Introducing Buildera CRACKMON® CRACK MONITORS
By Professionals for Professionals
The BUILDERA CRACKMON® is a simple, reliable, and inexpensive mechanical device that measures vertical and horizontal differential movement of concrete, masonry, and steel structures. Ideal for restoration and analysis of differential foundation settlement, the BUILDERA CRACKMON is an indispensable tool for every engineer, contractor, builder, trades professional, or homeowner. Available in various sizes and packaged quantities, Buildera manufactures each BUILDERA CRACKMON using premium-quality materials and workmanship for superior engineering accuracy. If it doesn't say BUILDERA CRACKMON®, it's not original.
Who uses CRACKMON?
Architects, civil, structural and geotechnical engineers primarily specify BUILDERA CRACKMON® for their projects. However, anyone who designs, builds, manages, maintains, lives in, or inspects brick, concrete, or masonry structures can benefit too. CRACKMON is also used by government agencies, home owners' associations, transportation officials, consultants, and lawyers. The fastest growing use of the CRACKMON is in pre-construction surveys, which insurance companies require before tunneling or excavation can begin. By installing gauges on all noticeable cracks in buildings next to your site, property owners can prove whether collateral damage occurs as a result of your project.
In addition, CRACKMON is ideal for assessing ongoing damage to foundations and masonry due to earthquakes, high winds, ground subsidence (settlement), sinkhones, and soil upheaval due to expansive soils with high clay content.
How does the CRACKMON work?
Depending on the model, each CRACKMON consists of two overlapping thermoplastic or metal plates. Typically, one plate is white with a contrasting measurement grid, while the other is transparent with red cross-hair centered over the grid. With the CRACKMON in position across a crack, the cross-hair shifts vertically or horizontally over the grid when movement occurs, making it easy to see and track crack movement in the X and Y axes. The CRACKMON 3D tracks movement in all three axes, including the Z axis.
Is the CRACKMON accurate?
When installed properly, the CRACKMON is very accurate. It can measure movements as small as ±0.5 mm (±0.02 inch) and crack widths from ±20 mm (±0.79 inch) to as large as 160 mm (CRACKMON XL 15040A). For more detailed information, see the entire selection of CRACKMON solutions:
Installing the BUILDERA CRACKMON
Install BUILDERA CRACKMON using either anchors and screws, 5-minute epoxy adhesive such as BUILDERA STRUPOXY®, or a combination of both. If anchors and screws are used, the CRACKMON can be taken down and reused, but we don't recommend this method of installation in areas easily accessible by the general public. The CRACKMON is less likely to be removed by vandals if it is firmly epoxied in place.
When deciding whether to use anchors or epoxy, take into consideration the type of surface (for example, brick, masonry, concrete), the location and the risks (including cosmetic) involved in drilling holes for anchors. In some cases, epoxy putty is the best mounting medium as it can minimize surface damage, is more easily removed, and helps compensate for uneven or curved surfaces.
For additional information, visit our Crack Monitor FAQs.