column spalling

• Nov 1, 2023

• #2

SWComposites

Aerospace

Nov 6, 2000

3,329

What is the stuff that looks like foam?

 

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• Nov 1, 2023

• Thread starter
• #3

struct_eeyore

Structural

Feb 21, 2017

253

I want to say that's insulation foam that the contractor used to to fill in gaps in the form work.

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #4

HTURKAK

Structural

Jul 22, 2017

2,879

Apparently , the column and the supported beam casted separately and my opinion is , the spalling occured during dismantling of the forms and scaffolding .. Poor workmanship..








Use it up, wear it out;
Make it do, or do without.

NEW ENGLAND MAXIM

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #5

hokie66

Structural

Jul 19, 2006

22,581

Yes, that type chunk separation at the top of columns is a result of abuse during construction. An indication of very poor workmanship.

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• Thread starter
• #6

struct_eeyore

Structural

Feb 21, 2017

253

So, additional information is available - see new photo. Would everyone be in agreement that the horizontal cracking looks like plastic shrinkage? I'm thinking the spalling at the top was aggravated by the excess separation as well. A portion of these columns and beams form a portal frame, and I'm concerned about how the weakened concrete will act when loaded in bending at the joint - is there a proper recommended repair with something like this?

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #7

Aesur

Structural

Jun 25, 2019

846

It appears you are located in Florida, if the spalling went to reinforcing, I would be worried about saltwater intrusion and may consider some kind of wrapping the column to prevent that at this point, something like FRP, which it's probably overkill from a strength consideration (assuming there wasn't a design issue to begin with), it would be good for protecting the rebar.

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #8

jdcollins

Structural

Oct 5, 2009

35

hokie66 said:

Yes, that type chunk separation at the top of columns is a result of abuse during construction. An indication of very poor workmanship.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I started seeing this a lot while doing threshold inspections on flat plate construction. They are smacking the column vertical dowels with a sledgehammer to either make the beam reinforcement fit or (after the elevated slab is poured) to make the column cage fit. When I've noticed it in the past, I make them chip out around the damage until they reach sound concrete and then repair using a high-strength repair mortar. It usually stops happening after they've completed a few of these repairs.

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #9

Tomfh

Structural

Feb 27, 2005

3,375

That horizontal plastic cracking can happen when the beams poured too soon after the column. The column is still shrinking/settling

 

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• Nov 2, 2023

• #10

hokie66

Structural

Jul 19, 2006

22,581

Yes, it is a form of plastic shrinkage. Probably more correctly described as plastic settlement cracking. It is due to inadequate compaction of the column concrete. The concrete below the crack settles, leaving that above suspended on the reinforcement.

 

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