An expansion joint is an assembly designed to hold parts together. It is commonly found between sections of buildings, bridges, sidewalls, piping systems, and other such structures. There are different types of expansion joints, such as metal concrete expansion joints, elastomere expansion joints, fabric expansion bellows, etc.
Metal concrete expansion joints are primarily used in a range of applications to compensate for thermal expansion, vibration, misalignment, and other types of movements in pipelines. Fabric expansion bellows are made from special woven fabrics coated or laminated with selected elastomers. used to insulate, to avoid mechanical loads, and to protect against abrasion.
The Elastomer Expansion Joints are capable of absorbing multi-directional movements and vibrations and compensating for the resulting misalignment. These joints are primarily used when temperatures are below the dew point.
Why are metal concrete expansion joints used in concrete slabs?
When the concrete is poured, it becomes more susceptible to cracks. The reason is that it shrinks slightly when it dries and then expands or contracts as per the changes in the ambient temperature. When there are cracks in the concrete, they can weaken the whole system. Whether you are constructing a building or a bridge, it is essential to prevent the formation of cracks in the concrete, and expansion joints play a crucial role in it.
Expansion joints are strategically placed in building construction so they enable concrete slabs to expand and contract without damaging the structure. They act like a buffer zone that obstructs thermal movement. In this way, they help to prevent the buildup of cracks and fissures in the concrete.
When water penetrates into the concrete, it causes a lot of problems, such as mold, corrosion of reinforcing steel, etc. These issues are not just expensive to deal with; they also compromise the security of the structure. This is another important reason to use expansion joints in your concrete.
Factors affecting the choice of expansion joints
There are many factors that affect the choice of expansion joints in concrete. Some of them are as follows:
- The area
- Humidity
- Weather conditions
- Building elevation and plan (dimensions)
- Construction irregularities
- joint motion
- Material selection
- Maintenance and requirements
- Chemical substance
Metal concrete expansion joints are generally used in a variety of concrete structures, such as
- Pavements
- Bridges
- Railway tracks
- Piping systems
- Concrete roads
- Ships
There are reputed companies that provide certified concrete mixed according to your requirements. They carry a range of strengths and blends to suit varied requirements. Many of them also provide a service to mix the concrete on your site to ensure you receive the exact amount you need.