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Steel Designers' Manual - 6th Edition (2003)
860 Bearings and joints
28.3 Joints
28.3.1 General
The form of joints in a structure will vary to suit particular requirements at each
position. The basic parameters to be considered in derivation of a joint detail are
discussed below, although they are not all appropriate to every situation. Despite
the fact that significant differences exist in the final application, many of the factors
involved in joint design are common to both buildings and bridges. Joint detailing
and construction is considerably facilitated by the many forms of proprietary
sealants, gaskets, and fillers that are now commercially available for use as components,
as well as complete prefabricated units which may be used in particular applications.
The manufacturers of these products will generally be able to supply
technical information on their products, and also to give guidance as to the suitability
of items for use in particular applications.
28.3.2 Basic criteria
28.3.2.1 Form of the structure
The form of the structure, and the location and orientation of the joint within the
structure, will dictate to a large extent the arrangement of the detail. The basic
categories of joint are:
(1) Wall joints. These may be vertical (e.g. expansion joint in a building or a bridge
substructure) or horizontal (e.g. joint between preformed cladding units on a
building façade).
(2) Floor/roof joints. Examples are expansion joints in a building, or road deck
joints in a bridge.
(3) Internal/external joints. This type of joint needs to be weather-proofed.
28.3.2.2 Material to be joined, and method of fixing
The material either side of the joint may be steel or aluminium cladding, concrete,
brickwork, blockwork, or various forms of surfacing. The detail of the joint will vary
considerably with the properties of the material and the method of fixing to be used.
It is important to note that this may affect the stage of construction at which the
joint is formed: e.g. PVC waterstops will need to be positioned before concreting of
the walls on either side of them takes place. Where it is anticipated that the joint
may need repair or replacement during the life of the structure (e.g. expansion joints
on heavily trafficked bridges) the fixings of the joint should allow for easy removal
and reinstatement.