Investigations into Cracks Causes in Educational Building: A Case Study

The objective of this study is to determine factors that contribute to the appearance of damage in school buildings, particularly those associated with soil nature.Based on a case study of a school with structural flaws, the analysis includes a preliminary investigation, a structural control, and a geotechnical examination.Concrete strength and quality were determined by Non-destructive testing (NDT) using uniparametric methods (Ultrasonic pulse velocity or Rebound hammer) and biparametric or combined methods.As results, the compressive strength of concrete in building elements (beams, columns) exceeds 25MPa which complies with standards.Because clay minerals are present in the soil, geotechnical laboratory experiments such as consolidation tests, Atterberg limits, and particle size distribution show potential for expansion and compressibility.Evaluation of general and differential settlements of the studied footings showed excessive values exceeding the limiting threshold.The soil composition in the chosen area is believed to cause differential settlement to the buildings' foundations, resulting in structural distress manifesting as cracks in the building.The phenomena are explained by variations in soil moisture brought on by a number of variables, such as seasonal variations in rainfall, inadequate drainage, the existence of gardens close to buildings, broken sewage and water lines, and an uneven distribution of stresses across supports.Regular and timely maintenance, along with increased owner awareness, can aid in the prevention of some of the flaws brought on by expansive soils.