CEMP-E TI 809-02 1 September 1999

requirements for the more common types. Additional information on joints for concrete buildings can be found in ACI Committee 224.3 Report, "Joints in Concrete Construction," and the Portland Cement Association Report (PCA), "Building Movements and Joints". (a) Expansion Joints. Expansion joints are seldom needed in buildings less than 200 feet in length, the exception being for brick masonry construction where expansion joints are provided at close intervals. The maximum permitted spacing of expansion joints in brick walls are provided in TI 809-06, "Masonry Structural Design for Buildings". The maximum length a building can be without expansion joints depends on the temperature change that can occur in the region in which the building is located. In general, expansion joints should be provided in accordance with the following rules: Where the temperature differential (TD), defined as the greater of the differences between the annual mean air temperature and the highest and lowest air temperature to be expected, is not greater than 20 degrees C (70 degrees F) and no excessive change in atmospheric moisture is anticipated, expansion joints should be spaced so straight lengths of building measure no more than 90 meters (300 feet) between joints. Where the TD is greater than 20 degrees C (70 degrees F), or where excessive change in atmospheric moisture is likely, expansion joints should be spaced so straight lengths of building measure no more than 60 meters (200 feet) between joints. An expansion (or seismic) joint is usually required between adjoining building areas which are different in shape, or between areas where different rates of building settlement are anticipated. Joints for structural or seismic reasons are often located at junctions in L-, T-, or Ushaped buildings. Expansion joints should extend entirely through the building, completely separating it into independent units. Column footings located at expansion joints need not be cut through unless differential settlements or other foundation movements are anticipated. Expansion joints should be carried down through foundation walls: otherwise the restraining influence of the wall below grade, without a joint, may cause the wall above to crack in spite of it's joint. Reinforcement must never pass through an expansion joint. An empirical approach for determining the need for expansion joints is provided in the PCA Report, "Building Movements and Joints". (b) Control Joints. Control joints are needed to eliminate unsightly cracks in exposed building walls by controlling the location in which cracking due to volume change effects takes place. As a general rule: In walls with openings, space control joints at 6-meter (20-foot) intervals; in walls with infrequent openings, space at 8-meter (25-foot) intervals. Provide a control joint within 3 to 5 meters (10 or 15) feet of a corner.