25. 04. 2018.

Expansion joint - Wikipedia

Expansion joint
An expansion joint or movement joint is an assembly designed to
safely absorb the temperature-induced expansion and contraction of
construction materials, to absorb vibration, to hold parts together, or to
allow movement due to ground settlement or earthquakes. They are
commonly found between sections of buildings, bridges, sidewalks, railway
tracks, piping systems, ships, and other structures.

Building faces, concrete slabs, and pipelines expand and contract due to
warming and cooling from seasonal variation, or due to other heat sources.
Before expansion joint gaps were built into these structures, they would
crack under the stress induced.

Contents
Bridge expansion joints
Masonry Expansion joint on a bridge
Comparison to control joints
Railway expansion joints
Ducted air systems
Pipe expansion joints
Pressure balanced expansion joints
Manufacturing of rubber expansion joints
Wrapping fabric reinforced rubber sheets
Molded rubber expansion joints
Automated winding of rubber expansion joints
Expansion joint accessories
Liners
Covers
Particulate barriers/purge connectors
Limit rods
Failure modes
Other expansion joint types
See also
References
External links

Bridge expansion joints

Bridge expansion joints are designed to allow for continuous traffic between structures while accommodating
movement, shrinkage, and temperature variations on reinforced and prestressed concrete, composite, and steel
structures. They stop the bridge from bending out of place in extreme conditions, and also allow enough vertical
movement to permit bearing replacement [1] without the need to dismantle the bridge expansion joint. There are

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various types, which can accommodate movement from 30 to 1,000 millimetres (1.2 to 39.4 in). They include joints for
small movement (EMSEAL BEJS, XJS, JEP, WR, WOSd, and Granor AC-AR), medium movement (ETIC EJ, Wd), and
large movement (WP, ETIC EJF/Granor SFEJ).

Modular expansion joints are used when the movements of a bridge exceed the capacity of a single gap joint or a finger
type joint. A watertight system, invented by the Swiss company Mageba, is designed on a modular basis and can be
tailored to satisfy the specific requirements of almost any structure.[2][3][4] Modular multiple-gap expansion joints can
accommodate movements in every direction and rotations about every axis. They can be used for longitudinal
movements of as little as 160 mm, or for very large movements of well over 3000 mm. The total movement of the
bridge deck is divided among a number of individual gaps which are created by horizontal surface beams. The
individual gaps are sealed by watertight elastomeric profiles, and surface beam movements are regulated by an elastic
control system. The drainage of the joint is via the drainage system of the bridge deck. Certain joints feature so-called
“sinus plates” on their surface, which reduce noise from over-passing traffic by up to 80%.[5]

See also masonry control joints, which are sometimes used in bridge slabs.

Masonry
Clay bricks expand as they absorb heat and moisture. This places compression stress on the bricks and mortar,
encouraging bulging or flaking. A joint replacing mortar with eslastomeric sealant will absorb the compressive forces
without damage.[6] Concrete decking (most typically in sidewalks) can suffer similar horizontal issues, which is usually
relieved by adding a wooden spacer between the slabs. The wooden expansion joint compresses as the concrete
expands. Dry, rot-resistant ceder is typically used, with a row of nails sticking out that will embed into the concrete
and hold the spacer in place.[7]

Comparison to control joints

Control joints, or contraction joints, are sometimes confused with
expansion joints, but are completely different in purpose and function.
Control joints are cut into pavement at regular intervals to control
cracking. Concrete and asphalt have relatively weak tensile strength, and
typically form cracks as they age, shrink, and are exposed to environmental
stresses (including stresses of thermal expansion and contraction).
Without the control joint, cracking can occur in a random fashion, and
compromise the surface of the structure. This is primarily an aesthetic
issue. Control joints attenuate the cracking in a more controlled fashion. Saw cut control joints in concrete
The cracks will tend to form along the cut planes that makes up the control
joints. This even, regular cracking, which is also hidden in the crevice of
the joint, has a better appearance than random hairline cracks.[8]

Thus, expansion joints reduce cracks, including in the overall structure, while control joints manage cracks, primarily
along the visual surface.

Roadway control joints may be sealed with hot tar, cold sealant (such as silicone), or compression sealant (such as
rubber or polymers based crossed linked foams (https://www.kampun.com/expansion-joint-filler-boards-kampun-hd
100-board/).).[9] Mortar with a breakaway bond may be used to fill some control joints.

Control joints must have adequate depth and not exceed maximum spacing for them to be effective. Typical
specifications for a four-inch think slab are:[10]

25% depth of material

spacing at 24x to 36x of slab depth (some specification call for a maximum of 30x)

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special care for inside corners

Railway expansion joints

If a railway track runs over a bridge which has expansion joints that move
more than a few millimeters, the track must be able to compensate this
longer expansion or contraction. On the other hand, the track must always
provide a continuous surface for the wheels travelling over it. These
conflicting targets are served by special expansion joints, where two rails
glide along each other at a very acute angle during expansion or
contraction. They are typically seen near one or both ends of large steel
bridges. Such an expansion joint looks somewhat like the tongue of a
railroad switch, but it has a completely different purpose and operation.
An expansion joint on the Cornish
Main Line, England
Ducted air systems
Expansion joints are required in large ducted air systems to allow fixed pieces of piping to be largely free of stress as
thermal expansion occurs. Bends in elbows also can accommodate this. Expansion joints also isolate pieces of
equipment such as fans from the rigid ductwork thereby reducing vibration to the ductwork as well as allowing the fan
to “grow” as it comes up to the operating air system temperature without putting stress on the fan or the fixed portions
of ductwork. Example of air or gas ducts can be seen here. Air ducts (http://www.pentamet.ee/product/air-flue-gas-d
ucts/)

An expansion joint is designed to allow deflection in the axial (compressive), lateral (shear), or angular (bending)
deflections. Expansion joints can be non-metallic or metallic (often called bellows type). Non-metallic can be a single
ply of rubberized material or a composite made of multiple layers of heat and erosion resistant flexible material.
Typical layers are: outer cover to act a gas seal, a corrosion-resistant material such as Teflon, a layer of fiberglass to act
as an insulator and to add durability, several layers of insulation to ensure that the heat transfer from the flue gas is
reduced to the required temperature and an inside layer.

A bellows is made up of a series of one or more convolutions of metal to allow the axial, lateral, or angular deflection.

Pipe expansion joints

Pipe expansion joints are necessary in systems that convey high
temperature substances such as steam or exhaust gases, or to absorb
movement and vibration. A typical joint is a bellows of metal (most
commonly stainless steel), plastic (such as PTFE), fabric (such as glass
fibre) or an elastomer such as rubber. Most common types of expansion
joints (http://www.pentamet.ee/gallery/) can be seen on Pentamet
(http://www.pentamet.ee/) website. A bellows is made up of a series of
convolutions, with the shape of the convolution designed to withstand the
internal pressures of the pipe, but flexible enough to accept axial, lateral,
Single sphere rubber bellows
and angular deflections. Expansion joints are also designed for other
expansion joint, with flanges.
criteria, such as noise absorption, anti-vibration, earthquake movement,
and building settlement. Metal expansion joints have to be designed
according to rules laid out by EJMA, for fabric expansion joints there are guidelines and a state-of-the-art description
by the Quality Association for Fabric Expansion Joints. Pipe expansion joints are also known as "compensators", as
they compensate for the thermal movement. Typical pump and piping layout using expansion joints (https://www.ne
w-line.com/imagelib/hose/expansion-joints.png?sfvrsn=0).

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Pressure balanced expansion joints

Expansion joints are often included in industrial piping systems to
accommodate movement due to thermal and mechanical changes in the
system. When the process requires large changes in temperature, metal
components change size. Expansion joints with metal bellows are designed
to accommodate certain movements while minimizing the transfer of
forces to sensitive components in the system.

Pressure created by pumps or gravity is used to move fluids through the

piping system. Fluids under pressure occupy the volume of their container.
The unique concept of pressure balanced expansion joints is they are
designed to maintain a constant volume by having balancing bellows Stainless steel pipe expansion joint,
compensate for volume changes in the bellows (line bellows) which is with control rods.
moved by the pipe. An early name for these devices was “pressure-
volumetric compensator”.[11] Big scale pressure balanced expansion joint
can be seen on here. Pressure balanced expansion joints (http://www.pentamet.ee/elbow-pressure-bala
nced-and-lateral-tied-expansion-joints/).

Manufacturing of rubber expansion joints

Wrapping fabric reinforced rubber sheets

Rubber expansion joints are mainly manufactured by manual wrapping of rubber sheets and fabric reinforced rubber
sheets around a bellows-shaped product mandrel. Besides rubber and fabric, reinforced rubber and/or steel wires or
metal rings are added for additional reinforcement.[12] After the entire product is built up on the mandrel, it is covered
with a winding of (nylon) peel ply to pressurize all layers together. Because of the labor-intensive production process, a
large part of the production has moved to eastern Europe and Asian countries. In real life rubber or also called
elastomer expansion joint can be seen here. Rubber expansion joint (http://www.pentamet.ee/corporation/).

Molded rubber expansion joints

Some types of rubber expansion joints are made with a molding process. Typical joints that are molded are medium-
sized expansion joints with bead rings, which are produced in large quantities. These rubber expansion joints are
manufactured on a cylindrical mandrel, which is wrapped with bias cut fabric ply. At the end the bead rings are
positioned and the end sections are folded inwards over the bead rings. This part is finally placed in a mold and
molded into shape and vulcanized. This is a highly automated solution for large quantities of the same type of joint.

Automated winding of rubber expansion joints

New technology has been developed to wind rubber and reinforcement layers on the (cylindrical or bellows-shaped)
mandrel automatically using industrial robots instead of manual wrapping. This is fast and accurate and provides
repeatable high quality. Another aspect of using industrial robots for the production of rubber expansion joints is the
possibility to apply an individual reinforcement layer instead of using pre-woven fabric. The fabric reinforcement is
pre-woven and cut at the preferred bias angle. With individual reinforcement it is possible to add more or less fiber
material at different sections of the product by changing the fiber angles over the length of the product.[13]

Expansion joint accessories

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Liners
Internal liners can be used to either protect the metallic bellows from erosion or reduce turbulence across the bellows.
They must be used when purge connectors are included in the design. In order to provide enough clearance in the liner
design, appropriate lateral and angular movements must be specified by the designer. When designing an expansion
joint with combination ends, flow direction must be specified as well.[14]

Covers
External covers should be used to protect the internal bellows from being damaged. They also serve a purpose as
insulation of the bellows. Covers can either be designed as removable or permanent accessories.[15]

Particulate barriers/purge connectors

In systems that have a media with significant particulate content (i.e. flash or catalyst), a barrier of ceramic fiber can
be utilized to prevent corrosion and restricted bellows flexibility resulting from the accumulation of the particulate.
Purge connectors may also be utilized to perform this same function. Internal liners must also be included in the
design if the expansion joint includes purge connectors or particulate barriers.[16]

Limit rods
Limit rods may be used in an expansion joint design to limit the axial compression or expansion. They allow the
expansion joint to move over a range according to where the nut stops are placed along the rods. Limit rods are used
to prevent bellows over-extension while restraining the full pressure thrust of the system.

Failure modes
Expansion joint failure can occur for various reasons, but experience shows that failures falls into several distinct
categories. This list includes, but is not limited to: shipping and handling damage, improper installation/insufficient
protection, during/after installation, improper anchoring, guiding, and supporting of the system, anchor failure in
service, corrosion, system over-pressure, excessive bellows deflection, torsion, bellows erosion, and particulate matter
in bellows convolutions restricting proper movement.[17]

There are various actions that can be taken to prevent and minimize expansion joint failure. During installation,
prevent any damage to the bellows by carefully following the instructions furnished by the manufacturer.[18] After
installation, carefully inspect the entire piping system to see if any damage occurred during installation, if the
expansion joint is in the proper location, and if the expansion joint flow direction and positioning is correct.[19] Also,
periodically inspect the expansion joint throughout the operating life of the system in order to check for external
corrosion, loosening of threaded fasteners and deterioration of anchors, guides, and other hardware.[20]

Other expansion joint types

Other types of expansion joints can include: fabric expansion joint, metal expansion joint, toroidal expansion joint,
gimbal expansion joint, universal expansion joint, in-line expansion joint, refractory lined expansion joint, and more.

Copper expansion joints are excellent materials designed for the movement of building components due to
temperature, loads, and settlement. Copper is easy to form and lasts a long time. Details regarding roof conditions,
roof edges, floors, are available.[21]

See also
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Breather switch
Copper expansion joints for buildings
Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association
Metal expansion joint
Reinforced rubber
Slide plate
Toroidal expansion joint

References
1. Freyssinet: Bearing Replacement (http://www.freyssinet.co.uk/pdfs/PS_07%20Bearings.pdf) Archived (https://we
b.archive.org/web/20120426065912/http://www.freyssinet.co.uk/pdfs/PS_07%20Bearings.pdf) 2012-04-26 at the
Wayback Machine., Freyssinet Ltd. (retrieved 22 December 2011)
2. Freyssinet: CIPEC Bridge Expansion Joints (http://www.freyssinet.co.uk/pdfs/products/cipec_expansion_joints_(c
v1).pdf), Freyssinet Ltd. (retrieved 21 December 2011)
3. EMSEAL: BEJS Expansion Joint System, EMSEAL Joint Systems. (http://www.emseal.com/Products/Infrastructur
e/BridgeJointSeals/BEJSBridgeJointSystem.htm) (retrieved 8 August 2013)
4. Britflex BEJ Expansion Joint, Universal Sealants UK Ltd. (http://www.usluk.com/bridgecare/products/bridge-expan
sion-joints/britflex-bej/) (retrieved 27 April 2015)
5. Modular expansion joint (http://www.mageba-group.com/en/794/Infrastructure/Expansion-joints/Longitudinal-move
ments-of-over-1-000-mm/TENSA-MODULAR-LR-LR-LS/Detail.htm)
6. "Difference Between Control and Expansion Joints" (https://web.archive.org/web/20160825060157/http://www.ma
sonryconstruction.com/how-to/difference-between-control-and-expansion-joints_o).
www.masonryconstruction.com. Archived from the original (http://www.masonryconstruction.com/how-to/differenc
e-between-control-and-expansion-joints_o) on 2016-08-25. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
7. "Fix those rotted, wood concrete patio dividers | HeraldNet.com" (http://www.heraldnet.com/life/fix-those-rotted-wo
od-concrete-patio-dividers/). HeraldNet.com. 2009-09-09. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
8. "Placing Joints in Concrete Flatwork- Why, How, and When" (http://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/co
ncrete-construction/contraction-control-joints-in-concrete-flatwork). www.cement.org. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
9. [https://www.kampun.com/expansion-joint-filler-boards-kampun-hd100-board/ Expansion Joint Filler boards'
properties/features and applications.
10. "Placing Control Joints in Concrete – The Concrete Network" (https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/slabs/c
ontroljoints.htm). www.concretenetwork.com. Retrieved 2018-01-23.
11. Technical Bulletin: Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints (http://www.usbellows.com/technical/pressure_balanced.
htm), U.S. Bellows, Inc. (retrieved 31 August 2010)
12. "Elastomeric Expansion Joint Components" (https://www.gallagherseals.com/blog/elastomeric-expansion-joint-co
mponents/). Gallagher Fluid Seals. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
13. TANIQ: automated winding of rubber joints (http://www.taniq.com/applications/rubber-expansion-joints.php)
Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20110716191946/http://www.taniq.com/applications/rubber-expansion-joint
s.php) 2011-07-16 at the Wayback Machine., TANIQ(retrieved 6 December 2010)
14. U.S. Bellows Catalog: Internal Liner (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/internal.htm), U.S.
Bellows, Inc. (retrieved 31 August 2010)
15. U.S. Bellows Catalog: Protective Cover (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/protecti.htm), U.S.
Bellows, Inc. (retrieved 31 August 2010)
16. U.S. Bellows Catalog: Purge Connector (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/purge.htm), U.S.
Bellows, Inc. (retrieved 31 August 2010)
17. Typical Causes of Expansion Joint Failure (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/joint-failure-causes.
htm) U.S. Bellows, (retrieved February 2012)
18. Installation (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/installa.htm) U.S. Bellows, (retrieved February
2012)
19. Post Installation Inspection Prior to System Pressure Test (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/post
-install-pretest.htm) U.S. Bellows, (retrieved February 2012)

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25. 04. 2018. Expansion joint - Wikipedia

20. Periodic In-Service Inspection (http://www.usbellows.com/expansion-joint-catalog/inservic.htm) U.S. Bellows,

(retrieved February 2012)]
21. Building expansion joints, Copper in Architecture Design Handbook, Copper Development Association Inc.,
http://www.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/building_expansion/intro.html

External links
Quality Association for Fabric Expansion Joints (http://www.qafej.org/?sprach_id=en)

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