We now know why McKinney ISD's $70 million stadium cracked

The cause of some major cracking in a nearly $70 million state-of-the-art football stadium in McKinney, Texas has officially been released.

>> See how much other high school football stadiums in Texas cost. less The cause of some major cracking in a nearly $70 million state-of-the-art football stadium in McKinney, Texas has officially been released.

>> See how much other high school football stadiums in Texas ... more Photo: McKinney ISD Photo: McKinney ISD Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close We now know why McKinney ISD's $70 million stadium cracked 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

A forensic engineering firm was hired to investigate a nearly $70 million, new football stadium in McKinney, Texas, after "greater-than-anticipated cracking" was discovered in January by McKinney ISD staff.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Nelson Forensics — the company hired to identify the source of the cracking — has officially released its second of three reports on the causes of the cracks.

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The first report, released in early June, pointed to slab cracking as the primary problem as opposed to damage to the support structures, so the issue "does not presently compromise the strength to the slabs or otherwise pose a life safety concern."

In its second report, Nelson Forensics said the cracks happened because of a combination of three issues.

"Excessive drying shrinkage of the concrete due to excessive addition of water to the concrete mixture at the jobsite during construction (known as retempering)," read the report. "Substantial reduction in the concrete cross section due to inclusion of drag reinforcement at east-west pier lines, and insufficient steel reinforcing to control shrinkage cracking. "

The new 12,000-seat stadium is among the most expensive in the state and was expected to open Aug. 30 for the start of football season. McKinney leaders have indicated that could still happen.

"If we can provide our student athletes, band members, cheerleaders, students, parents and staff a great experience and at the same time allow contractors to address the repairs in the off-season, we will have accomplished our primary goals," District spokesman Cody Cunningham told the Morning News. "Obviously, we would have preferred to not have any construction issues, but now our focus is on making certain Manhattan Construction and Stantec Architecture fulfill their commitment to make it right."

Cunningham also made it clear that the stadium would not be used if the issue becomes a structural or life and safety issue.

According to the Morning News, McKinney ISD, the contractor and the designer have promised that the repairs will be made at no expense to the taxpayer.

Take a look through the gallery above to see some of Texas most expensive high school football stadiums.

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli is a digital producer. You can follow her on twitter at @Dani_DiNapoli.

