Cracks in columns — when to worry

A crack in a partition wall is cosmetic. A crack running through a column in Seismic Zone V Guwahati is a structural red flag that demands immediate assessment.

Symptoms

• Vertical or diagonal crack through column face
• Crack width increasing over months
• Concrete spalling exposing rusted steel
• Crack at beam-column junction

Diagnosis

Crack mapping, cover meter survey, rebound hammer, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. We classify active vs dormant cracks before prescribing CFRP wrap or injection.

Can I live in the building with column cracks?

Depends on severity. Active widening cracks need urgent assessment — book inspection before next tremor season.