JOINTS IN CONCRETE

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 Need for Joints
Rise in temperature causes concrete to expand
and vice versa.
In structural elements like slabs which are
restrained, will develop tensile stresses.
Concrete being weak in tension may crack under
high stresses.
Joints provide cushion for expansion
Seasonal Temperature differential may be as high
as 50*C while daily difference may be 25*C.

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 Factors Effecting Cracking
Shrinkage strain caused by temperature.
◦ A strain of 200E-6 may cause high degree of micro
cracking
Modulus of elasticity.
◦ Lower the value, lower will be shrinkage strain.
Creep.
◦ Higher creep gives higher stress relaxation and lesser
cracking
Tensile strength.
◦ Higher strength , lower the cracking.
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 Types of Joints in Concrete
Construction Joints. Joint made when fresh
concrete is placed against hardened concrete due to
work constraints.
Expansion Joints. Joint made to take care of
expansion of concrete subjected to higher
temperatures.
Contraction Joints. Joints made to cater for
shrinkage of concrete while drying and hardening.
Isolation Joints. Joints made to separate two
concrete elements to avoid adverse loading etc.
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 Construction Joints
Construction joints should be preplanned at such
location avoiding maximum shear and flexure.
Joints should be well masked to avoid ugly
appearance.
Top surface should be roughened for subsequent
pouring of concrete to develop proper bond .
The existing surface of concrete may be clean,
roughened and treated before placing new concrete.

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 Joints to Hardened Concrete
Clean Surface Apply Topping

a. Wet- or dry-grit a. Cement- sand grouting

sandblasting b. A latex bonding agent
b. High-pressure water is mixed with cement
blasting sand grout and spread on
c. Mechanical removal by surface.
scabbier, or grinding c. Epoxy bonding agent
wheels is placed on surface of
d. Power brooming and existing concrete
vacuuming
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Making Horizontal Construction Joint

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Horizontal construction joints in walls with (a) V-shaped (b) beveled

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Types of Vertical Joints

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 Expansion Joints in Concrete
Expansion is not critical
in small structures.
Expansion joints must be
provide in building of
45m length.
Sliding surface allow
expansion movement
avoiding cracks.

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 Contraction Joints in Concrete
 Provided to avoid shrinkage
in concrete.
 Not required if adequate
reinforcement is provided to
take shrinkage stresses.
 Also called as control joints
or dummy joints.
 Made at the time of laying
concrete or may be saw cut
just after placement but not
after 24 hours.
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Spacing of Contraction Joints
in Meters

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 Isolation Joints
Permit both horizontal
and vertical movements
of adjoining structures.
Separate machine
foundation from slab/
floor etc.
Separate column
footing from slab or
floor.
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