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The expansion joint in a sidewalk keeps the concrete from cracking just as what its called. It allows the concrete to expand when heated and contract when cold. Without the joint, the concrete will crack and become uneven or mountain up.

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Why does the expansion joints in a sidewalk get narrow in the summer and get wider in the winter?

Expansion joints in sidewalks are designed to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the concrete due to temperature changes. In the summer, the concrete expands with the heat, causing the joints to narrow. In winter, when the concrete contracts in the cold, the joints widen to prevent cracking and damage to the sidewalk.


What are Metal joints are placed between concrete sections?

Metal joints, such as expansion joints or control joints, are often placed between concrete sections to allow for movement and prevent cracking. These joints help to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to temperature changes, thereby reducing the likelihood of cracking and maintaining the structural integrity of the concrete pavement or structure.


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.


What is the maximum size a concrete slab can be without the need for expansion joints?

The maximum size for a concrete slab without needing expansion joints is typically around 100 to 150 feet in either direction. Beyond this size, expansion joints are usually necessary to prevent cracking due to temperature changes and shrinkage.


What is the control joints?

Control joints (often confused with expansion joints) are cut into the concrete or asphalt, and are different from expansion joints as shown in the photo. The joints are cut into the structure at regular intervals allow cracking to occur in a controlled fashion. Road control joints can be sealed with hot tar, cold sealant (such as silicone), or compression sealant (such as rubber).


What is the control?

Control joints (often confused with expansion joints) are cut into the concrete or asphalt, and are different from expansion joints as shown in the photo. The joints are cut into the structure at regular intervals allow cracking to occur in a controlled fashion. Road control joints can be sealed with hot tar, cold sealant (such as silicone), or compression sealant (such as rubber).


Why do concrete slabs have space between them?

Those are expansion joints. During the changing seasons with varying temperatures, the slabs expand and contract. The spaces allow the slabs to expand without cracking the concrete.


Is cracking at joints acceptable after new pour of concrete?

Cracking at expansion joints is always acceptable and is the reason for the joint itself. There are two kinds of cracks, pretty ones and ugly ones! Ugly ones are random cracks where the concrete relieves itself from drying shrinkage in a random location within the slab of concrete which is normally not appealing to the eye. Expansion joints are placed at predetermined intervals within the slab where random cracks are weakened planes in locations where cracking is predicted prior to fresh concrete placement. All concrete shrinks when it dries, the larger the slab, the greater the overall shrinkage. When the tensile strength of drying shrinkage exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete, cracking will occur. Lets just hopes it cracks in a spot where we planned it instead of a location where didn't. By the way, joints should be cut at least 25% of the depth of the slab.


Why is important to place gaps at regular intervals in sidewalks?

To prevent sidewalks from cracking in random spots and breaking apart, builders make lines in sidewalks. The technical term for sidewalk lines is contraction joints. Contraction joints are placed in fresh concrete before the concrete dries and has a chance to create its own joints, which we call cracks.


Does concrete expand?

yes, that is why they put expansion joints on bridges. (: your welcomeyes, that is why they put expansion joints on bridges. (: your welcome


How do sidewalks deal with thermal expansion?

Sidewalks are designed with expansion joints or gaps to accommodate thermal expansion without causing damage. These gaps allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing cracks and distortion in the sidewalk surface. Additionally, materials with lower thermal expansion coefficients may be used to minimize the effects of temperature fluctuations on the sidewalk.


Why are there gaps in the side walk?

The gaps that are put in place at the time of construction are called, "expansion joints". When concrete, and other materials, heat up, they expand. If concrete expands too much it will press against other sections of concrete and can break or "buckle". When sections of concrete press against each other too hard, sometimes two adjacent sections will press up, creating a dangerous condition for anyone walking on the sidewalk. Expansion joints give a little space for the concrete to expand before anything bad happens. Even with expansion joints, it's sometimes not enough.