Email Address is required Invalid Email Address
In today’s market, it is imperative to be knowledgeable and have an edge over the competition. ACI members have it…they are engaged, informed, and stay up to date by taking advantage of benefits that ACI membership provides them.
Read more about membership
Learn More
Become an ACI Member
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
Staff Directory
ACI World Headquarters 38800 Country Club Dr. Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 USA Phone: 1.248.848.3800 Fax: 1.248.848.3701
ACI Middle East Regional Office Second Floor, Office #207 The Offices 2 Building, One Central Dubai World Trade Center Complex Dubai, UAE Phone: +971.4.516.3208 & 3209
ACI Resource Center Southern California Midwest Mid Atlantic
Feedback via Email Phone: 1.248.848.3800
Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is D-cracking? A. Deterioration due to freezing and thawing of properly proportioned, air-entrained concrete made with aggregate susceptible to freezing-and-thawing damage is often referred to as D-cracking. Many types of coarse aggregate have been identified as susceptible to D-cracking, while other sources of the same kind of rock have not been found susceptible. The pore structure of the coarse aggregate is thought to be the primary contributing factor to susceptibility to D-cracking. The primary factor in a concrete mixture that contributes to the development of D-cracking is the susceptibility of the coarse aggregate, whereas the air-void system and the w/cm have little or no effect. Most coarse aggregates identified as susceptible to D-cracking are sedimentary rocks, although many sedimentary rocks have not been found to be susceptible to D-cracking. Igneous rocks are generally not considered to be susceptible to D-cracking unless the rocks are weathered. References: ACI 201.2R-16; ACI 224.1R-07 Topics in Concrete: Aggregate; Cracking; Durability
Q. What is D-cracking?
A. Deterioration due to freezing and thawing of properly proportioned, air-entrained concrete made with aggregate susceptible to freezing-and-thawing damage is often referred to as D-cracking. Many types of coarse aggregate have been identified as susceptible to D-cracking, while other sources of the same kind of rock have not been found susceptible. The pore structure of the coarse aggregate is thought to be the primary contributing factor to susceptibility to D-cracking.
The primary factor in a concrete mixture that contributes to the development of D-cracking is the susceptibility of the coarse aggregate, whereas the air-void system and the w/cm have little or no effect. Most coarse aggregates identified as susceptible to D-cracking are sedimentary rocks, although many sedimentary rocks have not been found to be susceptible to D-cracking. Igneous rocks are generally not considered to be susceptible to D-cracking unless the rocks are weathered.
References: ACI 201.2R-16; ACI 224.1R-07
Topics in Concrete: Aggregate; Cracking; Durability
Search other resources on the ACI website for answers to technical questions