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CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TIPS joints

TYPES
The basic types of joints are: construction joints (occur between concrete lifts of slabs in which one part is allowed to harden before the next is placed); contraction joints (used to permit shrinkage without random cracks being formed); connection detail joints (between structural members); and isolation joints (to prevent random cracking of slabs of different thicknesses or shapes). Use an isolation joint between concrete slabs of different shapes or thicknesses and around all columns, footings and peripheries of buildings. Consider the use of skewed joints to reduce impact at the joint. Remember that waterstops will not be effective if random cracks occur in places other than the joint across which they are installed.

FILLERS
Clean all joints before inserting joint filler materials. Consider the use of lead as a joint filler in industrial floors because it reduces maintenance considerably. Consider the use of the new extruded lead joint filler materials. Dont allow workers to handle hot lead for joints without first instructing them in its proper use and handling. When using pre-molded joint filler materials, use an edging tool with a maximum radius of 18 inch. Fill sawed joints immediately to prevent debris from becoming lodged in them.

PLACEMENT
Mark the exact location of all joints on plans and indicate the means of forming them. Remember that placement of contraction joints varies with such factors as aggregate used, temperature and humidity range experienced, sub-base restraint and total water content of the mix. Floor joints should not be placed too far apart. When in doubt, place joints 15 feet apart when using siliceous gravel or slag, 20 feet apart when using calcareous gravel or crushed limestone, and 25 feet apart when using crushed granite. Place joints at the inside point of V-shaped rustication strips and at the top edge of the inner face of rectangular rustication strips. Make joints exactly horizontal or vertical in walls.

SAWING
The time to saw a joint is crucial. If sawed too early, the concrete will ravel badly at the joint; if sawed too late, blade wear will be excessive and/or random cracks might form. The time to saw joints will vary from 4 to 12 hours after casting. Concrete cast in the morning should be sawed the same afternoon, but evening concrete may be sawed the next morning. Saw as early as possible when using silicon carbon blades and as late as possible when using diamond blades. When postponing sawing, use relief joints every 60 to 100 feet. Dont saw a joint deeper than necessary. A 112-inch cut has been found to be successful in most states. Remember that sawed joints in large floor jobs can effect a considerable saving over other jointing methods.

WATERSTOPS
Use waterstops for joints subject to hydrostatic pressure. Familiarize yourself with the several types of waterstops on the market. Learn how waterstops should be installed. Poor installation can undermine their functioning.

CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES
Use a mix with the amount of coarse aggregate reduced by one-half for the first 5 inches of a lift at construction joints. Dont lap reinforcement at joints. Cut every other wire when using wire mesh at a joint. Remember that concrete on either side of a construction joint must be tightly bonded, and concrete on either side of a contraction or expansion joint must be prevented from bonding. Position formed joint materials securely in place. Avoid bleeding at a construction joint. Dont permit leaks in forms at a construction joint since they will result in staining of the concrete below the joint. Dont position dowels at joints at an angle. This will prevent proper functioning of the joint. Make sure they are perfectly level and are secured firmly in place before commencing placing operations.

Remember that slabs-on-ground placed on a poor subgrade require more joints to allow for differential settlement. Before placing the top layer of concrete at a construction joint, always clean the top surface and provide a cushion of mortar.

For more detailed information on this subject refer to the following earlier articles in Concrete Construction: Sawed Joints; Jan., 1958. Expansion Joints; Jan., 1958. Lead Joints; Aug., 1958. Waterstops In Review; Dec., 1959. Installation Of Waterstops; Feb., 1960. Full-Depth Control Joints For Concrete Highway Pavements; Oct., 1960.

PUBLICATION#C630219
Copyright 1963, The Aberdeen Group All rights reserved

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