Assessment of Crack Patterns and Remediation Strategies in Reinforced Concrete Framed Buildings in Maiduguri, Borno State

Cracking in reinforced concrete framed buildings is a widespread durability and serviceability concern that, if left unaddressed, can compromise structural load paths and long-term integrity. This study assesses crack patterns in twenty reinforced concrete framed buildings in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the North East geopolitical zone, and evaluates the appropriateness of currently employed remediation strategies. A crack survey was conducted at each building using a calibrated crack width gauge, recording crack widths, orientations, locations, and progression over a three-month monitoring period. Crack causation was classified using established diagnostic frameworks distinguishing between structural cracks (due to overload or insufficient reinforcement), movement cracks (thermal and moisture), and shrinkage cracks. Results show that fifty-five percent of recorded cracks were attributed to plastic and drying shrinkage, indicating inadequate curing practices during construction, while twenty-eight percent were classified as structural cracks associated with reinforcement congestion and inadequate cover. Cracks exceeding 0.3 mm width were identified in eighteen of the twenty buildings, above the limit for normal exposure conditions per Eurocode 2. Remediation strategies currently employed by local contractors were dominated by surface painting and cement-paste filling, methods found to be ineffective for active structural cracks. The study recommends adoption of epoxy injection for structural cracks, polyurethane sealants for movement cracks, and a structured crack monitoring programme for all buildings exceeding fifteen years of age. Keywords: crack patterns, reinforced concrete, remediation, Maiduguri, durability.