NABL Accredited · NDT Service
Crack Width Monitoring
(Optical and Electronic Crack Width Measurement)
Precision measurement and long-term monitoring of concrete crack widths using optical gauges and vibrating wire crack meters — tracking crack progression for structural assessment and safety management.
IS 456
Standard
±0.01mm
Accuracy
24hr
Report TAT
NABL
Accredited
NABL Accredited Lab · ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Digital Reports via Autovity QLMS
Pan-India · 7 Lab Locations
Est. 2009 · 20,000+ Projects
Overview
What is the Crack Width Monitoring?
Crack Width Monitoring combines one-time optical measurement of existing crack widths with long-term electronic monitoring of crack mouth opening displacement using vibrating wire crack meters. IS 456 specifies maximum crack widths of 0.2mm (aggressive) to 0.3mm (mild environment).
At Global Lab, crack width measurement uses calibrated optical crack gauges (0.05mm resolution) for snapshot measurements and DEMEC gauges or vibrating wire crack meters for periodic or continuous monitoring. Data distinguishes active growing cracks from stable dormant cracks.
0.05mm Resolution
Optical crack gauge measures from 0.05mm — below IS 456 minimum limit.
Active vs Dormant
Monitoring data distinguishes active growing cracks from stable dormant cracks.
Vibrating Wire Crack Meters
Electronic sensors for continuous remote monitoring of critical cracks.
IS 456 Compliance Check
Measured widths compared against IS 456 maximum allowable crack widths.
NABL Certified Reports
All results on NABL-accredited letterhead with crack assessment.
Long-Term Monitoring
Crack meters installed for 1 month to permanent monitoring.
Test in Action
Crack Width Monitoring — Site Images
Optical Crack Gauge on Concrete Crack
Vibrating Wire Crack Meter Installed
Crack Width Progression Chart Over Time
Test Procedure
How the Crack Width Monitoring is Conducted
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1Crack IdentificationAll visible cracks marked, numbered and measured on element sketch plan.
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2Optical Width MeasurementCalibrated optical crack gauge placed over each crack. Width measured at representative points.
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3Crack Meter InstallationDEMEC gauge points or vibrating wire crack meters installed across critical cracks.
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4Baseline ReadingInitial readings taken under known conditions (temperature, live load state).
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5Periodic Monitoring & ReportReadings at specified intervals. Crack progression plotted. NABL report issued within 24 hours.
Standards & Specifications
Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Title | Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 456:2000 | Plain and Reinforced Concrete — Code of Practice (Crack Width Limits) | Crack Limits | Indian Standard |
| ACI 224R | Control of Cracking in Concrete Structures | Crack Assessment | ACI |
| BS 8110 | Structural Use of Concrete — Code of Practice | Crack Width | British Standard |
| IS 13311 | Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete — Recommendations | General NDT | Indian Standard |
Applications
Where is the CAPO Test Used?
Periodic monitoring of structural cracks in aging bridges and buildings
Post-earthquake crack monitoring for progressive damage assessment
Insurance and legal dispute crack width evidence documentation
Pre- and post-repair crack width comparison for repair effectiveness
Foundation settlement crack monitoring in buildings on variable soil
Dam and retaining wall structural crack monitoring for safety
Why Choose Global Lab
Our Advantages
NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid crack width certificates for insurance and legal compliance.
IS 456 AssessmentDirect comparison of measured widths against IS 456 Table 1 limits.
Active/Dormant ClassificationWritten assessment of crack activity status and structural implications.
Pan-India CoverageNDT teams across all 7 lab locations.
Fast 24-Hour ReportCrack measurement and NABL report within 24 hours.
Long-Term MonitoringElectronic crack meters available for continuous remote monitoring.