This document discusses construction defects and their remedies. It outlines various types of cracks that can develop in buildings, including structural and non-structural cracks caused by moisture, temperature changes, chemical reactions, ground movement and vegetation. Specific types of dampness like penetrating damp and rising damp are explained. Symptoms of dampness include mold growth, deterioration of plaster and paint, and staining of surfaces. The identification and treatment of damp problems is covered, focusing on fixing the cause like drainage issues or leaky pipes, installing a damp proof course, and repairing affected areas.

1. CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
AND
THEIR REMEDIES
By :-
APARAJITA GOYAL

2. DEFECTS AND CRACKS
• There are various defects in a building which may be
caused due to dampness , applied forces and change in
size
• Cracks may develop if the building material used is of
low quality
• Cracks can be divided into 2 categories
1 . Structural cracks
2 . Non – Structural cracks
• Cracks due to moisture changes
• Cracks due to temperature variation
• Cracks due to elastic deformation and creep
• Cracks due to effect of chemical reaction
• Cracks due to movement of ground
• Cracks due to vegetation

3. CRACKS DUE TO DAMPNESS
• Penetrating damp is the most common form of dampness
in buildings. Dampness occurs as a result of water
ingressing horizontally through gaps in the building
structure.
• Rising damp describes the action of ground moisture rising
up a masonry wall by capillary action.
• It potentially occurs where there is no damp-proof course
(DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged or bridged.
Theoretically, moisture can rise up the wall to a height of a
metre and it will often leave a characteristic horizontal 'tide
mark'. The historic city hall in Bamberg stands in the river
Regnitz and its bridge remains dry without any chemical ,
mechanical or electronical damp-proof course
• "Rising Damp" is most often caused by damp penetration
which is then absorbed by the plaster which is highly
absorbant and due to the chemical reactions taking place
inside the wall

4. SYMPTOMS
• Dampness tends to cause secondary damage to a
building.
• The unwanted moisture enables the growth of various
fungi in wood, causing rot.
• Plaster and paint deteriorate and wallpaper loosens.
• Stains, from the water, salts and from mold, mar
surfaces.
• Externally, mortar may crumble and salt stains may
appear on the walls.
• Steel & iron fasteners rust.
• It may also cause respiratory illness in occupants.
• In extreme cases, mortar or plaster may fall away from
the affected wall.
• The cracks developed as even and uniformely spread
throughout

5. IDENTIFICATION OF DAMP
PROBLEMS
• Roof defects such as faulty flashing, cracked or missing
slates or tiles.
• Faults in the brickwork or masonry such as missing or
cracked pointing. Porous bricks or stones.
• Missing or defective mastic around windows and doors.
• Blocked weep holes.
• Missing or defective trays in cavity walls.
• Solid, that is non-cavity walls
• Condensation.
• Damp proof membrane or Damp Proof course been
buried by later building activities

6. TREATMENT
• It is suspected that the problem is condensation, then a
room should be sealed off with a left running for the
recommended time and then further instrument tests
made.
• If the dampness has disappeared, then condensation is
very likely the problem.
• Insulation of cold surfaces and/or the elimination of water
vapour at source are the answers.
• The cause of the dampness must first be eliminated, by
providing better drainage or fixing leaking pipes. You can
also install a physical or chemical DPC.
• Then, any affected plaster or mortar must be removed,
and the wall treated, before replacing the plaster and
repainting.
• Proper DPC must be provided and all the joints must be
properly sealed

7. DEFECT DUE TO LEAKING PIPE

18. DEFECTS CAUSED DUE TO
APPLIED FORCES