RIFT VALLEY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

MODULE II
TOPIC 4: JOINTS IN CONCRETE WORKS
COURSE LECTURER: ROSE

INTRODUCTION

Ever wondered why concrete pavements and floors have those grooved lines running across
them? They're called joints, and they actually serve a very important purpose. Without them,
concrete slabs would crack randomly as they expand and contract.

ADVANTAGES OF CONCRETE JOINTS

Concrete joints are crucial in construction as they help manage the inevitable movements and
stresses within a concrete structure. Here's a breakdown of their importance:

1. Control Cracking

Shrinkage: Concrete shrinks as it dries, which can lead to cracks. Joints help to control where
these cracks occur.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Changes in temperature can cause concrete to expand and
contract. Joints allow this movement without causing damage.

2. Relieve Stress

Load Distribution: Joints help distribute the loads and stresses over a larger area, reducing the
risk of cracking and structural failure.

Settlement: Different parts of a structure might settle differently over time. Joints can
accommodate this differential settlement.

3. Ease of Construction

Sequential Pouring: Large concrete structures are often poured in sections. Joints define these
sections and make the construction process more manageable.

Alignment and Precision: Joints provide clear guidelines for the alignment and layout of
different sections of the concrete work.

4. Durability and Maintenance

Water Infiltration: Properly designed and sealed joints can prevent water infiltration, which can
lead to freeze-thaw damage and corrosion of reinforcing steel.

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Repair: Joints make it easier to identify and repair specific sections of a concrete structure
without affecting the entire structure.

TYPES OF CONCRETE JOINTS

There are several different types of joints used in concrete construction.

1. EXPANSION JOINT
Expansion joints are placed in concrete to prevent expansive cracks formed due to temperature
change. Concrete undergoes expansion due to high temperature when in a confined boundary
which leads to cracks. Expansion joints are provided in slabs, pavements, buildings, bridges,
sidewalks, railway tracks, piping systems, ships, and other structures.

Need of Expansion Joints

If not provided, the structure shall be subjected to internal compressive stresses, which may be so
high that it may fail.

The amount of expansion depends upon

- The extent of change in temperature

- The extent of the structure and on
- The coefficient of linear expansion of the material.

Of these three parameters, changes in temperature and coefficient of linear expansion cannot be
controlled. It is only the extent of the structure which can be reduced to limit the expansion the
structure within specified limits. Based on these concepts it is seen that the structure 30 meters
long when subjected to temperature change of 50 degrees expands about 10 mm. Small
buildings usually do not require any expansion joint, but if the continuous length of the structure
exceeds 45 meters expansion joint should be provided

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Construction of Expansion Joint

The expansion joint is to be provided from the foundation to the top floor of the building. One
side of the expansion joint is first constructed to the desired level, then the Fiberboard is placed
where the Expansion joint is to be provided, and then the other side is constructed. The
fiberboard is sealed with sealing compounds. Thus, the whole construction of the building is
done

Material & Techniques

The gap of expansion joints is never left open. It is filled with a compressible material so as to
make it water tight. The following materials are required to render the expansion joint watertight.

a) Joint filler

Bitumen, bitumen containing cellular materials, cork strips, rubber, mineral fiber, expanded
plastic, pith,, etc. are the usual joint filler materials. Joint filler should be compressible material
tightly fitted in the gap. Being compressible, they readily allow free expansion of adjacent parts.

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It should regain 75% of its original thickness when external pressure is removed from it. They
should be rigid, durable and resistant to decay

Sealing compound: its function is to seal the joint against the passage of moisture and to prevent
the ingress of dust, grit, or other foreign matter into the joint. It should be tintless, nontoxic,
insoluble, and readily workable. Mastic or Hot-applied bituminous sealing compound is mostly
used for the purpose.

Water bars: the function bars are to seal the joints against the passage of water. Water bars may
be made of rubber, P.V.C., G.I. sheet, copper, or aluminum sheets. G.I. Water bar should not be
used under corrosive conditions. Width of water bar may be varied from the 15cm. to 20cm.and
thickness should not be less than 0.56 mm. they are given U or V fold to allow expansion and
contraction at the joints

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 2. CONTRACTION JOINT

A contraction joint is a sawed, formed, or tooled groove in a concrete slab that creates a
weakened vertical plane. It regulates the location of the cracking caused by dimensional changes
in the slab due to shrinkage and temperature changes. Unregulated cracks can grow and result in
an unacceptably rough surface as well as water infiltration into the base, subbase and subgrade,
which can enable other types of pavement distress.

These joints are designed to create a deliberate weak plane in the concrete, ensuring that any
cracks that do form occur in a controlled and predictable manner.

Characteristics of Contraction Joints

Placement: Contraction joints are typically placed at regular intervals along the concrete slab.
The spacing depends on the thickness of the slab, with common practice being 24 to 30 times the

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slab thickness in inches. For instance, a 4-inch thick slab would have joints every 96 to 120
inches (8 to 10 feet).

Depth: The depth of the joint should be about one-quarter of the slab thickness. For example, a
4-inch thick slab would have a contraction joint depth of 1 inch.

Width: The width of the joint is usually minimal and often just enough to create a weakened
plane. It is typically a few millimeters wide.

Forming Contraction Joints

The process of forming contraction joint can be done in any of 3 stages:

a) While placing concrete, a premoulded strip may be inserted into the concrete to create a
plane of weakness. Metal strips inserted into terrazzo or preformed plastic strips can be
inserted into concrete pavements to avoid cracks.
b) Saw cut joints or dry cut joints can be made after the placing of concrete. Saw-cut joints
should be done within 4 to 12 hours after the concrete has been finished. Dry-cut joints
should be made between 1 to 4 hours after completion of finishing. In this method, joints
are made using hand grover or concrete saw and the concrete is cut at regular intervals
and a permeable material is placed that bonds with concrete well.
c) Once the concrete has hardened sufficiently, a sawn joint may be formed. The joint
should be made as early as possible and prior to drying shrinkage starting to occur. Delay
can result in unplanned cracking of the pavement. The sawn joint is then filled with a
joint sealant to prevent dirt and other debris entering it, as unsealed joints tend to fill with
dirt and become ineffective.

Contraction joint is placed at the location of highest concentration of tensile stresses resulting
from shrinkage are expected:

 At abrupt changes of cross-section; and

 In long walls, slabs.

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 3. CONSTRUCTION JOINT

A construction joint is placed when the mass concreting works are done and cannot be completed
on a single stretch. The interface of the past day’s hard concrete and the present day's fresh
concrete is to be properly done so that the bonding should be perfect for load transferring and
avoiding water leakage. This interface joint is known as the Construction Joint or Day work
Joint. Construction joints must allow horizontal displacement right-angled to the joint surface,
which is normally caused by thermal and shrinkage movement. At the same time, they must not
allow vertical or rotational displacements. Fig.1 summarizes which displacement must be
allowed or not allowed by a construction joint.

Position of Construction Joints

The number of construction joints in concrete structures should be minimized. If construction

joints are necessary to facilitate construction, it is normally aligned perpendicular to the direction
of the member.

For beams and slabs, construction joints are preferably located at about one-third of the span
length. The choice of this location is based on the consideration of low bending moment
anticipated with relatively low shear force.

However, location of one-third span is not applicable to simply supported beams and slabs
because this location is expected to have considerable shear forces and bending moment when
subjected to design loads.

Sometimes, engineers may tend to select the end supports as locations for construction joints just
to simplify construction

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Bonding:

 The surface is prepared by roughening the surface of the first pour to enhance bonding.
 Use of epoxy or other bonding agents to improve the adhesion between old and new
concrete.
 In water-retaining structures, water stops may be installed to prevent leakage through the
joint.

Purposes of Construction Joints

i) Structural Continuity: Ensuring that the concrete elements function as a single, unified
structure despite being poured in stages.
ii) Load Transfer: Effectively transferring loads across different sections of concrete,
particularly in slabs and beams.
iii) Shrinkage Control: Managing shrinkage and temperature-induced movements by
providing predetermined points for potential movement.

Types of construction joint

Construction joints in concrete structures are designed to handle different types of loads and
movements. Here are the main types of construction joints:

1. Butt Joints

Description:

 Simplest form of construction joint.

 Surfaces of the concrete pour are placed directly against each other without any special
interlocking feature.

Uses:

 Typically used where minimal load transfer is required.

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  Suitable for low-stress areas or non-structural applications.

Construction:

 Ensure clean, roughened surfaces to promote good bonding between old and new
concrete.
 Adequate curing and moisture control are essential for proper bonding

2. Keyed Joints

Description:

 Incorporate a keyway or groove in the first pour that interlocks with the second pour.
 Provides mechanical interlocking and enhances load transfer.

Uses:

 Commonly used in slabs, walls, and pavements where moderate load transfer is required.
 Suitable for areas experiencing shear and lateral loads.

Construction:

 Form a keyway in the first pour using a keyway form or bulkhead.

 Ensure the keyway is free from debris and properly aligned.

3. Doweled Joints

Description:

 Use steel dowels to transfer loads across the joint.

 Dowels provide alignment and maintain continuity between sections.
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Uses:

 Ideal for pavements, floors, and slabs subjected to heavy loads.

 Common in industrial floors, roadways, and airport runways.

Construction:

 Install dowels at specified intervals and depths.

 Ensure dowels are properly aligned and coated (if necessary) to allow movement.

4. Tongue and Groove Joints

Description:

 One side of the joint has a protruding tongue, and the other side has a corresponding
groove.
 Provides excellent alignment and load transfer capabilities.

Uses:

 Used in walls, columns, and other vertical elements.

 Suitable for areas where shear and lateral loads are significant.

Construction:

 Form the tongue and groove in the first pour using appropriate formwork.
 Ensure the surfaces are clean and well-prepared for the next pour.

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Difference between Expansion and Contraction Joints
Expansion joint Contraction Joint
Designed to accommodate the expansion of Designed to control the location of cracking
concrete as it heats up and expands. Used to due to the natural shrinkage of concrete as it
separate different parts of a structure, allowing cures and hardens.
independent movement. Helps manage the shrinkage of concrete by
creating a predetermined weak point where
cracks can form.
Typically a gap or space is left between Typically involves making saw cuts or forming
sections of concrete, filled with a compressible grooves in the concrete surface to create a
material such as rubber, foam, or bituminous weakened plane.
fiberboard. Cuts or grooves are usually made to a depth of
Often sealed with flexible sealants to prevent about one-quarter to one-third the thickness of
water and debris from entering. the concrete slab.
Placed at regular intervals in long concrete Placed at regular intervals, typically 24 to 30
structures, at junctions between different times the slab thickness in inches.
structural elements, and around fixed objects
like columns and walls.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PROVIDING JOINTS IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES

When providing joints in concrete structures, several factors need to be considered to ensure
their effectiveness and the overall integrity of the structure. Here are the key factors:

1. Type of Joint

 Expansion Joints: Allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

 Contraction Joints: Control cracking due to shrinkage.
 Construction Joints: Where two successive pours of concrete meet.
 Isolation Joints: Separate different parts of the structure to allow independent
movement.

2. Material Properties

 Concrete Mix: The composition and characteristics of the concrete mix, such as its
shrinkage and thermal expansion properties.
 Joint Filler and Sealant: The type and properties of materials used for filling and sealing
joints, which should be flexible, durable, and compatible with the concrete.

3. Environmental Conditions

 Temperature: The range of temperatures the concrete will be exposed to, which affects
expansion and contraction.
 Humidity: Moisture levels can impact the shrinkage and expansion of concrete.
 Exposure: Exposure to elements like sunlight, rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemicals.

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4. Structural Design

 Load and Stress Distribution: Understanding how loads and stresses will be distributed
across the structure and designing joints accordingly.
 Movement Accommodation: The expected movement within the structure due to
thermal changes, loading, and settlement.
 Reinforcement: The placement and design of reinforcement near joints to ensure
structural integrity.

5. Placement and Spacing

 Regular Intervals: Proper spacing of joints to manage shrinkage and thermal expansion
effectively.
 Strategic Locations: Placement at critical points such as corners, changes in slab
thickness, around columns, and where different construction materials meet.
 Geometry: The shape and size of the structure can influence the placement of joints.

6. Construction Techniques

 Timing of Installation: Timing of joint cutting or forming, particularly for contraction

joints, which should be done as soon as the concrete can support the saw without causing
damage.
 Method of Installation: The techniques used to create joints, such as saw cutting,
inserting preformed materials, or using formwork.

7. Maintenance and Accessibility

 Inspection: Regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the joints remain effective and
are not compromised by debris, water, or deterioration.
 Repair: The ease of accessing and repairing joints, including the replacement of sealants
or filler materials.

8. Aesthetic Considerations

 Visible Joints: In structures where aesthetics are important, the appearance of joints
should be considered, and efforts should be made to align them with design patterns or
hide them where possible.
 Finishes: The finish of the concrete surface around joints to ensure a uniform look.

9. Regulatory and Standards Compliance

 Building Codes: Adherence to local building codes and standards that dictate joint
placement and design.
 Industry Standards: Following industry best practices and guidelines, such as those
provided by organizations like the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

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Providing joints in concrete structures requires careful consideration of the type of joint, material
properties, environmental conditions, structural design, placement and spacing, construction
techniques, maintenance, aesthetics, and regulatory compliance. Properly addressing these
factors ensures the durability, functionality, and appearance of the concrete structure.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE NEED FOR JOINTS IN CONCRETE

The need for joints in concrete structures is determined by several factors that relate to the
properties of concrete, environmental conditions, and the specific requirements of the structure.
Here are the key factors:

1. Concrete Properties
Shrinkage:
Concrete naturally shrinks as it cures and dries, which can lead to cracking. Joints are necessary
to control where these cracks occur.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction:

Concrete expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Joints accommodate these
movements to prevent stress and damage.

Creep:
Over time, concrete can slowly deform under sustained load. Joints help to manage and mitigate
the effects of creep.

2. Structural Dimensions and Geometry

Size of the Structure:

Larger concrete structures, such as long slabs, require more joints to control cracking and
accommodate movement.

Shape and Complexity:

Irregular shapes, changes in slab thickness, and complex geometries can create stress
concentrations that need to be managed with joints.

3. Environmental Conditions

Temperature Fluctuations:
Areas with significant temperature variations between day and night or across seasons need more
joints to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

Humidity and Moisture Exposure:

High humidity levels and moisture exposure can affect the shrinkage and expansion of concrete,
necessitating joints to control these effects.

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Exposure to Freeze-Thaw Cycles:
In climates with freeze-thaw cycles, joints help prevent damage from the expansion of water as it
freezes and thaws within the concrete.

4. Load and Stress Factors

Load Distribution:
Joints help distribute loads more evenly across the structure, reducing the risk of cracking and
structural failure.

Dynamic and Static Loads:

Structures subjected to dynamic loads (like traffic or machinery) or heavy static loads require
joints to manage stress and movement.

Differential Settlement:
Variations in the settlement of the ground or foundation can create stress in concrete structures,
which can be mitigated with joints.

5. Construction Techniques and Practices

Pouring Sequence:
Large concrete pours are often done in sections, requiring construction joints where one pour
ends and another begins.

Reinforcement Layout:
The placement of reinforcement bars can influence the need and placement of joints to ensure the
structural integrity.

6. Design and Aesthetic Considerations

Architectural Design:
The design and aesthetic goals of a project may dictate the placement and type of joints to
maintain visual appeal while ensuring structural functionality.

Surface Finishes:
Different surface finishes and treatments can impact the placement and type of joints needed to
prevent visible cracking.

7. Maintenance and Durability

Ease of Maintenance:
Joints can make it easier to repair and maintain concrete structures, allowing specific sections to
be addressed without affecting the whole structure.

Longevity:
Properly designed and placed joints enhance the durability and lifespan of concrete structures by
managing stress and preventing damage.

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 8. Regulatory and Standards Compliance
Building Codes and Standards:
Compliance with local building codes, industry standards, and best practices often dictates the
need and specifications for joints in concrete structures.

Safety Requirements:
Ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure often necessitates the use of joints to manage
potential stress and movement effectively.

LAITANCE IN JOINTS
Laitance is a weak, thin layer of cement and fine particles that forms on the surface of fresh
concrete during the finishing process. It is caused by the bleeding of water from the concrete
mix, which carries fine particles and cement to the surface. In the context of joints, laitance can
be particularly problematic for several reasons:

Weak Bond:
Laitance can prevent a strong bond between successive layers of concrete at construction joints,
leading to potential separation or delamination.

Reduced Load Transfer:

The presence of laitance at joints can compromise the load transfer capabilities, reducing the
overall strength and durability of the joint.

Durability Issues:
Laitance is not durable and can deteriorate under mechanical stresses or environmental exposure,
leading to joint failure.

Addressing Laitance in Joint Construction

i) Proper Mix Design; Ensure the correct water-cement ratio to minimize bleeding and the
formation of laitance.
ii) Adequate Vibration: Use proper vibration techniques to consolidate concrete without
causing excessive bleeding.
iii) Surface Preparation: Before placing new concrete against an existing joint, it is crucial to
remove laitance to ensure a good bond. Methods include:

 Mechanical Removal: Using wire brushes, grinders, or sandblasting to remove the weak
surface layer.
 High-Pressure Water Jetting: Effectively removes laitance and cleans the joint surface.
 Acid Etching: In some cases, dilute acid solutions can be used to dissolve the laitance
layer, followed by thorough rinsing.
 Timing of Joint Preparation: Clean and prepare the joint surface as soon as the concrete
has gained sufficient strength to avoid the hardening of laitance, which makes it more
difficult to remove.

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  Use of Bonding Agents: Apply bonding agents or adhesives to the prepared joint surface
to enhance the bond between old and new concrete.

KNEC QUESTIONS
1. Distinguish between construction and functional joints ( 3 marks)
2. Explain why joints are necessary in concrete structures ( 6 marks)
3. State any three requirements to consider when providing for joints in a concrete structure
(3 marks)
4. With the aid of sketches, describe the following
i) Expansion joints
ii) Contraction joints
iii) Construction joints ( 9 marks)
5. State two factors that determine the need for joints in concrete pavement ( 2 marks)
6. With the aid of a sketch, describe the construction procedure of an expansion joint ( 10
marks)
7. Sketch and label a section through a construction joint in the wall of a reinforced concrete
water tank ( 5 marks)
8. State four requirements for each of the following
i) Expansion joints
ii) Contraction joints ( 8 marks)
9. State four factors that determine the location of the construction joint ( 4 marks)

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