Prevention and Control of Cracks in Architectural Concrete Structures: A Design-Based Approach to Load Distribution and Structural Strength Improvement

Francis Deng Clement¹, Armin Mehdipour^1,2, Zhou Shutian¹

1. Nantong University
2. The University of Adelaide

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 1310 to 1323. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_126.

Abstract

The most prevalent types of damage to concrete structures are cracks and cavities. These types of damages have the potential to cause the structure to lose its load-bearing capability and stiffness, potentially leading to catastrophic catastrophe. The frame components are susceptible to severe and unrestrained cracking, which can cause corrosion and reduce the adherence of any existing reinforcement. In severe cases, cracks in a building's structure may diminish its aesthetic value and cause discomfort to the occupants. In a follow-up study, the development and progression of cracking and damage in concrete composite structures were carefully examined. It delineates the causes of the most prevalent types of cracks, and stresses the factors that induce them. A summary of the most widely used methods for identifying small cracks, analysing their shapes, and monitoring their progression is also included. For concrete composites, there are eight distinct methods by which cracks may propagate. In each instance, the microcracks were unique, whereas the macro-reinforced elements exhibited predominant natural stresses. In contrast to microcracks in tensioned elements, which are typically rectilinear in shape, torsional forces cause changes in the morphology of wing microcracks, resulting in twisting of the wing tips. Microcracks and cracks in concrete structures and elements are complex and significant subjects because they affect the longevity of buildings, occupant safety, and the costs of the prospective restoration of damaged concrete structures. The topic of cracking and fracture in reinforced concrete structures and materials is still under investigation, and as a result, will continue to receive significant attention. Controlling and preventing cracks in concrete architectural structures are essential for building safety. In conjunction with temperature regulation and structural fracture design, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) exhibit potential for the detection and prevention of fissures. The accuracy of fracture detection is enhanced by employing a deep learning approach. Artificial microfibres have been discovered to enhance the strength and durability of reinforced and hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete as well as their structural performance. Crack regulation is also effective. A combination of engineering, materials science, and machine learning is required to reduce fracture formation and durability.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Recorded Presentations, Session IV, Saturday 9 November 2024, 16:15 to 18:15, room WG 201, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Dat Doan.

How to Cite

Clement, F. D., Mehdipour, A., & Shutian, Z. (2025). Prevention and Control of Cracks in Architectural Concrete Structures: A Design-Based Approach to Load Distribution and Structural Strength Improvement. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 1310–1323). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_126

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.