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Length between Expansion Joints

Length between Expansion Joints

Length between Expansion Joints

(OP)
I have a general question. I have a building that has a 6'-0" high above finish floor 8" thick concrete wall around the entire perimeter. The wall varies from 3'-0" to 6'-0" below finish floor for frost protection and height at the loading dock. So the wall varies to between 9'-0" to 12'-0" in total height. My question is how often should I place expansion joints in this wall?
thanks.

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

Depends on the overall size of the wall.

Is it reinforced or plain concrete?
 

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

Expansion joints or control joints? I would say expansion joints every 200', control joints every 12-16'. Anyone disagree?

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

(OP)
It is an addition and the front and rear walls are 150'-0" long while the side wall is 300'-0" long. It is reinforced. I am talking expansion joints. I have the control joints located at no more than 1.5 times the wall height and closer to 1.0.

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

I see no reason for an expansion joint in a 300' long concrete wall, unless there is an expansion joint in the building.  Concrete shrinks so contraction is the issue.

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

rowing,

That is a good link.  I have always used technical report 65 for placing thermal expansion joints.  However, I have never made the interpretation with regards to option #3.  I have always tried to limit my lengths to around 400-500 feet (and I thought that was pushing it).  However, according to option #3 I could go as much as 800 feet as long as my bracing is in a side.... I'm not entirely sure I am comfortable with that.

RE: Length between Expansion Joints

(OP)
Thanks for all your help. All the replies were very helpful. I enjoyed receiving your good advice. I guess I was a little too conservative. Kinda like the old engineer I knew that wore a belt and suspenders.

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