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How do concrete gaps keep the concrete from cracking during the winter?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
During winter when the concrete contracts/shrinks and there is no gap, then it will crack from the surface. So gaps are left in concrete such that it can shrink to a safe limit without cracking it.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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Why are there gaps in between sidewalks?
Concrete, like most materials, expands and contracts with the temperature. The gaps allow the surface to do so without cracking.
Why are there gaps between the slabs of concrete pavements?
There are 2 reasons for that. Reason one: They can be expansion joints. In the winter the pavement contracts and in the summer it expands. these joints are generally gaps that go the whole way threw the pavement. Generally these joints are filled with some sort of caulking to keep moisture from getting underneath the pavement. Reason two: They can be put there as joints for the concrete to crack. when sidewalks are made and other concrete pavements, they anticipate the concrete cracking, so they put in gaps that dont go all the way threw the depth of the concrete as a place for the concrete to crack and not be unsightly.
Why are there gaps at regular spots in the side walk?
They're called "expansion joints". Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. The expansion joints allow this to happen without cracking the concrete slab.
Why did concrete slabs used to make motorways have a soft material in the gaps between them?
It allows for the expansion of the concrete during hot weather and provides a water block during rains and that prevents water freezing (and expanding) during the winter. Ice expanding in those cracks would damage the cement slabs.
Why would a bridge contain gaps where the metal pieces fit together?
these gaps "joint" are used to prevent cracking due to expansion and contraction which result from the change in temperatures between summer and winter and night and day
Why do concrete roads have gaps between large pieces of concrete?
As the weather varies the concrete expands and contracts. If there were no gaps the concrete would buckle and crack.
Why do roads have the gaps between the large pieces of concrete?
They are expansion gaps that allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete.
Why gaps are left in concrete slaps?
With the weather the concrete can expand or contract and the gaps in the concrete are left to allow for this expansion of contraction so the concrete doesn't crack or break.
Why concrete roads have gaps?
because it expands and contracts depending on the temperature..the gaps allow the concrete some space to expand so that it will not crack..
When temperature rises what will happen to the gaps between the concrete sections?
when the tempreture rises the gaps between the concrete pavement will expand because of the heat.
When the temperature rises what will happen to the gaps between the concrete sections?
when the tempreture rises the gaps between the concrete pavement will expand because of the heat.
Why are the concrete slabs laid with gaps?
Concrete expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Roads are built with gaps filled in with rubber, tar or other flexible mass which will not wash away when it rains. This prevents them from cracking into pieces as they contract in winter and prevents and buckling when it is hot in summer and the slabs expand. Bridges have gaps, usually a set of metal 'teeth' to prevent them from crushing themselves. If the gap is at vertical columns it is because the slab must be isolated from the columns so that when the building moves it will not crack the slab. The boxes (or diamonds) are lined around the perimeter of the opening with 1/2" expansion material and around the column to all movement (including the expansion and contraction of the slab itself). There are reasons to leave other holes such as for future plumbing work etc.
