Block Wall Expansion Joints

Guidance for spacing and location of control joints can be found in the national concrete masonry association ncma tek note 10 02c control joints for concrete masonry walls empirical method 2010.

Block wall expansion joints.

In the concrete block construction the expansion joints are expressed as control joints. These joints will absorb the pressure created by the expansion by giving the masonry wall flexible space to expand. Exterior vertical wall expansion joint selection guide emseal watertight fire rated sound proof insulating precompressed foam sealant expansion joints. Our siteworx foam expansion joint filler is made from polyethylene foam which comes with low moisture properties.

High walls tend to experience greater movement towards the top of the wall than in the lower extremities. This allowed movement helps prevent distortion and cracking. While these attributes are the primary basis for concrete masonry s. A masonry expansion joint is a complete break in the masonry wall to allow for the entire structure to move under loading temperature related expansion contraction etc.

The purpose of a masonry control joint is to allow free movement while maintaining the weathertightness of the construction. The expansion joints are incorporated to endure the stresses. This is because of greater loads in the lower parts of the wall. As mentioned in the expansion joints discussion the design of control joint spacing and location is the responsibility of the designer.

These principles generally apply to both horizontal and vertical joints. To help match mortar the foam comes in white. An expansion joint is simply a disconnection between segments of the same materials. Based on the location of joint expansion joints are divided into following types.

Control joints are often constructed to transfer lateral loads across the joint. Like control joints expansion joints should be provided near corners in the masonry near returns or changes in the planes of the masonry wall at an y significant changes in the wall s height or stiffness at changed in foundations and at regular intervals along. The siteworx foam expansion joint filler. Types of expansion joint.

An information series from the national authority on concrete masonry technology ncma tek 10 2c 1 control joints for concrete masonry walls empirical method introduction concrete masonry is a popular construction material because its inherent attributes satisfy the diverse needs of both exterior and interior walls. Aggregate concrete blocks position of movement joints consideration for the location of movement joints should be given at. Change in wall height or thickness see figure 1 figure 2 change of loading see figure 3 abutments of walls and columns see figure 4 junctions of dissimiliar materials see figure 5.