Foundation walls for the basements of different commercial buildings have developed cracks. For the conditions described, indicate the probable cause of the wall crack condition.(a) Walls are concrete block construction; cracks exist along several horizontal mortar joints; wall deflects (bulges) inward near midheight. (b) Walls are concrete block construction; diagonal cracking, or step-cracking, exists where two walls meet and form a corner.(c) Walls are poured concrete construction; diagonal cracks exist, all starting at the corners of various window openings.
Foundation walls for the basements of different commercial buildings have developed cracks. For the conditions described, indicate the probable cause of the wall crack condition.
(a) Walls are concrete block construction; cracks exist along several horizontal mortar joints; wall deflects (bulges) inward near midheight.
(b) Walls are concrete block construction; diagonal cracking, or step-cracking, exists where two walls meet and form a corner.
(c) Walls are poured concrete construction; diagonal cracks exist, all starting at the corners of various window openings.
(a)
Following are the possible causes of horizontal mortar joint cracks and inward bulging of the wall at mid-height:
- Heavy moving loads generally imposed due to heavy vehicles passing near the wall.
- Heavy earth loading due to damaged backfill or wet soil.
(b)
Following are the possible causes of diagonal or step cracks present where two walls meet and form a corner:
- Point loads whose value is greater than the compressive strength of the concrete used.
- The uneven settlement caused by volumetric changes in the underlying soil or increased load on one side of the foundation.
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