3 Methods for Crack Depth Measurement in Concrete

Evaluation of existing surface cracks is normally done during the visual inspection of structures.
Crack opening on the surface of concrete is normally measured using a crack gauge. Depending
on the opening of the cracks on the surface, cracks can be described (as tiny as hairline, or cracks
with a few millimeters opening); however, this procedure does not provide enough information
about the depth of these cracks. Different techniques have been developed and used over time for
the purpose of crack depth measurement in concrete. But first, lets see why concrete cracks,
and why crack depth measurement in concrete matters?

Why Does Concrete Crack?

A crack is a linear fracture in concrete which extends partly or completely through the member
(OSIM, 2008). Some people believe that concrete is born with cracks; that its ingredients, and
how it is produced and transported – from the batching plant to pouring, setting, and curing – is
influenced by so many factors that cracking of concrete does not come as a big surprise; and to a
great extent, that might be true. Surface cracks are the most commonly seen kind of defects in
concrete structures (Shiotani and Aggelis, 2007). Cracking of concrete can happen in different
stages: It can happen before hardening of concrete, and it can happen in an old concrete
structure:
Crack in concrete can occur before hardening stage; this is normally due to settlement within
concrete mass, or cracks due to plastic shrinkage. But cracks can develop after hardening. For
example, drying shrinkage can occur due to the loss of moisture. Thermal contraction and sub-
grade settlement can also cause cracking in hardened concrete. Overloading, and weathering of
concrete can also result in cracks.

Crack Depth Measurement in Concrete

But why crack depth measurement in concrete matters? cracks can ease the access for
aggressive agents (i.e. chloride ion) to reach to steel reinforcement, which will eventually cause
corrosion. It is important to evaluate the depth of cracks, to make sure if surface cracking is well
propagated into concrete or not. The effectiveness of repair methods such as epoxy injection
relies on accurate prediction of crack depth. Different methods have been developed over years
to evaluate the depth of cracks in concrete.
I. Visual Examination of Concrete Cores

In this method, dye is injected (using pressure)

into surface cracks. Later, concrete cores will be taken from the area under investigation. The
sample is studied under microscope for determining the depth of cracks in concrete. Photo
adapted from Kevic C Arne (2014). “Crack depth measurement in reinforced concrete using
ultrasonic techniques” MSc. Thesis.
II – Impact Echo

In Impact-Echo test, a stress pulse is generated at

the surface of the element. The pulse spreads into the test object and is reflected by cracks, flaws
or interfaces, and boundaries. The surface response caused by the arrival of reflected waves, is
monitored using a high precision receiving transducer (Malhotra and Carino, 2004). When stress
waves travel within the concrete element, a part of emitted acoustic waves by the stress pulse on
the surface is reflected over the boundary layers, where different the material stiffness changes.
The data recieved by the transducer is normally analyzed in the frequency domain to measure the
wave speed and the thickness. This procedure has been standardized as the ASTM C1383,
“Standard Test Method for Measuring the P-Wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates
Using the Impact-Echo Method”. However, Impact-Echo can be used to assess the depth of
surface cracks.
III – Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) is an effective

non-destructive testing (NDT) method for quality control of concrete materials, and detecting
damages in structural components. The UPV methods have traditionally been used for the quality
control of materials, mostly homogeneous materials such as metals and welded connections.
With the recent advancement in transducer technology, the test has been widely accepted in
testing concrete materials. Ultrasonic testing of concrete is an effective way for quality
assessment and uniformity, and crack depth estimation. The test procedure has been standardized
as “Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity through Concrete” (ASTM C 597, 2016). To learn
more about UPV method, and its applications, click here.
UPV method can be used for estimating the depth of surface cracks. To do so, each transducers
should be place on one side of the crack, for a given distance. Then, the distance between
transducers is changed in the same trajectory. the UPV measurement will be repeated for
different spacing of transducers.