Concrete Slab On Metal Deck Cracking

It is however possible for deterioration to exist before cracks appear.

Concrete slab on metal deck cracking.

Cracking in composite concrete metal decking floor slabs. While the concrete shrinks the steel frame does not causing high tensile stresses in the concrete which ultimately lead to cracks. Cracks in concrete floors or slabs occur in poured concrete slabs may be found both in basement and in slab on grade or patio home construction and have a variety of causes and cures that we discuss here as we explain how to repair cracked concrete floors and as we describe slab on grade construction or patio home construction cracks and as we review the diagnosis of cracks in ceramic tile over concrete slab floors. A crack in a slab of 1 8 inch or less is typically a normal shrinkage crack and not a cause for concern.

If the crack is larger or growing larger an active crack or one side of the crack is higher than the other then you may need to have the work reviewed by a structural engineer. Composite concrete profiled steel sheet slabs are a popular form of construction for suspended floor slabs as they are simple and economical to design and construct. Generally they are found to be satisfactory in service. Engineers who design slabs on metal deck aren t thinking about the contractor.

Although a crack free floor is always desirable random cracks are to be expected in the kind of floor described. They don t have any real design guidance concerning deflection or crack control or how the tolerances can be different between the concrete and the steel. Any concrete floor cast on a metal frame and deck is severely constricted. As a contractor therefore don t be afraid to talk to the engineer about all this.

However visible cracking is one aspect that occasionally causes problems and complaints from building occupiers.