Block Wall Expansion Joints

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.

Block wall expansion joints.

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. As mentioned in the expansion joints discussion the design of control joint spacing and location is the responsibility of the designer. This is because of greater loads in the lower parts of the wall. The expansion joints are incorporated to endure the stresses.

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. Exterior vertical wall expansion joint selection guide emseal watertight fire rated sound proof insulating precompressed foam sealant expansion joints. Aggregate concrete blocks position of movement joints consideration for the location of movement joints should be given at. Movements joints are typically constructed and filled with low density expansion and movement joint.

This allowed movement helps prevent distortion and cracking. These joints will absorb the pressure created by the expansion by giving the masonry wall flexible space to expand. Types of expansion joint. An expansion joint is simply a disconnection between segments of the same materials.

This is the perfect filling for expansion joints in brickwork and blockwork as it expands and contracts with the movement through a building. While these attributes are the primary basis for concrete masonry s. Control joints are often constructed to transfer lateral loads across the joint. Expansion control joints to control the expansion and protect the wall structure from cracking under pressure masons install vertical control joints at specific locations.

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. In the concrete block construction the expansion joints are expressed as control joints. The siteworx foam expansion joint filler. The purpose of a masonry control joint is to allow free movement while maintaining the weathertightness of the construction.

High walls tend to experience greater movement towards the top of the wall than in the lower extremities. 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. These principles generally apply to both horizontal and vertical joints.