Inspection and Numerical Modeling of Cracking in Existing Nonbearing Walls

Abstract

Cracking of nonbearing walls is not a problem of structural safety but is a source of nonfunctionality problems within the building. Cracking is one of the most common anomalies identified in facades during building inspections and affects the buildings’ in-service performance and durability. These inspections should be complemented with numerical modeling that can simulate the in-service cracking phenomena and help (1) improve the accuracy of the diagnosis in existing buildings, and (2) accomplish better construction practices. The objective of this work is to evaluate cracks in existing facades through inspections and then use the real conditions to validate numerical models. This work can help predict critical zones where it is more probable for cracks to appear in nonbearing walls. Moreover, it is essential to define specific constructive details for these cases and improve design projects, in-service performance, and durability of buildings.