building expansion joints
building expansion joints
(OP)
Can we space expansion joints 300 feet apart on a four story commercial structure in New York City if the joint is wide enough to accomodate expansion? The footprint of the structure ia approximately 550 feet x 250 feet. NYC Code indicates buildings longer than 250 feet require thermal force design





RE: building expansion joints
If the city code requires the calcs, then do the calcs. You have to accommodate the thermal movement in connections and attachments (veneer, partitions, etc.) to make sure you won't have pieces falling off your building. Also, watch out for foundation settlements over long distances.
RE: building expansion joints
RE: building expansion joints
Even beyond the steel performance requirements. You should still consider the foundation and finishes performance criteria.