Professional Documents
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Table of Contents
By
Juan Rodriguez
Concrete joints are used to compensate when concrete expands or shrinks with changes in
temperature. Concrete joints are normally used to prevent cracks when the concrete shrinks by
creating forming, tooling, sawing, and placing joint formers. The pre-planned cracks will provide
a better finish concrete product and will be formed in specific locations where those cracks could
be monitored. Sometimes because of the material and width or span of the concrete joints are
required to improve the performance of the material and allow the materials to expand/contract
or move without damaging other structures.
Joint spacing that is greater than 15 feet requires the use of load transfer devices. Contraction
joints may be tooled into the concrete surface at the time of placement. Joints may also be sawed
into the hardened concrete surface. It is important to understand that the longer sawing is
delayed, the higher the potential for cracks to establish themselves before sawing is complete.
Placing Tips
The following recommended tips should be observed:
Hand groover or walking groover: Depending on how large the slab is, you might want to
choose one of these two.
Cordless control joint tools: ideal for use on small to medium size projects.
Concrete saw: ideal for saw cutting concrete, but be sure to know how deep that cut
needs to be. Otherwise, you might be creating other problems