General

Maximum Spacing of Thermal Movement Joints

Although buildings are often constructed using flexible materials, roof and structural expansion joints are required when plan dimensions are large.

3 July 2009

Although buildings are often constructed using flexible materials, roof and structural expansion joints are required when plan dimensions are large. The maximum distance between expansion joints is dependent upon many variables, including ambient temperature during construction and the expected temperature range during the lifetime of the building. This article summarises North American practice with respect to spacing of thermal movement joints (AISC, 2003). This is based upon Federal Construction Council Technical Report No 65: Expansion Joints in Buildings and recommendations by (Fisher, 2005).

GEN3001.pdf

Kevin Cowie