Errors in concrete structures

Abstract

One hundred and eighty-eight cases of error in concrete structures, 29 of which resulted in collapse and 118 in distress, deterioration, excessive cracking, spalling, deflection, or settlement, were collected from consulting engineers and government departments across Canada. The survey indicated that about half the errors originated in the design and the other half were due to faulty construction. Most of the collapses occurred during construction, mainly as a result of inadequate formwork or temporary bracing; some were due to detailing errors in design. Most serviceability failures, on the other hand, occurred during use. Many of those failures were due to lack of consideration in design of deflection or of the effects of temperature, shrinkage, and creep.