Expansion Joint in 150Æx300Æ building

[JoeBaseplate]

I have a new building, 3 stories, 150’ wide x 300’ long in Midwest region. Framing is going to be composite steel, with precast wall panels and lot of curtain wall. In the past I have used a thumb rule of 250’ as the maximum length one can use before needing an expansion joint. But obviously if I can get away without putting an EJ in the building, I would love to do that. What length would you recommend before considering an EJ?

Thanks,

 

[dik]

Depending on geometry, climate and materials of construction, you should be able to do 300' (an arbitrary limit of mine). You will have joints in the exterior due to precast construction and the interior will be a uniform temperature.

If you are uncomfortable with 300', then cutting the building into 2 - 150'x150' is also a good idea; they are the right aspect ratio.

Dik

 

[MiketheEngineer]

kind of agree dik

 

[Teguci]

Your best bet is to do a volume change calculation. For a 150' length you could approach a 3/4+" delta (the roof will see a lot more). However, with a flexible system, the distribution of the volume change can be distributed to joints and connections.

 

[JoeBaseplate]

Whose responsibility is it ultimately to determine if the building should have an exp jt, Arch or Engr?

 

[ToadJones]

whom ever is on the line for fixing cracked floors, drywall, windows ets