An expansion joint is a special type of joint that allows building materials to expand or contract safely. It also absorbs vibration from earthquakes and ground settlement. It provides structural support for buildings that are being built on a shaky foundation. If you’re planning on building a new house, it’s a good idea to use expansion joints.
Bellows
A bellows is a movable element of an expansion joint. These devices help prevent over-compression and over-extension of pipes. Usually, bellows are anchored with round anchors on spherical bearings. In some cases, a tie rod can be used in place of a bellows.
A bellows can be reinforced by external pressure or flow. A bellows that can accommodate external flow and pressure has a lining to prevent it from wearing away. The bellows may also be insulated with external thermal insulation.
Control joints
An expansion joint is a type of joint that ties two parts of a building together. They are designed to safely absorb expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. They also absorb vibration, which can be caused by seismic activity or ground settlement. By controlling these forces, joints can allow buildings to move without compromising structural integrity.
A control joint can also be used to separate a wall into isolated panels. The recommended spacing of these joints is given in table 1. These standards are based on empirical criteria and successful historical performance in different geographic conditions. These standards are the most widely accepted and can be applied to most building types.
Limit rods
Limit rods are installed in pipe expansion joints to restrict the axial and compression expansion of the joint. They prevent the bellows from overextending and compressing, thereby preventing failure. They also serve as back-up anchors for the expansion joint. These rods are often installed as part of a new expansion joint installation, but they can also be installed on an existing expansion joint if there are structural issues that require additional support.
Limit rods are integral parts of an expansion joint assembly, and they help dampen noise and vibration in piping systems. They are placed across the expansion joint from flange to flange. They help to restrict the extension movement of a pipe, and they do not meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Fire-resistive
The present invention provides a simple and highly effective fire-resistant expansion joint. The clamping means are bifurcated, which increases the gripping engagement of the flexible sheet or fabric. The clamping teeth also improve the expansion joints efficiency of the clamp. The clamping means can be made from a wide variety of materials.
One of the most common materials used for expansion joints is foam lamination. The foam expands to fill the space between the expansion joints and locks in place with a combination of adhesive and foam back pressure. The product is warranted to provide a continuous seal.
Water-tight
When you’re planning to install an expansion joint in an open air concrete structure, you want to make sure you use a system that is water-tight. If you’re not sure which type to use, consult a contractor. These professionals have been trained to install a specific type of expansion joint system and will be able to address any issues with the substrate. They’ll also be less likely to under-bid the job and be more committed to the communication process.
Whether you’re planning a commercial or residential construction project, a water-tight expansion joint can prevent water from entering the structure. The SUBMERSEAL water-tight expansion joint system is designed specifically for submerged environments and is resistant to chlorinated water. It features a precompressed silicone-bellows sealing surface with an integral pressure-resisting foam backing. It’s also secured to the joint faces using a field-applied silicone sealant band.