11. Measures to minimise uncontrolled cracking
No contractor can guarantee against random cracking of the surface of pattern imprinted concrete but there are several measures which must be undertaken to minimise this risk.
Properly prescribed concrete and sufficient colour surface hardener are two of these but the correct use of contraction joints is probably the main one. The requirement for, and the position of, contraction joints should be explained to the customer before any work commences as it may affect the chosen pattern.
It is much easier to disguise a contraction joint in a pattern of predominantly square and rectangular shapes such as a cobbled design than one with curved lines such as the European Fan.
Few customers like the presence of contraction joints and some dislike them so much that they would prefer a pattern on which they are not so prominent, to their first choice pattern.
Imprinted Concrete Checklist