Cracking in an Existing Block Wall 2

[MattyG123]

Hi Guys,

I had an query from the builder in regards to some cracking in this existing block wall - see below. I don't have a lot more information about it. I just thought maybe someone may be able to help identify the cause of this cracking to me - Is it something that is of concern? Is it potentially due to some differential settlement of the foundation - I'm not entirely sure of the soil conditions. Or is it more shrinkage cracking. If it is something of concern, would it be be best for them to demolish and rebuild, or if its not too concerning, can possibly gap filler/caulk the cracks.

Cheers

Matty G

 

[bridgebuster]

I suspect it's thermal. If it's settlement, typically the crack width would decrease as you go up the wall; hard to tell from the photo if that's the case here. From what I see in the photo, the wall doesn't look well constructed; sloppy mortar joints. There appears to be a step crack along the blocks in the upper part, which is typical of thermal cracking. The lower part may have more restraint, which could be the cause of the cracks in the lower blocks.

 

[r13]

The wall looks quite sturdy. Structural failure will occur, normally, only after the change in soil state - by raising in ground water (like flood), or heavy equipment staged nearby. I suggest to repair it now, and keep an eye on reopening, and measure the time in between. Thermal crack in the basement should progress slowly than a structural crack.

 

[oldestguy]

Unless you have some need for this to look "neat", there is no need to do anything. Appears to be shrinkage, likely related to shrinkage of the mortar joints.

 

[masonrygeek]

I don't know, that's a pretty wide crack to be due to shrinkage. Plus the wall looks relatively short (side to side) so the amount of shrinkage in that panel should be minimal. I'm not sure that this crack is cause for alarm, but you may want to look into it a little further. Things to look for: check the other side of the wall to see if the crack goes all the way through; is the wall bulging in any direction? Is this an exterior wall that could now be prone to water or air leakage?

 

[bones206]

Maybe non-structural infill that accidentally became structural.

 

[dold]

I agree with bones. Id say this is CMU infill in a CIP wall and the infill detail had the mason anchor the infill to both sides of the opening. Dunno how long each CIP wall is, but say each shrinks...~1/8", that would make a ~1/4" crack.

 

[bones206]

I was thinking more along the lines of unintentional gravity loading, but shrinkage of the bounding CIP walls seems just as plausible. Knowing the history of the structure and that CMU wall in particular would be helpful. I think I'm mostly curious about that mural...

 

[dold]

Clearly that was the place where the koolaid man would blast through the wall. Added CMU infill panels to make it more dramatic.

But yea, OP, got any more info on the wall/building/etc.? We're just guessing at this point.