Foundation walls for the basements have developed cracks. For the conditionsdescribed, indicate the probable cause of the wall crack condition.(a) Walls are concrete block construction; cracks exist along several horizontalmortar joints; wall deflects (bulges) inward near mid-height.(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 atthe corners of various window openings.

Answered: Foundation walls for the basements have…

Structural Analysis

6th Edition

ISBN:9781337630931

Author:KASSIMALI, Aslam.

Publisher:KASSIMALI, Aslam.

Chapter2: Loads On Structures

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1P

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Question

Foundation walls for the basements 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 mid-height.
(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.

Expert Solution

Step 1

(a)

The possible causes of horizontal mortar joint cracks and inward bulging of the wall at mid-height are as follows:

Heavy moving loads generally imposed due to heavy vehicles passing near the wall.
Heavy earth loading due to damaged backfill or wet soil.

Step 2

(b)

The possible causes of diagonal or step cracks present where two walls meet and form a corner are as follows:

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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