What is a Concrete Expansion Joint?

Concrete expands and contracts as it changes temperature. Cracks may form if these changes aren’t managed, leading to a weaker and less attractive concrete.

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Expansion joints are a common solution to this problem. In this article, find out what expansion joints are, how they work and how they’re used.

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What are expansion joints?

A concrete expansion joint is a small gap that provides space for the concrete to expand and contract. It is placed between the concrete and whatever the concrete abuts, allowing independent movement between these structures.

Expansion joints also absorb vibrations and permit soil movement as a result of earthquakes.

Essentially, expansion joints allow for thermal expansion and contraction without inducing stress. By reducing stress within the concrete, expansion joints prevent cracks from forming.

Do I need expansion joints?

Expansion joints are important for preventing cracks within concrete. Concrete is most susceptible to cracks after being poured, because it shrinks slightly as it dries, and then expands or contracts depending on the ambient temperature.

Expansion joints are only required when the concrete meets another structure. This might be a building or another slab of concrete. Expansion joints are usually placed at the end of the day or when the concrete pour has halted for longer than the initial setting time of concrete.

Remember — cracks in the concrete can weaken the whole structure. If you’re constructing a bridge or building, it’s crucial to prevent cracks from forming.

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Where might you use expansion joints?

Expansion joints can be found in a variety of concrete structures, including:

• Pavements
• Bridges
• Railway tracks
• Piping systems
• Concrete roads
• Ships

How do I install expansion joints?

Here are some tips for using expansion joints:

• Space the joints apart by around 30x the thickness of the slab
• Cut the joints as deep as at least a quarter of the thickness of the slab
• Cut the joints within 12 hours after pouring the concrete
• Where possible, strategically place the joints under walls to hide them from view

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An expansion joint can expand or become larger or more extensive. It can also do the opposite and contract by becoming smaller. When an expansion joint moves up and down, it is performing vertical displacement. Another force, lateral shear, slides the joint along a plane that is parallel to the direction of lateral force.

Forces that cause movement include temperature, soil-setting, creep and shrinkage, seismic activity, wind or traffic- weight displacement.

Materials change in size when exposed to heat, causing three different types of expansion: linear, area and volume.

The formula for thermal expansion is ΔL = αLΔT, where ΔL is the change in length L, ΔT is the change in temperature, and is the linear expansion coefficient, which varies slightly with temperature.

Expansion joints can be found in a variety of structures for transportation including bridges, highways, transit, pedestrian bridges and airports.

Expansion joints are commonly made out of metal (aluminum, stainless steel), rubber, foam or silicone.

An expansion joint cover is the prefabricated protective cover of an expansion joint, which also remains unaffected by the relative movement of the two joined surfaces.

Projects have requirements for movement, loading and aesthetic criteria. When planning to install an expansion joint solution, you want to consider the size of the gap opening, the path you want it to travel, traffic, fire rating, installation and maintenance. We also provide custom solutions.

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Periodic maintenance of expansion joint systems should be planned for and expected. Regular inspections and remedial repair of loose or damaged components is an important requirement for realizing long lasting performance. Check out our Inspection Services for help with maintenance.

Proper preparation helps for the best reparation success. A good, clean profile allows for material to flow into the pore structure and will ensure a positive bond once it cures.

At Watson Bowman Acme, we create expansion joint designs according to our customers' specific needs. All of our expansion joints are in-house engineered and manufactured, with quality control throughout the entire process.

Our website gives you a window into all things expansion joints. On our Products pages you can find different Wabo solutions. You can contact us with your questions.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Flanged Flexible Metal Hoses.