GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVARSITY

GIDC DEGREE ENGINEERING COLLEGE,

ABRAMA, NAVSARI

A PROJECT REPORT ON

WATER TANK CRACK

RETROFITTING OF STRUCTURE (3170616)

B.E.,SEMETER – 7th
(Civil Branch)

NAME ENROLLMENT NUMBER

Chaurasiya sudhanshu v 221103106003
Patel sanket R 221103106025
MD Alim usuf Ali 221103106012
Prepared by

GUIDED BY:

Prof. Vikunj K. Tilva

Academic year

(2023-2024)

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 Index

Contents
Water Tank crack........................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) Water Tanks ....................................................................... 3
Common Causes of Cracks in RCC Water Tanks .............................................................................................. 5
Identifying the Type of Crack .......................................................................................................................... 7
 Shrinkage Cracks ................................................................................................................. 7
 Settlement Cracks ................................................................................................................. 7
 Structural Cracks ................................................................................................................. 7
 Water-Caused Cracks............................................................................................................ 7
 Thermal Cracks .................................................................................................................... 7
 Corrosion-Induced Cracks..................................................................................................... 8
 Plastic Shrinkage Cracks ....................................................................................................... 8
 Expansion Cracks ................................................................................................................. 8
Assessing the Severity of the Crack ................................................................................................................. 9
Step-by-Step Approach to Crack Repair ........................................................................................................ 10
Preparing the Cracked Area For Repair .......................................................................................................... 11
Selecting the AppropriateRepair Materials ..................................................................................................... 12
Applying the Crack Repair Solution ............................................................................................................... 13
Verifying the Effectiveness of the Repair ........................................................................................................ 14
Benefits of Crack Repair in Water Tanks......................................................................................................... 15
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................ 16

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 Water Tank crack

Cracks in RCC water tanks are a common issue, posing risks to water quality and

structural integrity. Understanding the causes and repair methods is

essential for ensuring safe and reliable water storage.

Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) Water Tanks

 Durable Structure :

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 RCC tanks are known for their Strength and durability. They resist

Corrosion and withstand various Weather conditions.

 Water Storage :
RCC tanks are designed to store large Quantities of water, catering to diverse Needs like
domestic and industrial Applications.

 Construction :
RCC tanks are constructed by pouring Concrete over a steel reinforcement Framework.
The concrete hardens, Creating a robust structure.

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 Common Causes of Cracks in RCC Water Tanks

 Poor Construction :Insufficient reinforcement, Improper mixing of concrete, And

inadequate curing can Lead to structural weaknesses.
 Settlement of Soil :Uneven soil settlement can Put stress on the tank Foundation, leading to
cracks.
 Temperature :Fluctuations Extreme temperature changes Can cause expansion and
Contraction of concrete, Resulting in cracks.
 Water Pressure :High water pressure within the Tank can exert stress on its Walls, causing
cracks over Time.

 Temperature Changes: Fluctuations in temperature can cause expansion and contraction in

the concrete, leading to thermal cracking.

 Improper Curing: Insufficient or improper curing can lead to weak concrete, increasing the
likelihood of cracks.
 Overloading: Exceeding the design load of the tank can cause structural stress and cracking.

..

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 Poor Quality Materials: Using substandard concrete mix or aggregates can result in weaker
structures that are more prone to cracking.
 Design Flaws: Inadequate structural design or lack of proper reinforcement can lead to stress
concentrations and eventual cracking.
 Ground Movement: Soil settlement or seismic activity can cause shifts that lead to cracks.
 Water Pressure: Excessive hydrostatic pressure from the stored water can induce cracks,
especially if the tank is not properly designed to handle it.
 Corrosion of Reinforcement: If steel reinforcement bars corrode, they expand and can cause
the surrounding concrete to crack.
 Chemical Reactions: Reactions between concrete and aggressive chemicals in the water (like
sulfates) can deteriorate the concrete and create cracks.

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 Identifying the Type of Crack

 Shrinkage Cracks

• Appearance: Fine, hairline cracks usually appearing on the surface.

• Location: Often found on the walls and base of the tank.
• Cause: Result from moisture loss during curing or temperature changes.

 Settlement Cracks

• Appearance: Diagonal cracks that can be wider at the top or bottom.

• Location: Typically found near corners or at the base.
• Cause: Soil settlement or uneven loading.

 Structural Cracks

• Appearance: Wider and more pronounced cracks, often accompanied by deflection.

• Location: Usually at high-stress areas like joints or beams.
• Cause: Overloading, design flaws, or inadequate reinforcement.

 Water-Caused Cracks

• Appearance: Cracks with efflorescence (white powder) around them.

• Location: Commonly at the waterline or areas in direct contact with water.
• Cause: Water infiltration and pressure, often exacerbated by poor drainage.

 Thermal Cracks

• Appearance: Random, irregular cracks.

• Location: Can appear anywhere but are often in exposed areas.
• Cause: Temperature fluctuations leading to expansion and contraction.

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 Corrosion-Induced Cracks

• Appearance: Cracks associated with rust stains or spalling.

• Location: Around reinforcement bars.
• Cause: Corrosion of the steel due to moisture penetration.

 Plastic Shrinkage Cracks

• Appearance: Short, shallow cracks occurring in freshly poured concrete.

• Location: Surface of newly cast concrete.
• Cause: Rapid evaporation of water before the concrete sets.

 Expansion Cracks

• Appearance: Cracks caused by concrete expansion, often with bulging.

• Location: Along expansion joints or near edges.
• Cause: Temperature changes or chemical reactions within the concrete.

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 Assessing the Severity of the Crack

1. Crack Width

Measure the width of the crack to determine its extent.

2. Crack Depth

Inspect the crack’s depth to understand if it has penetrated the

Tank’s wall.

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3. Crack Movement

Observe the crack’s movement over time to determine its Activity level.

Step-by-Step Approach to Crack Repair

1. Preparation :

Clean the cracked area thoroughly and remove loose debris.

2. Crack Filling :

Apply a suitable sealant or epoxy to fill the crack.

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3. Reinforcement :

Use a reinforcement mesh to provide additional support to the crack.

4. Sealing :

Seal the repaired area to prevent water penetration and further damage.

Preparing the Cracked Area For Repair

 Cleaning :

Use a wire brush or scraper to Remove dirt, dust, and loose concrete From the crack.

 Water Removal :

Ensure the cracked area is Completely dry before applying repair Materials.

 Chipping :

Chisel away any loose or flaking Concrete around the crack to create a Clean surface.

 Vacuuming :

Vacuum the area to remove any Remaining debris and prepare for Repair.

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 Selecting the AppropriateRepair Materials

Material Description Applications

Epoxy Sealant Strong, durable, and Suitable for structural
resistant to water cracks and large
penetration. cracks.
Acrylic Sealant Flexible and easy to Suitable for minor cracks
apply, ideal for hairline and cracks in areas with
cracks. movement.

Concrete Patching A mixture of cement, Used for filling larger

Compound aggregates, and cracks and creating a
additives for filling large smooth surface.
cracks.

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 Applying the Crack Repair Solution

Cleaning

Clean the crack and surrounding area thoroughly.

Primer

Apply a primer to enhance adhesion of the repair material.

Crack Filling

Apply the chosen repair material to the crack.

Smoothing

Smooth the repair material to create a seamless finish.

Curing

Allow the repair material to cure completely.

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 Verifying the Effectiveness of the Repair

Visual Inspection

 Visually inspect the repaired area for any signs of leakage or movement.

Pressure Testing

 Apply water pressure to the tank and monitor for leaks or crack

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 Benefits of Crack Repair in Water Tanks

Addressing cracks in water tanks promptly offers numerous advantages that extend beyond
simply preventing Leaks. These repairs ensure the longevity and efficiency of your water
storage system, safeguarding the quality And safety of your water supply, and contributing
to overall cost savings and peace of mind.

 Water Conservation :
A leaking water tank can waste a significant Amount of water, leading to higher water bills
and Contributing to water scarcity. Repairing cracks Effectively prevents leaks, promoting
water Conservation and reducing your environmental

 Improved Water Quality :

Cracks in water tanks can create entry points for Contaminants, compromising the quality
of your Water supply. Repairing cracks effectively seals These entry points, preventing
contamination and Ensuring that the water you use is safe and clean For drinking, cooking,
and other household needs.

 Enhanced Structural Integrity :

Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of a Water tank, making it more susceptible to
collapse Or damage. Repairing cracks effectively reinforces

The tank’s structure, ensuring its stability and Preventing potential safety hazards.

 Cost Savings :

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 Neglecting water tank cracks can lead to more Extensive damage and more costly repairs
in the Long run. Repairing cracks promptly helps prevent Further damage, minimizing
repair costs and Maximizing the lifespan of your water tank.

Conclusion

By understanding the causes of cracks and implementing proper repair and preventive measures,
you can ensure the longevity and safety of your water tanks. Regular maintenance and inspections
are crucial for preventing future issues.

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