Stress cuts or not?

[CanuckGT]

I just poured my 28x38 slab, 6" thick with 18x16" thicking edge, 16"x16" 10mm Rebar. My question is, do I cut stress cuts in it? or just leave it?

I have talked to several people and some say why would I cut it? ,doesn't need them, gives water/salt from winter a place to migrate causing further issues.

So do I| have to cut it? I live in Alberta Canada incase it matters...

 

[Grumpy365]

Concrete cracks. The stress cut just controls it some.

 

[e-tek]

I live in SK, had the cuts done and have no cracks....other than the ones I can see in those lines!

 

[rburke65]

You don't have to cut it.

 

[ConCretin]

Whether a slab the size of your will develop shrinkage cracks depends on a number of factors. If a random crack will ruin your day, saw cut a control joint each way.

The reality is that it may be too late now. Shrinkage cracks develop early whether you can see them or not. If you decide to cut, the sooner the better.

 

[rlitman]

I have talked to several people and some say why would I cut it? ,doesn't need them, gives water/salt from winter a place to migrate causing further issues.

But if you cut it, you can fill the cut with something like Sikaflex.
If it just cracks, that may not be so easy to do, unless you open up the crack, which may not be along a straight line now.