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Beam is a structural member that supports the transverse load which usually

rest on supports at its end. Girder is the term applied to a beam that
supports one or more smaller beam.

Beams are classified as:


a} Simple Beam

b) Continuous Beam

c) Semi-Continuous Beam

Simple Beam: Refers to the beam having a single span supported at its end
without a restraint at the support. Simple beam is sometimes called as
simply supported beam. Restraint means a rigid connection or anchorage at
the support.

Fig: Simply supported beam


Continuous Beam: It is a beam that rest on more than two supports.

Fig: Continuous beam with reinforcement details


Semi-Continuous Beam: Refers to a beam with two spans with or without
restraint at the two extreme ends.

Fig: Semi-continuous beam


Cantilever Beam:-Is supported on one end and the other end projecting
beyond the support or wall.

Fig: RCC Cantilever beam reinforcement details


T Beam: -When floor slabs and beams. are poured
simultaneously producing a monolithic structure where the portion of the
slab at both sides of the beam serves as flanges of the T-Beam. The beam
below the slab serves as the web member and is sometime called stem.
Fig: RCC T-beam

Types & Summary of Cracks in


Reinforced Concrete Beams
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The occurrence of various crack patterns in the building mostly takes place
during construction and/or after completion. A building component develops
cracks whenever the stress in the components exceeds its strength. Stress in
the building component is caused by externally applied forces/loads.

Almost all the types of cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams are


fundamentally defined by the principle cause or mechanism associated with
the function of cracks.

Also Read:

Classification of Cracks Nature Wise, Width Wise & Shape Wise

Types & Summary of Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Columns


Here we have tried to provide you with an overview of almost all the types of
cracks occurred in RCC beams.

Flexure Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Flexure word also means Bending. Cracking in reinforced concrete beams


subjected to bending usually starts in the tensile zone i.e. soffit of the beam.
The width of flexural cracks in reinforced concrete beams for short-term may
stay narrow from the surface to the steel. However, in long-term under
continuous loading, the width of crack may get increased and become more
uniform across the member.

Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.


Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Rea
RC Flexure Cracks in Originates in maximum moment region (in Flexural capaci
above image this region is in centre of the beam is inadequ
Beam Reinforced beam, it varies as per support Conditions of
When Cross sec
beam)
Concrete Beams beam or main r
May be single or in groups in beam is insuf
Maximum width at bottom/top of beam i.e. it is loaded
defined loads.
Shear Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Shear cracks in reinforced concrete beams occurs in hardened stage and it is


usually caused by structural (self weight) loading or movement. These types
of cracks are better illustrates as diagonal tension cracks due to combined
effects of flexural (bending) & shearing action.

Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.


Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Reaso
RC Shear Cracks In Originates nearer to supports. Shear Capacity of t
inadequate.
Beam Reinforced Concrete May be single or in groups.
Cross section or tor
Maximum width at neutral axis
Beams reinforcement insuf
region or at bottom of beam.
Both here happen d
more than designed

Torsional Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Usually, beams are subjected to torsion along with bending moment and
shear force. Bending moment & shear force occurs as loads acts normal to
the plane of bending. However, loads away from the bending plane will cause
torsional movement.
Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.
Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Rea
RC Torsional Cracks in Originates nearer to maximum torsion Torsional stren
region. beam is inadequ
Beam Reinforced Concrete
Single generally uniform width. Cross-section o
Beams Appears over the whole periphery in reinforcement i
helical form.

Corrosion Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Corrosion cracks in reinforced concrete beams run along the line of


reinforcement. It usually separates the concrete from reinforcing bars. It is
mostly manifested by discolouration of paint or stains of rust.

Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.


Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Reason
RC Corrosion Cracks in Runs along the line of Bond between reinforci
reinforcement. concrete not satisfactory
Beam Reinforced Concrete Beams
Uniform width in general May be due to corrosion
damage.

Also Read:

Identify Risk of Steel Corrosion in Concrete Structure

Shrinkage Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Shrinkage cracks in reinforced concrete beams occur during two stages,


which are a pre-hardening stage and hardened stage. In pre-hardening stage,
these types of cracks are called as plastic shrinkage cracks & in the hardened
stage they are known as drying shrinkage cracks. Shrinkage cracks occur
when fresh concrete is subjected to a very rapid loss of moisture.

Also Read:

Types of Cracks in Concrete at Plastic State

Plastic Shrinkage Cracks All you Wanted to Know

Plastic Settlement Cracks All you Wanted to Know

Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.


Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Reason
RC Shrinkage Cracks in No regular pattern or thickness Curing is inadequate
and in general superficial. over water-cement ra
Beam Reinforced Concrete
Usage of excessively
Beams
Shrinkage reinforcem
insufficient.
Sliding Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

The diagonal mode of failure by sliding along the critical cracks is known as a
failure by sliding and usually appears at the edge of the supports of the beam.
These types of concrete cracks appear if concrete gets disturbed in a fresh
state.

Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.


Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Reasons
RC Sliding Cracks in Runs vertically at the Concrete in the beam is distur
edge of supports. early age when adequate stren
Beam Reinforced Concrete realised.
Maximum width at
beams bottom of beam. May be due to disturbance of
green stage or early deshutteri

Tension Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Beams:

Tension cracks in reinforced concrete beams occur usually due to shrinkage


or temperature variations. Tension cracks usually appear in those members
where restraint is provided in the longitudinal movements. Usually, tension
cracks tend to propagate over the full depth of the cross-section of beam.
Courtesy - Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd.
Member Crack Type Important Characteristics Possible Re
Reinforced Tension Cracks in Appear over the whole periphery. Capacity of t
Generally over the whole length of the in tension is
Concrete Tie Reinforced Concrete member.
Tensile reinf
Beams Parallel to each other. insufficient.
Uniformly observed.

Cracks endeavour safety of home and ultimately may put you in stress
in long term.

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