expansion joint

[aladdin76]

a new 44m long concrete building with expansion joint to be put vertically in the middle of the building ,
is it ok to make the joint in the walls , columns and slab, but keep the foundations connected

 

[JAE]

Yes - it is typical to keep the foundations tied together unless there are site soil conditions that suggest otherwise.

 

[msquared48]

Absolutely. This prevents any differential settlement between the buildings which can be a problem if access is needed from building to building.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[kslee1000]

Why need expansion joints, assume all concrete construction. If it is for theormal expansion alone, there are many other better ways to alleviate the effect.

Exp. joint in foundation is achievable, but not advisable (see Mike's comment above for reason 1). Even worse, I can see the concrete wall being rigidly connected to the foundation system, when it decides to take a walk (move) but is dragged (restrict) by the foundation monolith, now what, how we settle this conflict?

 

[hokie66]

Provided both parts of your building are supported on the same type footings, e.g. all piles, all spread footings, all raft slab, the footings can be connected.

I wonder why you need a movement joint in a building only 44m long. Unless there is some major discontinuity in the type of building, I would build it as one.