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Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426

XXV Polish – Russian – Slovak Seminar “Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering”

Cracks in circular reinforced concrete columns occurring during

the construction process
Marta Lutomirskaa, Szczepan Lutomirskib*
Warsaw University of Technology,The Faculty of Civil Engineering, Al. Armii Ludowej 16, Warsaw 00-637, Poland
The Maria Sklodowska-Curie Warsaw Academy, àabiszyĔska Street 25, Warsaw 03-204, Poland

Abstract

In the paper, the origins of cracks in reinforced concrete columns occurring during the construction process are discussed. The
development of the cracks was analyzed using equations of deformations and stresses for long cylinders proposed by S.
Thimoshenko. Collocation of the reinforcement in circular cross sections was discussed.

© 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the XXV Polish – Russian – Slovak Seminar “Theoretical
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the XXV Polish – Russian – Slovak Seminar “Theoretical Foundation
Foundation of Civil Engineering.
of Civil Engineering”.
Keywords: reinforced concrete column; cracks in columns; stresses due to temperature in circular columns; shrinkage deformations

1. Introduction

Cracks in reinforced concrete structures can occur in the early stage of the concrete maturing process [5]. They
may originate from temperature differences between the internal and external layers of the concrete element as well
as the shrinkage process. Shrinkage deformation increases in time and depends on many factors, for example: the
preparation process, placing of the concrete, compacting, curing of the concrete mix, and the shape of the cross
section which is defined as the ratio of the area of the cross section to the perimeter. The appearance of cracks raises
concern about the durability and safety of the structure, especially when their origin remains unknown [1]. In the

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +48 22 234 63 01.

E-mail address: ml@il.pw.edu.pl

1877-7058 © 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the XXV Polish – Russian – Slovak Seminar “Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering”.
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2016.08.144
420 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426

code PN-EN 1992-1-1:2008 [C1] p. 7.3.1 it is stated: “Cracking is normal in reinforced concrete structures subject
to bending, shear, torsion or tension resulting from either direct loading or restraint of imposed deformation.”.
However, this statement does not relate to reinforced concrete columns, where cracks may have diverse morphology.
In this paper, behavior of circular concrete columns in the early maturing stage was analyzed based on an office
building in Warsaw. Temperature influence in the concrete hardening process was solved using equations of
deformation and stresses equation for cylinders proposed by S. Thimoshenko [10].

2. Brief description of the building

The office building is 56.67 m tall. Its cross section is a circular segment, with a chord of 85.60 m and sagitta of
29.20 m at the terrain level. The building has two elevations: surface close to plain set by chords of the circles and a
convex surface set on arches of the circular segments (Fig. 1). In the central part of the circular segment, there is a
dilatation, which splits the building into two parts. In the building, there are sixteen floors above the ground level
and two underground floors. The first floor height is 5.50 m, while the other floors are 3.6 m tall. Above the sixth
floor above ground level the convex elevation is recoiled in relation to the lower part of the building.
The structure has slabs and columns with two internal rigid cores located close to each other in the internal part of
the building, close to the dilatation.
Axes of the columns are not located in the nodes forming an irregular modular net. In the longitudinal direction
(perpendicular to the chord) the net is mostly spaced every 7.50 m. In the other direction there are two modular nets
designed. Distances between columns vary between 2.70 m and 10.30 m. Square columns were designed in the
nodes of the rectangular modular net. Circular columns were designed at the cross section of the modular net
perpendicular to the chord and arched modular nets. Slabs were designed as 25 cm thick, concrete class C30. At the
dilatation and the bays the cantilever slabs are strengthened with beams, which are connected with the reinforced
concrete core of the building. Layout of the typical cross section between the second and sixth floor is presented in
Figure 1. The view of the designed open space is presented in Figure 2.

Fig. 1. Layout of the typical cross section between second and sixth floor
 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426 421

Fig. 2. The view of the designed open space

3. Steel reinforcement and concrete in circular columns

The requirements regarding diameters and spacing of the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement are specified
in the codes [C1, C2]. Transverse reinforcement is supposed to prevent longitudinal bars from relocation during
concreting, prevent against buckling, and diminish the influence of shrinkage deformations [9]. For hexagonal and
octagonal column shapes stirrups may be applied as shown in Figure 3 (a, b, c). In circular columns spiral and
additional internal stirrups (Fig 4 a, b, c) may be used.

a) b) c)

Fig. 3. Transverse reinforcement in hexagonal, octagonal and circular columns

422 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426

a) b) c)

Fig. 4. Transverse reinforcement in circular columns

In the inspected building, the main reinforcement of the circular columns was design with the the use of steel A-
III (34GS). It consists of 8 bars. Their diameters vary for different floors in regard to loading: ĭ20, ĭ25 and ĭ32
(ȡ1 = 0,89%, 1,39% and 2,28%). For transverse reinforcement steel A-I was assumed. The stirrups of ĭ8 and ĭ6
formed the shape of two “squares”, as shown in Figure 3c. Spacing of the transverse reinforcement was 20 cm, and
10 cm at the connections with the slabs.
The column diameter is constant (for analyzed floors) and equal to 60 cm. The variable was reinforcement and
the concrete class (C45, C40 and C35). The columns were concreted with the use of steel scaffolding. It is probable
that the columns were executed between autumn and spring, The concreted columns remained in the scaffolding for
about two days. To evaluate concrete compressive strength, sclerometric measurements of surface hardness were
applied. Schmidt hammer type N [C4] was used. It was concluded that the concrete class is between C45 and C50,
which fulfills the requirements of the designed class.

4. Description of damages

The concrete surfaces of the columns were covered with a thin layer of mortar, then painted white. On the dry
and white surface even small cracks and fractures were easily visible. During inspection, vertical separations of the
paint layer were observed in circular columns only (Fig. 5). None of the squared columns were defected. The
number of defected circular columns significantly varies on different floors. Below the 4th floor and above the 11th
floor no cracks were observed. On the 4th floor seven columns were damaged and on the 5th floor there were five.
The 6th floor was in partial use and it was excluded from the inspection. On the 7th and 9th floors only some small
damage was noted on the columns in the vicinity of the dilatation and the central part of the convex wall. The
highest amount of damage was observed on the 8th floor (Fig. 7 and 8). About 80 % of the columns had cracks,
separation of the paint from the wall, or even a visible segregation of the concrete at technological breaks (Fig.7).
On the 10th floor the problem concerns about 50% of the columns. The number of observed cracks also varied from
one to six cracks on one column.
The open spotwere performed. It was noted that for the majority of the columns the separation of the paint did not
mean cracks in the mortar. However, under the magnification the microscopic cracks (width of about 0,1 mm) in the
concrete could be seen. The cracks were filled with mortar, so they developed before placement of the mortar.
In the selected columns, the collocation of the reinforcement and concrete cover was checked using a Swiss
Profometer 3. The most uniform results for the thickness of concrete cover are shown in Figure 9 and the most
varying results are presented in Figure 10. It may be concluded that the longitudinal reinforcement was not fixed
enough against displacement during concreting, and the number of distancing pads was not sufficient.
Concern about load bearing capacity and safety may arise. There may be many origins to cracks appearance and
they may be difficult to define. The origins of the cracks may be evaluated based on the location of the cracks and
their shape.
 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426 423

Fig. 5, 6. Characteristic damages to paint coat and mortar on circular columns

Fig. 7. Column in axis BC/R=5220 Vertical micro cracks and Fig. 8. Open spot. Vertical crack and separation of the paint coat.
segregated concrete at technological breaks

Fig. 9. Column S – 1/7 on 8th floor, the intersection Fig. 10. Column S – 1/7 on 8th floor,
of axis BE/R = 5220 the intersection of axis BC/R = 5220
424 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426

5. Thermal stresses in the column with the circular cross-section

In the process of hardening of concrete the heat releases and it leads to an increase of temperature in the element.
The growth and change with time of temperature depends on the cross-sectional dimensions, the initial temperature,
the air temperature, type of concrete, pouring sequence, etc. [2]. In the hardening process those factors cause uneven
changes in the volume of the concrete, which result in cracks. Assuming that the profile of the temperature is axially
symmetrical and it is constant along the length of an infinitely long isotropic cylinder, the deformations (strains) and
the stresses can be calculated using the following formulas [10]:

1+ Ȟ ª r b 1r º
u= Į «1  2Ȟ  ³ T r dr + ³ T r dr »
1  Ȟ ¬« b2 0 r0 ¼» (1)

b r
ĮE ª 1 1 º
ır = «
1 Ȟ «b
¬ 0
2 ³ T r dr  2
r 0 ³T r dr »
»
¼
(2)

b r
ĮE ª 1 1 º
ı = «
1 Ȟ «b2
¬ 0
³
T r dr +
r2 0
T³r dr  T »
»
¼
(3)

b
ĮE ª 2Ȟ º
ız = «
1 Ȟ « b2
¬ 0
³
T r dr  T »
»
¼
(4)

where: Į – thermal expansion coefficient,

b – radius of a cylinder,
T = tT – (r/b)×tT – assumed to be the calculation of the linear temperature distribution along the
radius.
Based on equation [1] the strain component can be calculated as İr = du/dr and İș = u/r:

1+ Ȟ ª 2 r tT º
İr = Į «1,5  2Ȟ  tT  » (5)
1 Ȟ ¬ 3b ¼

1+ Ȟ ª r tT º
İ = Į «1,5  2Ȟ  tT  » (6)
1 Ȟ ¬ 3b ¼

Thermal stresses ır, ıș, and ız will be:

ĮE ª 1 tT r º
ır = « tT + » (7)
1 Ȟ ¬ 3 3b ¼

ĮE ª 1 2 tT r º
ı = « tT + » (8)
1 Ȟ ¬ 3 3b ¼

ĮE ª 1 tT r º
ız = « Ȟ tT  tT + » (9)
1 Ȟ ¬3 b ¼

Stresses ır and ıș at the axis are equal, while at the temperature tT> 0 radial stress ır is negative except on the outer
 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426 425

surface of the cylinder, where it is equal to zero. On the surface of cylinder there are tension stresses ıș, and ız.
Critical concrete strains in tension depend on the grade of concrete [11] and they are in the range of (1.0 to 1.5) x
10-4. The critical strain of concrete equal to İș = 1.5 × 10-4 was assumed. From the equation (6) temperature
difference which causes this deformation was derived. It is equal to 12,9϶C.
By transforming equation (8), the difference of temperature between the core of the column and its outer surface
can be calculated. Then, the tensile stresses at the outer surface of the column can be derived. They will be greater
than the tensile strength of the concrete at age t.
ĮE cm 1
ı = ( tT ) d f ctm (t) (10)
1 Ȟ 3
The increase of concrete strength in compression, tension and elastic modulus over time depends on many
factors. A first approximation according to [C1] is assumed :

§ f (t) · 0,3
f cm (t) = ȕ cc (t) u f cm , f ctm (t) = (ȕ cc (t)) u f ctm , E cm (t) = ¨¨ cm ¸¸ E cm (11)
© f cm ¹
For the concrete grade C40/B50 values of compressive, tensile strength and elastic modulus are specified by
code: fcm = 48.0 MPa fctm = 3.5 MPa, Ecm = 35 GPa. Assuming that the early compressive strength of concrete after
two days is greater than or equal to 20 MPa [C3], calculated by analogy from equation (3.1) from the code [C1] the
coefficient ȕcc (t) = 0.416. By transforming equation (10) the critical temperature which will cause tension and
fracture of column can be calculated.
3 ( 1  Ȟ) ȕcc (t) f ctm
tT = t k = (12)
Į (ȕcc (t)) 0,3 Ecm

For the values above, the critical temperature in the column after two days of curing s tk = 13,5϶C.
Derived from equations (5) to (9), strains İr, İș and stresses ır, ıș at any distant point from the axis of the column
are in accordance with numerical calculations made in paper [6]. The maximal thermal stresses in the corresponding
column with the square cross-section are approx. 30% higher than in the circular column. However, in the corners of
the square column the stresses are reduced by approx. 25% from the stresses in the circular column. In square
columns the development of cracks is reduced by concrete in corners of the cross section and stirrups. Therefore in
the circular column with the stirrups as shown in figure 3c the shrinkage of cracks can occur more easily than in the
square cross section columns.

6. Summary

High bearing capacity columns are usually constructed with the use of high class concrete. It is common that high
class concrete is more fragile to the curing process during early stages [7]. An especially high risk group during
curing are the concretes poured during winter seasons [4], [8].
Numerical and analytical computations for the circular columns have showed that the main strains and stresses
are circularly symmetrical. For the rectangular cross-section columns main strains and stresses are bi-symmetrical.
Maximal tensile stresses in the middle of the cross-section comparing to those at the corners are significantly lower.
Values of maximal strains at the peripheral surface of circular column are comparable to the shrinkage strains
calculated according to the old Polish code, with the assumption that the effect of shrinkage can be substituted by
lowering the temperature to/by 15϶C [3]. Moreover, it was proved that circular columns with stirrups, which are not
bent into a circle shape, are more sensitive to shrinkage than columns of rectangular or square cross-section with
stirrups, which prevent the development of shrinkage deformation. This is especially important in the initial stage of
concrete hardening.
An inadequate reinforcement against shrinkage and shrinkage stress patterns may cause crack development in
circular reinforced concrete columns. In square cross-section columns which underwent shrinkage cracks did not
occur.
426 Marta Lutomirska and Szczepan Lutomirski / Procedia Engineering 153 (2016) 419 – 426

References:

[1] B. Bukowski: „Cracks morphology in concrete and reinforced concrete structures”, Arch. InĪ. Lądowej nr 4/1957
[2] B. Bukowski: Concrete structures, vol. I, part I: „Binder, aggregates, water”, Arkady 1963
[3] K. Flaga: Shrinkage stresses and surface reinforcement in concrete structures, Monograph 295, PK Press, Cracow 2004.
[4] T. Godycki – ûwirko: „Concrete mechanics”, Arkady 1982,
[5] T. Godycki-ûwirko: „About early pre-service load cracking in the columns” Conference on Structural Failures, 2013, MiĊdzyzdroje, pp. 659
– 665.
[6] Sz. Lutomirski, J.Rączka: „Stresses and shrinkage deformations in circular reinforced concrete columns” XII R-S-P Seminar, Theoretical
Foundation of Civil Engineering, PW press, Warsaw, 2003, pp. 117 - 126
[7] H. Raszka: „Shrinkage of concrete – genesis, objawy i przebieg w czasie”, InĪ. i Bud. 2/96,
[8] H. Rusch, D. Jungwirth: „Shrinkage and creep in concrete structures”, Arkady, Warsaw, 1962,
[9] Starosolski W.: „Reinforced concrete structures”, PWN, Warsaw, 2000
[10] S.Timoshenko, J.N. Goodier: „Theory of plasticity”, Arkady, Warsaw, 1962,
[11] Sz. WoliĔski: „Tension in concrete – properties and their application in non-linear crack mechanics”. Bud. i InĪ. Z.15/91
[C1] PN–EN 1992–1–1:2008, Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures. Part 1–1:
General rules and rules for buildings
[C2] PN-B-03264:2002 – Concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures. Static calculations and design. Polish design code.
[C3] PN–EN 197-1:2012 – Cement — Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements,
[C4] PN-EN 12504-2:2013-03 Testing concrete in structures. Non-destructive testing. Determination of rebound number