Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
(OP)
What precisely are the causes of the concrete discoloration. I have a seawall cap I am working with, and it appears that cracks have developed along the top and sides at approximately 24" to 30" o/c. I have also noted that there is discoloration of the concrete as well as pattern discoloration in some locations.
My initially thoughts are the lack of control joints caused the cracks and perhaps pouring on top of an existing CMU wall where the cause, but after seeing the discoloration, I think it's something else. I have attached pictures to help visualize what is happening. [img ]
My initially thoughts are the lack of control joints caused the cracks and perhaps pouring on top of an existing CMU wall where the cause, but after seeing the discoloration, I think it's something else. I have attached pictures to help visualize what is happening. [img ]







RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
The discoloration could be many things but my guess is on just different batches of concrete during the pour. This likely isn't an issue other than appearance.
The larger, straight cracks are plastic shrinkage cracks and would have been fixed using control joints. However, you have what I would say is a minor amount of plastic shrinkage cracking and it appears they're only visible due to the moisture from the adjacent body of water. I'd consider these something to monitor for growth but otherwise wouldn't worry much about them.
Overall it looks like a successful pour.
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
Those cracks look too small to inject and I wouldn't bother even if they were. The cracking is too minor to be concerned about yet, but down the road they might widen and a epoxy injection might be appropriate. Still, I would suspect this would be no worse than normal.
Is there any reinforcement in the cap or is just plain concrete placed over the masonry blocks?
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking
Type I cement is fine for this application. The mix design, placement, finishing and curing for this application are more important than the cement type. With excess bleed water, you would see the same indications without regard to the type of cement.
This is not alkali-silica reaction.
RE: Pattern Concrete Discoloration and Cracking