Expansion joints
Expansion joints
(OP)
Hello all
Could someone provide me any technical reference which showing the maximum length of concrete structure that can considered without expansion joints?
Thanks inadvance.
Refaat
Could someone provide me any technical reference which showing the maximum length of concrete structure that can considered without expansion joints?
Thanks inadvance.
Refaat






RE: Expansion joints
RE: Expansion joints
Hi @ hokie66
Yes, of course. But I am looking for a technical reference. As far as remember there is a reference from (PCA) (Portland cement association) for instance.
or you may have another references .
Recently, I am experiencing this issue with my project. I want to take decision regarding to the possibility of considering the expansion joint or not . The structure is about 62 m length and the width is about 45 m .
Any help will be appreciated
Refaat
RE: Expansion joints
I am sure you can do 100 m or more without expansion joints... if the structure can take the movements
best regards
Klaus
RE: Expansion joints
Rule of thumb that i know is to try and provide joints at 50m crs in concrete structures (UK practice)
Ciria Report 91 (old document on early thermal cracking of concrete, now replaced by Ciria C660) suggests expansion joints at up to 70m crs.
It will depend on the shape of the structure and the local climate. The lower the temperature range that the structure is exposed to, the lower the amount of expansion. Also if your dealing with a concrete framed building with air con, etc. then the temperature range in the concrete frame will be lower than climatic temperature range. If however you have an exposed structure, e.g. an exposed tank, than this will be subject to a higher temperature range.
For the dims of your structure it should be possible to design without an expansion joint (dont know the geometry, climate, etc.). If your have software capable of applying temperature loads to the structure you should be able to quickly see if there are any areas that are developing excessive stresses and if so then an expansion joint may be required.
RE: Expansion joints
RE: Expansion joints
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RE: Expansion joints
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help
Since the structure behavior will be horizontal movement due to the temperature.
Shall I apply in the structural model the temperature loads on the horizontal structure elements (slabs & beams) only or should be applied even on the structure vertical elements (walls & columns)?
Refaat
RE: Expansion joints
Thermal expansion works exactly like enlarging a photograph. If the temperature of the entire structure goes up, the structure get longer, wider, and higher (that is, it expands in all three dimensions).
Many get confused by the following situation:
If the structure has an opening, say for a window, with temperature rise what happens to the size of the opening?
It gets bigger... just like it would in a photo enlargement. Often, people "overthink" this and assume the opening will get smaller as the structure gets larger.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
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RE: Expansion joints
Hi SlideRuleEra
Thank you for your clarifications .
If I understand you correctly you meant to apply the temperature loads on all structural elements ( both horizontal & vertical ) .
Refaat
RE: Expansion joints
Your Model has to reflect the real situation as good as possible also the loads
this is always the responsibility of the engineer doing the work
best regards
Klaus
RE: Expansion joints
Dik
RE: Expansion joints
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Expansion joints
Dik
RE: Expansion joints
Hi all
Many thanks for your concern,
I am thinking to see if the total structure displacement in both cases ( entire structure , horizontal only ) are very closed that means the applying thermal loads over the horizontal structure elements will be enough for structural analysis .
Great forum. Best resource by far!
Refaat
RE: Expansion joints
Dik
RE: Expansion joints
Dear Dik
Yes , of course . Thank you so much
Appreciated help
Refaat