Significance of cracks in low-rise buildings—what you need to know Available to Purchase

A structural survey of a domestic property—particularly advice on the significance of cracks—is one of the precious few occasions when members of the public require the services of a civil engineer. Although the work may be low value or even pro bono, the financial impact on the client of getting it wrong can be significant. Furthermore, given the profession's desire for a higher public image, it is vital on these occasions that work is carried out as professionally as possible. This paper summarises what every civil engineer should know about undertaking and interpreting crack surveys.