CONTRACTION JOINTS

OR
CONTROL JOINTS
SWETHA MARY SAJI
ROLL NO:55
■A Contraction joint is formed,sawed,or tooled
groove in a concrete structure to create a
weakened plane to regulate the location of
cracking resulting from the dimensional change of
different parts of the structure.

■Unregulated cracks can grow and result in an

unacceptably rough surface as well as water
infiltration into the base,sub base and sub grade.
■Contraction joint is placed in such a way that it
interferes least with the performance of the structure
as well as prevents formation of objectionable
shrinkage cracks elsewhere in concrete.

■It is put in the concrete to control cracking.These

joints are made at locations where there are chances
of cracks,so that when a concrete does crack,the
location will be known.In such a way concrete will not
crack randomly but in a straight line(ie,control joint).
In other words,contraction joints are Pre-
planned cracks.The cracks may be due to
temperature variation or drying shrinkage or
other reason.

Contraction joints are the most common type of

joint in concrete pavement.
SPECIFICATION

●The width of the groove should not be less

than 5mm.
●The contraction joint depth is 1/4th of the
Concrete mean depth.
●It should be placed in the weakest zone of
the slab.
THANK YOU