Why expansion joints in water retaining structures are important?

Answer 1

Bridges are subjected to incredible forces of wind heat and cold. They need to expand and contract to prevent them cracking or buckling. Expansion joints are devices that are used to allow for the heat-induced expansion and reduction that takes place in various states of weather. The expansion joint is often used in the construction of bridges and sidewalks. They are used by an Interlocking metal device that allows the teeth in the joint to move in response to changes in temperature and humidity levels. Expansion joints are usually placed at strategic points in the construction, making it possible for the sections to expand and contract slightly without weakening the overall structure. Along with use in sections of sidewalks and bridges, expansion joints also are used with railway tracks. As with bridges, the joints are placed at key locations along the tracks and allow the metal tracks to undergo contraction and expansion as the weather changes. The end result is that the tracks remain intact and aligned properly. Using expansion joints for railway tracks helps to minimize the expense of maintenance of railways, allowing railroads to focus on other areas of operation.

Answer 2

If expansion joints are not provided, the structure is not free to expand freely. This results in high stresses (mainly due to temperature) which causes cracks to appear in the concrete.... and it is obvious why cracking should be avoided in water retaining structures (when compared to regular buildings)!

Water retaining structure is equally important as normal buildings. As explained above, the temperature variations makes the expansion-contraction in the structure and eventually it affects the concrete and results in cracks. To overcome this solution it has to be provided expansion joint in water retaining and water excluding structures.

Here another point to be noted that these joints must be filled in with latest compressible polymer based filler boards. It is very good replacement to the old conventional bitumen based filler boards. to know the main difference one can follow the link provided here under.

Feel free to contact us for such type of issues in the future.

Ref.: hd100.in/, hd100.in/kampun-hd100-joint-filler-features/

kampun.com/

Answer 3

Expansion joints are devices that are used to allow the heat-induced expansion and reduction that takes place during various states of weather. They're used to make it easier for a structure, such as a bridge, to expand and contract slightly without altering the overall structure.

As explained above, the temperature variations makes the expansion-contraction in the structure and eventually it affects the concrete and results in cracks. To overcome this solution it has to be provided expansion joint in large construction.

Here another point to be noted that these joints must be filled in with latest compressible polymer based filler boards. It is very good replacement to the old conventional bitumen based filler boards. to know the main difference one can follow the link provided here under.

Ref.: hd100.in/, hd100.in/kampun-hd100-joint-filler-features/

kampun.com/

Answer 4

A good reason for expansion joints is that they allow for a rise and fall of temperature. If they were not implemented in bridges or building, the intense heat in the summer would expand the metal, brick, or concrete materials in a structure and the structure would have cracks and breaks in it. Also, in the winter the harsh cold temperatures would make the materials to contract (come together) and this would also result in disasterous circumstances.

All matter's molecules (or all molecules I have heard of) will speed up at higher temperature and slow down at lower temperatures. This is the reason for expansion joints in the first place... too allow expansion without breaking at extreme high and low temperatures.

Alternate Answer:

They are usually used to accomodate changes in temperature. So if the temperature changes and causes problems or destruction, then the expansion joints are very important, or most important.

Have you driven on a poorly designed road in winter where every 100 feet or so there is a heavy bump? Improper design. One road near here has water frozen below the joint or crack area and it causes little humps in the road. They totally ruin the ride quality of the road.

Have you had a windshield on a car crack because of cold?

When making a wood floor in a house an expansion area is allowed around the floor so it will not buckle or damage the wall. When I was young the school gymnasium would buckle when it was wet. They replaced the whole gymnasium.

I designed a fix for a restraunt where the concrete floor was heaving up and down 6 inches, and breaking up the floor, each spring during the thaw when water could get under the foundation. In this case, I rerouted the water under the building so it could build up no pressure under the restraunt. The normal expansion joints for temperature only were fine. This expansion was due to water pressure under the building. The building had worked fine for 20 years until the water flow beneath it changed due to construction further up the hill and increased run-off.

Alternate Answer again:

An expansion joint is an assembly designed to absorb the stresses produced by the heat and cold atmospheric conditions to the construction materials. The purpose is to hold the whole assembly intact and provide security. Normally large structures like flyovers, stadiums, auditoriums, Swimming Pools, large buildings have very high impact of summer heat and that leads to expand the construction materials contracting. In the long run, this makes it more vulnerable to cracks. A similar phenomenon happens in the winter and again it makes more vulnerable and affects the life of the structures. Therefore expansion is mandatory to such buildings and large structures.

Ref.:architecture.answers.com/equipment/expansion-joint-filler-boards-and-its-importance

Answer 5

Expansion joint is used in construction to provide room for thermal effects

of materials used in construction. When there is heat, materials expand and when its cold they contract. Therefore to allow this movement without compromising on strength integrity,an expansion joint has to be used.

This joint also acts as a discontinuity of forces that would lead to structural failure.