Why Can House Walls Crack During an Earthquake?

Earthquakes are one of the most difficult natural disasters to predict. Their impact on buildings can be very destructive, even if the shaking is not too big. One of the damages that is often found after an earthquake is cracked house walls. What are the causes?

1. Building Structure is Not Flexible Enough
A building that is too rigid without a proper damping or reinforcement system will easily crack. Walls that only use brick material without reinforcement such as columns and beams are also more susceptible to vibrations.

Solution: Use reinforced concrete frames, practical columns, and ring beams as a binding system.

2. Inadequate Material Quality
Materials such as bricks, cement, and sand that do not meet standards can cause walls to become brittle. A mixture of mortar that is not in accordance with the measurements also risks making walls crack quickly.

Solution: Make sure to use quality materials and in accordance with the mixture measurements, such as 1 part cement: 5 parts sand.

3. Foundation is not strong or does not match the type of soil
A shallow foundation or one built on unstable soil can cause the building to shift during an earthquake, which then has an impact on the walls.

Solution: Analyze the type of soil before building, and use the right and stable foundation.

4. Lack of Vertical and Horizontal Binding Elements
Walls without additional binding elements such as reinforcing iron or wire mesh do not have good resistance to horizontal shocks.

Solution: Add iron reinforcement to the walls, both vertically and horizontally, for a more even distribution of force.

5. Local Land Movement
It is not uncommon for cracks in walls to be caused by shifting soil under the building, especially if the house is located in an active fault area.

Solution: Use a special foundation system or additional reinforcement for buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

Pay Attention to Early Signs of Damage
Cracks in walls are not only an aesthetic issue, but can also be an early indicator of structural damage. Consult an expert immediately if cracks start to appear, especially after an earthquake.

Support Stronger and Safer Construction
PT Intisumber Bajasakti provides various types of quality building materials, ranging from reinforced concrete, practical columns, to wire mesh and steel plates that meet SNI standards—to help you build a safer and more shock-resistant home.

💬 Consult your building material needs now with the PT Intisumber Bajasakti team! Contact us at (021) 66675999 or visit our website at intisumberbajasakti.com

Back to List