Usually, expansion joints should be no farther apart than 2 to 3 times (in feet) the total width of the concrete (in inches). So for a 4 inch thick concrete slab, expansion joints should be no more than 8 to 12 feet apart.
How Far Apart Should Expansion Joints Be in Concrete?
Expansion joints are one of the most important components of a concrete structure, as they allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to temperature changes.
Expansion joints also help to minimize cracking in the concrete. But how far apart should expansion joints be in concrete? The answer to this question depends on the size and type of the concrete structure.
Generally, expansion joints should be placed at regular intervals of 10 to 15 feet, or at least every 25 feet, depending on the size and type of the structure.
For larger structures, such as highways or bridges, expansion joints can be placed every 30 to 40 feet. When installing expansion joints, it is important to consider the type of concrete being used, as well as the size and shape of the structure.
For example, lightweight concrete is less likely to need expansion joints than heavier concrete, while walls and slabs may need more.
In addition, the rate of temperature change should be taken into account, as well as the size of the structure. The depth of the expansion joint should also be considered.
Generally, expansion joints should be at least 1/4 inch deep, but for larger structures, such as parking garages or bridges, they can be up to 1/2 inch deep.
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