Why Does Concrete Crack?

Why does concrete crack? There are a few causes of cracks in concrete, but there are two main reasons why this happens. One reason concrete cracks happens to new concrete that is curing. Another reason cracks occur is when concrete is forced to flex or move. Concrete is not flexible and will crack or break when this type of force is applied. When concrete is mixed, it has a bunch of water in it which kicks of the actuation process, or the curing of the concrete. Soon after cement powder is mixed with water, it begins the process of hardening or setting up. Once it is placed and left to cure, that water content is quickly reduced. This water loss causes the concrete to shrink and this shrinkage can cause cracks. Wet curing the new concrete can help avoid these early developing cracks. Cutting control joints into the concrete also encourage it to crack in a controlled way and where you want it to happen. It is not guaranteed to crack in the control joints, but again, this can help avoid these early cracks. Concrete is very strong, when you are speaking of compressive strength (having weight applied on supported concrete - like a driveway). It is not very strong when you are speaking of the tensile strength (spanning a gap with weight applied - like a bridge). To increase the tensile strength of concrete, steel is embedded in it as reinforcement. Referral links to products featured in Creating Concrete videos - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. https://amzn.to/3VIEmDX – universal mold release https://amzn.to/3TQ9e30 – silicone mold release https://amzn.to/3J7Q2II – sonite sealing wax https://amzn.to/43H3cpO – powdered concrete pigments https://amzn.to/4cDYz3T – Quikcrete red pigment https://amzn.to/4cIlDOK – Quikcrete brown pigment https://amzn.to/43EuVHL – Quikcrete charcoal pigment https://amzn.to/4cyIKeG – bulk acrylic paint set https://amzn.to/4aB9oBU – airbrush and compressor kit https://amzn.to/3J0MLee – Quikcrete bonding adhesive (PVA) https://amzn.to/3xlzwlW – Quikcrete bonding adhesive 4L (PVA) https://amzn.to/4aiGGGg – Sika acrylic fortifier 4L https://amzn.to/3U29Y6c – high range water reducer https://amzn.to/3vqjdUw – Drylok hydraulic cement https://amzn.to/3J3aDhv – Bosch mortar mixing drill https://amzn.to/4aiwQUS – 4.5" diamond cup wheel https://amzn.to/4aisWvb – mortar mixing paddle whip https://amzn.to/49nsDOq – Budget mortar mixer and paddle https://amzn.to/4cFsYPi – 5 gallon mixing bucket https://amzn.to/4ayjR1z – Sea sponge set for texturing https://amzn.to/3xvpE96 – Masonry / grout sponges https://amzn.to/3TGrZ8H – Marshalltown margin trowel (rubber grip) https://amzn.to/3VEhntP – Marshalltown margin trowel (wood grip) https://amzn.to/3xujXbx – Marshalltown point trowel (rubber grip) https://amzn.to/3TCp9Se – Marshalltown point trowel (wood grip) https://amzn.to/4ale5A4 – Marshalltown 12" square trowel https://amzn.to/4aEsUNI – 16" pool trowel set https://amzn.to/4avz2Is – fine sponge float https://amzn.to/3TGModV – fiberglass reinforcement 3/4" strands https://amzn.to/4cEd87w – alkalai resistant chopped glass fibers 3/4" https://amzn.to/3J0YzNR – perlite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse) https://amzn.to/3xiCYxI – vermiculite 4 cubic foot bag (coarse) https://amzn.to/43H2xV8 – Aircrete FM-160 liquid foam maker https://amzn.to/4aHPFk9 – RTV 100% silicone (10 pack) https://amzn.to/3VKbWcS – Smooth-On Vytaflex 30 urethane rubber https://amzn.to/3xiEhg6 – Smooth-On skin safe liquid silicone rubber https://amzn.to/3vtmang – interlock stone mold https://amzn.to/3VE04cj – slate texture skin https://amzn.to/3J0QEAb – bluestone texture skin https://amzn.to/3xmZfdR – basalt texture skin https://amzn.to/4aFjSQE – Variable speed wet grinder step sanding kit https://amzn.to/43I090s – 4.5 cubic foot cement barrel mixer 0.5hp #CreatingConcrete #fixconcrete #concretebasics #concrete101