curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
(OP)
We are designing a decorative concrete plaza with colored concrete. The landscape designer wants to have a wavy pattern cut in to the concrete. Can curvilinear control joints be used to control the crack locations in a concrete slab or does concrete just want to crack in straight lines, and the the cracks would not stay in the waves? Will control joints with a large radius work and is there a minimum suggested radius for a curved control joint?





RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
So yes, theoretically curved control joints will serve the same function as straight control joints as long as they are not spaced too far apart. You would have to talk to a concrete cutting contractor for recommendations on the minimum radius, but from what I have seen the walk behind concrete saws cannot turn very sharp.
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
You need to get into therapy man. Vacation, try to turn of the brain for a couple days. :)
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
I actually held back here. I've got some great pics of a giant Ferris wheel built exactly like a bicycle wheel that I'm dying to discuss. It couldn't be helped. It was right out front of my hotel.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab
Concrete shrinks volumetrically. As a result you get very little shrinkage in its thickness, but greater shrinkage in its length and width.
It shrinks in a relatively uniform manner, assuming the thickness is well controlled. When you have curvilinear patterns in the control joint, the opportunity
for the parts of the joints that are curving closer together to have a random crack connect them. "Soft, large radius curves are probably OK. If you
have closely spaced curves, there's a good opportunity for those to connect with a crack across the joints.
RE: curvilinear control joints in concrete slab