The structural expansion joint, in civil engineering is the interruption of the continuity of a building
This separation is sometimes essential to:
-allow the free expansion of a floor
-to prevent damage caused by an earthquake
A well-designed structural joint allows sufficient movement of the oscillating parts allowing the structure to remain unscathed by the earthquake.
The manufacturer of expansion joint covers, design solutions with aim of give continuity to the floors and walls of buildings, allowing designers and construction companies to find technical solutions to meet all needs, aesthetical and functional, in order to avoid neglecting such an important aspect, and allow the structures to behave as designed.
The recent history of earthquakes, requires designers to take proper account of structural seismic risk.
This means that, in addition to protecting the physical integrity of the different structures, through an appropriate spacing (width of the joint G), to avoid knocking, or through the use of systems of base isolation, it is necessary to protect the integrity and / or functionality of the non-structural elements.
Fo example the expansion joints in the floor, whose malfunction or collapse during an earthquake may cause serious effects, preventing for example the usability of some passages (escape routes), or creating gaps in the floor that may create obstacle to the escape of persons or light vehicles (es. hospital stretchers)
The joint systems and its functionality become an integral part of life and of the security level of each structure, of course, with particular reference to public or strategic one, such as hospitals, schools, malls and large production buildings.
It’s important to pay attention to the technical characterization of the joints in order to equip the structures of as needed according to the following criteria:
-SIZE OF STRUCTURAL JOINT
-MOVEMENT OF STRUCTURES AT THE OLS
-MOVEMENT OF STRUCTURES AT THE DLS
-MOVEMENT OF STRUCTURES AT THE ULS
-FIRE COMPARTMENTATION
-WATERPROOFING
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Please Contact our technical department for any clarification or supplementary information on expansion joints. |