Concrete Cracking and Heaving

[rhaymg]

I understand concerete cracks. But at what point is it not cracking due to normal concrete cracking? The pool building at to build up one corner of the pool with fill dirt. (about 6 truck loads). Because it wasn't properly compacted enough or properly the concrete on that corners not only cracking but heaving at the crack. Right now it is about 1/4" higher at the crack then the other side and it's cracking in the center of the skimmer.

Is this more then a typical crack expected in concrete?

Robert

 

[Toxophilite]

Our clay soil heaves about 3" from wettest to driest seasons. Since that is unavoidable, here, it's about consistency of moisture content. IOW, if you can keep the entire soil contact the same moisture content through the seasons , wonderful. Easier to accomplish on house slabs with flower beds, heavy mulching, and drains. Otherwise, entire slab rises and falls. But, if you have one end staying wet and one end dry, that unequal heaving will eventually separate the slab.

The only "normal", or non-structural cracks are shrinkage surface cracks. But, once one part is higher away from the other, or farther away from the other, then you have a structural failure that needs to be addressed.

 

[ajw22]

No structural cracks should be expected.

Sufficient rebar should be put in the concrete to resist any ground movement. Rebar is what makes concrete structurally strong.

I don’t think soil compaction is the root of your problem. Your rebar and gunite should resist any cracking.

Do you have pics of your dig after rebar and before gunite?

And post pics of your problem area now.