Case Studies

Excessive Moisture Penetration and Cracks 

One of the outer walls of a residential building showed excessive moisture penetration.  The tamp would get spoils a couple of days after each fresh coat. The outer walls showed cracks. The owner tried different methods such as re plastering, providing bond blocks at cracks, etc. Yet the trouble continued. 

It was noticed that the owner had planted flowering trees along that troubled wall. The plants were watered every day. The foundation of wall was about 2 m deep, resting on copra. Upper layers were of black cotton soil.  Excessive watering kept the sub-soil wet and caused differential settlement along that wall. 

The owner was advised to remove the trees along the wall and provide apron of 1.5 m all around the building and also adequate drainage facility. The trouble ceased since then. There are many cases of this type.  Flowering  trees should be about 1.5 m away from walls and adequate drainage facility must be provided. 

Some of the typical cracks developed in buildings are shown. 

 Excessive Moisture Penetration Crack.

  Pattern of Cracks in the Elevation

  Settlement Cracks