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Expansion & Control Joints

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Crack Control in CMU Veneers

Using concrete masonry bandings successfully without cracking problems through proper design and workmanship.

Relieving Masonry's Distress

Many masonry buildings suffer distress. Proper design and detailing, in most cases, could have reduced the distress to acceptable levels or eliminated it completely. One common cause of distress is stress cracking of masonry elements caused by the absence or improper spacing of movement joints. The proper use of expansion joints or crack-control joints is not well understood.

Spacing Control Joints in Concrete Masonry

The maximum horizontal spacing between vertical control joints in concrete masonry walls is determined by: the local average annual relative humidity; whether the concrete masonry units are moisture controlled or nonmoisture controlled; the vertical spacing of bed joint reinforcement; and exposure to weather.

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Technical  Notes 18A - Design and Detailing of Movement Joints (Brick Expansion Joints)

Expansion joints are  used in brick masonry to allow for movement and avoid cracking. This Technical Notes defines the different  types of movement joints used in building construction. Equations are given to  determine the proper size and spacing of brick expansion joints. .

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