Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
(OP)
Does anyone know of a case where a lightning strike caused cracking to form in a concrete slab-on-grade foundation?
I am evaluating a claim where there are extensive cracks in the slab of a house that was recently struck by lightning. The adjuster is unwilling to spend $$$ on concrete cores and petrographic examination, and to my eyes the cracks appear to be typical shrinkage cracks likely caused by too much water in the concrete mix. The residence has only a few damages to the cosmetic finish materials outside of the localized blast area, indicating a relatively low level of shock vibration to the structure from the blast.
Does anyone know of any papers or publications that address lightning damage to concrete structures?
I am evaluating a claim where there are extensive cracks in the slab of a house that was recently struck by lightning. The adjuster is unwilling to spend $$$ on concrete cores and petrographic examination, and to my eyes the cracks appear to be typical shrinkage cracks likely caused by too much water in the concrete mix. The residence has only a few damages to the cosmetic finish materials outside of the localized blast area, indicating a relatively low level of shock vibration to the structure from the blast.
Does anyone know of any papers or publications that address lightning damage to concrete structures?






RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
If you do come across information about lightning strikes causing damage to concrete, please let me know.
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
And wouldnt a bolt of lightning tend to fuse the concrete and aggregates together, rather than crack them?
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
ftp://imgs.ebuild.com/woc/C840413.pdf
ftp://imgs.ebuild.com/woc/C710218.pdf
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
The cracks are likely shrinkage cracks, caused by contractor procedures during construction.
Lightning damage to slabs is very localized and not in the form of cracks. Lightning causes spalling at the point of entry as it superheats the moisture in the concrete and it expands rapidly, causing localized spalling.
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
RE: Lightning Damage to Slab-on-grade
You would think they'd learn from the first mistake because a week later they did it again.