Research Article
Investigating Structural Cracks for Infrastructure: Case Study of Anonymous Hospital, in Zimbabwe
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270761, author={Tawanda Mushiri and Samson Shumba and Tinashe Matora and Stewart Mhizha and Michael Tumbare and Dakarai Taaka and Kudzie Musiwa}, title={Investigating Structural Cracks for Infrastructure: Case Study of Anonymous Hospital, in Zimbabwe}, proceedings={EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ACRID}, year={2018}, month={4}, keywords={geotechnical investigations structural cracks bearing capacity sodic soils foundation underpinning}, doi={10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270761} }- Tawanda Mushiri
Samson Shumba
Tinashe Matora
Stewart Mhizha
Michael Tumbare
Dakarai Taaka
Kudzie Musiwa
Year: 2018
Investigating Structural Cracks for Infrastructure: Case Study of Anonymous Hospital, in Zimbabwe
ACRID
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.20-6-2017.2270761
Abstract
The main objective of the research was to investigate the structural cracks for infrastructure at the anonymous Hospital in Zimbabwe and recommend the appropriate engineering solutions to the structural problems. Desk studies, geotechnical and materials investigations and investigations of the structural designs for the existing infrastructure was conducted. Geotechnical tests included sieve analysis, soil indicator, shear strength, direct cone penetrometer, chemical dispersive and California bearing ratio tests. Most of the cracks were structural cracks. The foundation depth was determined as 1.5 m for a bearing capacity more than 100 kPa. The causes of cracks included use of substandard bricks and construction materials, thick mortar and inadequate foundation depth. The dispersive test also proved that the soils are sodic in nature. It is recommended to use reinforced strip foundations and deep foundations when constructing infrastructure at the site. Heavy duty concrete foundation underpinning is recommended for the existing buildings.