Crack Leakage
Crack Leakage
(OP)
Is there any crack width in a parking garage floor that there will theoretically be no leakage through the crack? For example, if it were theoretically possible to limit the crack width by design to a given width, say perhaps 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm, would surface tension effects, or any other effect be sufficient to prevent leakage? I know that it is not possible to limit all crack widths, but I am asking this as a "theoretical" question, to anyone who may be versed in the science of liquids. I am also interetsed in what your observations with this are in parking garages - have you found that very narrow thru slab cracks do not leak? My opinion is that any through the slab crack, no matter how narrow, will leak, particularly when the car wheels traverse the crack and prthaps push water down into it.






RE: Crack Leakage
RE: Crack Leakage
RE: Crack Leakage
Oldestguy - the information about the screen size is very interesting.
Thanks to all. much appreciated.
RE: Crack Leakage
The filter above has a long soak time (time for the non-evaporating fluid to remain in contact with the surface), but a low soak depth or soak pressure. On the other hand, the filter will be very, very thin (one fabric diameter thick) and that fabric is a round diameter smooth surface that encourages flow between filter strands, not a concrete "crack" that would have substantial length with a large amount of roughness. Any "ponding" on the concrete will dramatically increase the "soak time" - but if the standing water runs off, and the remaining surface tension held water can evaporate quickly, then you'd have almost no leakage even with cracks.
If it is critical, use a primer and a flexible concrete paint. Eliminate completely ALL standing water.
RE: Crack Leakage
RE: Crack Leakage
RE: Crack Leakage
Dik
RE: Crack Leakage
Check Gergely-Lutz relationship also....I think it is less conservative.
Also, make sure cover is at least 2" as crack width decreases with depth (shrinkage cracks)
RE: Crack Leakage
RE: Crack Leakage
I am aware of sanitary structure design crack control requirements, but I believe that they may be based on the concept that a small amount of leakage is ok. That would not be the case for a parking structure, where the lime contaminated leakage water can damage vehicle finishes, as well as resulting in unsightly stalactites hanging down, and staining of the slab soffit.
As for the other discussions, I am afraid they are getting in over my head, and in any event are difficult for me to apply to a parking gaarge, as required by CSA S413 Parking Structures".
I was hoping someone would say that they have seen narrow thru-slab cracks in parking structures, that show no sign of leakage, or vice versa. Maybe the best thing is for me to go look at a garage, but the snag is that virltually all garages in my area now have a waterproofing membrane.
Thanks everyone for the comments to-date. Much appreciated.