan 12, 2016
All I see is Civil Engineers

Saying reasonable stuffs
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Ameboperoo(m): 3:40pm On Jan 12, 2016
Structures built on clayed soil is prone to cracks like these. Clay expand and contract depending on how much water is is in it. That's why you see clay cracks during day seasons.

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Ameboperoo(m): 3:43pm On Jan 12, 2016
xtremely9ja:
from the picture showing the crack from the wall extending all across the floor and with all you have said about other buildings within that locality, I can confidently say that those cracks are as a result of differential settlement.
The problem with this is that, no matter the numbers of repairs you embark upon to restore the building, until the settlement is final (which can take quite some time even years) it will keep on coming back.
One way to forestall this kind of case, is to do proper soil investigation before you build, because if the bearing capacity and the type of soil was put in consideration before building the foundation would have been designed to redistribute the loads so that there can be an even settlement.
What you have said is also correct. To minimize this, you need to use some iron in the casting of the foundation.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Ameboperoo(m): 3:47pm On Jan 12, 2016
This is very common in the area I stay here in Abuja. But I attributed it to a quarry not too far away. Whenever they blast at the quarry, there will be vibration in all the buildings around.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by pope5(m): 4:00pm On Jan 12, 2016
In addition to all the above observations, people should try to install subframes in walls before the actual aluminum fitting. These subframes have arms like buglary proofs, the aluminum frames are drilled and well screwed to the subframes this prevents any sort of movement that can cause cracks during use

Also when electricians and plumbers are patching up their work (conduit pipes), people don't usually pay attention to what they mix which varies from what the mason's mix and when they are passing and pulling the cables the pipes move and pushes the mortar used to hold the pipes and there will definitely be crack

Don't allow ur mason plaster/render the wall first and begin to finish up window dressing the following day, rather they should fill up the window frames prior to plastering so they can carry out wall and window finishing @ once
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Nobody: 4:13pm On Jan 12, 2016
Who are all these peeps? shocked

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by semitunde: 4:16pm On Jan 12, 2016
In addition to what some have said here, these are my personal observations and what I've tried to read up on;

1. If you don't do your plaster mix well, you will have cracks. This will become more prominent the more soft-non grainy sand you have in the mix.

The areas where the cement ( binding agent) is missing will just have your soil there and because cement naturally shrinks when drying; it will shrink the areas where it has bound the plaster sand together, leaving the area where there is no cement as gaps - cracks. I'll advise you supervise the guys mixing for plastering more ( you can use a mixer to be more satisfied); and maybe add a little sharp sand if the plaster sad is too muddy or soft.

2. How many courses of block wall do you do before stopping to allow the blocks set? If you lay more than four courses - and depending on the terrain; you might be on the way to cupping some cracks on the wall. This is in addition to having non-vertical/ leaning walls. Its best you do just four courses ( some would risk five) and stop there.

3. The fact that those houses are in Jos does not mean that they can't have differential settlement related cracks. The fact that some houses are bungalows also doesn't mean the building can't settle and hence, have cracks. But be more worried if those crack are diagonal and deep set.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Rhino50: 5:14pm On Jan 12, 2016
[color=#006600][/color]
richcasey:
settling foundation. a ground beam during construction could have saved you the stress.
on point "Ground beam locked with side columns on footings of 50mm wit reinforcement
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by SIRBANYE(m): 6:09pm On Jan 12, 2016
Sir, the crack you see is as a result of gradual hydration and drying up of block work. These kind of cracks are usually found in exposed areas such as Windows and fences, when rain falls, water collects on these areas, then dries off. The gradual wetting and drying of these areas causes undue expansion and reduction in theses areas, thereby leading to the cracks you see.
The solution is to use concrete window sills before placing window, to act as water proofing, and concrete coping for fence areas, this will stop these cracks.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by true2home(m): 6:20pm On Jan 12, 2016
Sir, i think they call them Civil Engineers...lol


EgunMogaji:
Who are all these peeps? shocked
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Nobody: 6:20pm On Jan 12, 2016
It is likely a slight tectonic plates movements (Earth tremor). Op, consult the appropriate geological institution in your state.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by zobel(m): 6:22pm On Jan 12, 2016
The reason is that clay absorbs water and as such swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This swelling and shrinkage is what causes the cracks you see on the buildings there. I'm sure the roads there are bad and it is the same swells and shrinks that breaks up the road. The solution to this would be to escavate the clay and fill it with a soil that does not possess the clay properties e.g sandstones or sands. This can be done by first carrying out a seismic or resistivity survey to the depth of the clay soil before excavation takes place. Thanks.

And I'm a geophysicist!

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by sirabbey(m): 6:34pm On Jan 12, 2016
As earlier said by other commentators, the cracks is most likely due to the differential settlement of the soil on which the building is situated.

Clay is a very tough customers to Civil Engineers because of its 'hypocritical' nature. One season, it contracts and is as hard as rock because of absence of water while at another season it expands and reveals its true soft nature by absorbing waters which in turn leads to its settlement unfortuantely in a non-uniform manner (differnetial) across the building. This is the reason why you see those cracks, it means the building itself is under uneven forces as the soil beneath it settles.

To avoid or check mate this, proper/technical soil profile is done to determine its constituents, bearing capacity, and settlement rate. this data are then used in the foundation design, which mostly involves the use of suitably reinforced ground beams well tied together to give a monolithic structure capable on holding its own even in the face of soil differential settlement.

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Tex42(m): 6:36pm On Jan 12, 2016
Op, going by what u said that the area is covered with clay, I want to believe that those cracks are caused by harmattan(weather)... or by a slight settlement attributed to clay. You see, Clay has the tendency to swell and shrink, when these happens, the volume(void) of the clay is reduced, this means that there is more space for ur building to relax(settle). Now the settlement is not necessarily the problem, what is, is the fact that this shrinkage(volume reduction) may not be uniform over the area ur building occupy, thereby making ur building settle differently(differential settlement), and the result is what u see; cracks.

My two cent sha

Meanwhile, still a student, stand to be corrected by pros on here.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by ADAMUdaCOWBOY: 6:44pm On Jan 12, 2016
dgitrader:
Greetings to my property experts, owners and enthusiasts!



I discovered crack in a window frame, I was furious, went round the newly built bungalow, and found another same type in the opposite end of the building. I became extra mad! I summoned the mason and architect. but before they arrived days later, I was shocked to discover same cracks in many houses, shops and schools in the same neighborhood. in fact 65%, both new and old bungalows. the area is in jos, and hard clay soils throughout. even a school managed by expertiates nearby, had its crack from window to floor to window in opposite ends!

cc
opalu
spyder880
abdulwastecx
kkonsults
segcymoor
darchitect
mufutau55. etc etc
I could have asked in your threads, but opened this so more people can learn and share, thanks for understanding.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES?
and there any future consequences and corrective adjustments?

OP I noticed the same thing in my cousin's house and other neighboring buildings. These cracks occurred only at the lower parts of the windows where tension should be less. He asked me why and I couldn't give an immediate reply. Many people here said it's due to soil and foundation issues, if that's so then why are the cracks only under the windows? When lintels are being constructed, wooden struts are often used to support the lintels which in turn transfer the weight of the lintel to the wall below. That may be the reason behind the faint cracks and as a solution, I think supporting lintels by bracing on the side of the window openings is a better way out.

2 Likes

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Qualer: 7:11pm On Jan 12, 2016
MathsChic:


hateful smart! grin what brought you here
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by olaridwan(m): 7:24pm On Jan 12, 2016
the causes of that crack is excessive weight of lintel....oda factor also affects it like settlements etc but it happens on long run not immediatly after construction or during construction.......I have seen it before in an ongoing site even wen plastering have not commenced and a lots of cracks appear around d opening in wall....i later discovered it was d excessive wieght of lintel.....lintel should not be too dence cos it is only carryin like 1,2 or 3 course(coach) above it....

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by ikorodureporta: 7:27pm On Jan 12, 2016
mufutau55:
Since you said it's not just your building... I hope there is no un-noticed earthquake or earth movement for a small period of time in that area.

Hajji M.

grin jos plateau is 'bout to erupt!
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by nkemdi89(f): 7:49pm On Jan 12, 2016
dgitrader:
Greetings to my property experts, owners and enthusiasts!



I discovered crack in a window frame, I was furious, went round the newly built bungalow, and found another same type in the opposite end of the building. I became extra mad! I summoned the mason and architect. but before they arrived days later, I was shocked to discover same cracks in many houses, shops and schools in the same neighborhood. in fact 65%, both new and old bungalows. the area is in jos, and hard clay soils throughout. even a school managed by expertiates nearby, had its crack from window to floor to window in opposite ends!

cc
opalu
spyder880
abdulwastecx
kkonsults
segcymoor
darchitect
mufutau55. etc etc
I could have asked in your threads, but opened this so more people can learn and share, thanks for understanding.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES?
and there any future consequences and corrective adjustments?

The cause of it is as a result of the soil texture mostly, houses built on loosed soils tends to experience that a lot, I mean sandy soils and houses closed to swampy and marshy areas, also it's important to carry out German floors on the foundations and erect casted pillars at every corners of the wall to support the buildings. To repair the cracks, cracking it further by creating more spaces and insert iron rods forming x shapes then add more plasters. To avoid it all get a specialist to carry a test on the soil before anything.

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by Nobody: 8:26pm On Jan 12, 2016
richcasey:
settling foundation. a ground beam during construction could have saved you the stress.


A ground beam for a bungalow on a dry land.i hail thee undecided
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by jayloms: 8:39pm On Jan 12, 2016
If not for this thread, I woundn't have checked the window on a new building in my area and boy! Did I find the thin stretching crack on every gaddemn window on d build. Q now is how can dis flaw b corrected Will replastering suffice.
Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by laplace19(m): 10:47pm On Jan 12, 2016
true2home:
Hi,

when you build in an area with clay properties, then there is going to be such cracks in buildings as you are witnessing. Clay has a dynamic characteristic; it shrinks when its dry and expands when its wet. As this happens, if the foundation the houses are sitting on is mostly clay soil, then things are bond to move. This my one cent sir.

Dgitrader, if the soil beneath the ground level is clayey then take this guy's explanation. Clay soil is deceptive in nature that during alternate wet and dry seasons these soils swell and shrink in regular cycles. During raining season, there's what we call "moisture change" in the soils which bring about severe movement of the soil mass and any structure built on such soil experiences recurring cracking and progressive damage.

In addition, if the soil used during plastering contained some amount of clay then you should as well experience "shrinkage cracks" on the walls.

My contribution

1 Like

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by abouzaid: 11:13pm On Jan 12, 2016
dgitrader:
Greetings to my property experts, owners and enthusiasts!



I discovered crack in a window frame, I was furious, went round the newly built bungalow, and found another same type in the opposite end of the building. I became extra mad! I summoned the mason and architect. but before they arrived days later, I was shocked to discover same cracks in many houses, shops and schools in the same neighborhood. in fact 65%, both new and old bungalows. the area is in jos, and hard clay soils throughout. even a school managed by expertiates nearby, had its crack from window to floor to window in opposite ends!

cc
opalu
spyder880
abdulwastecx
kkonsults
segcymoor
darchitect
mufutau55. etc etc
I could have asked in your threads, but opened this so more people can learn and share, thanks for understanding.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES?
and there any future consequences and corrective adjustments?

what was the depth of the foundation? this problem is common in the north especially around abuja,niger and nassarawa. you need to realise that most soils will experience serious settlement that will lead to cracks if the foundation depth is 2 feet or less while most soils will not experience such cracks if the foundation is 3 (1m) or more, i have forgotten at what depth no movements is expected but i can check it up later. a soil with a very high clay content is therefore safest if the foundation depth is at least 1m and the foundation wall made of 9inches blocks to spread the weight better (a larger foundation wall spreads the weight over a larger area thereby reducing pressure and potential settlement). i don't think the cracks would collapse the house but keep an eye on it as more settlement might occur as the house is only a year old.

2 Likes

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by drtwist(m): 11:18pm On Jan 12, 2016
I patiently scan through every comment on this post, trying to see if anybody can produce straight answer from experience. the truth is all that has been listed are truly causes of building failure but when its not limited to some building you need Experience and geotechnic engineer to help curb such menace (because the fault is from the soil layers/strata formation of that area ).


Some years back when 1 Arab companies were constructing ESUT faculty, they experience such problem causing collapse of most of the faculties building. They leta contact someone with experience about the soil of that area. Who told them that the problem they are encountering is because the soil strata of that area were not well defined that the top layer is the part with the best bearing capacity that the deeper you go the more clayic the soil becomes which during raining season it will expand and dry season it shrink cause great damage to the building.

Long story short....the solution we used then was to reinforce the footing and also start laying with a beam reinforce bottom majorly .


Sorry for any typo error, I'm not using the best phone. Thanks
opalu
spyder880
abdulwastecx
kkonsults
segcymoor darchitect
mufutau55. etc

2 Likes

Re: (photos)rampant Structural Window Cracks! Why? by podosci(m): 12:03am On Jan 13, 2016
Yes...message me on WhatsApp and we can find away for me to send it to you because it might be too large for email attachment

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