Cracks where beam meets column — seismic risk

The beam-column joint is where earthquake forces concentrate. Hairline cracks here in older Guwahati RCC frames may indicate inadequate confinement steel.

Symptoms

• X-shaped cracks at joints
• Cracks after tremor felt
• Plaster damage at corners
• Building age 20+ years, pre-IS 13920

Diagnosis

Structural audit per IS codes, NDT on joint zone, and seismic vulnerability screening.

Are joint cracks always serious?

In Zone V, yes — treat as structural until proven otherwise.