?All The Reasons Why We Dilate RC Structures 1

[IJR]

We have a habit of specifying blocks of RC buildings at spacing of 120ft and lesser when seismic design is involved.

But honestly except for seismic design, where I can utilize torsion and drift checks as well as cut down irregularities, I dont know why dilatation joints are specified.

In steel buildings dilatation joints do serve for example to handle cummulative effects of thermal expansions.

Any comment is welcome

IJR

 

[JAE]

I think dilation/expansion joints in RC buildings serve the similar purpose for steel buildings....i.e. thermal expansions. Also....you will inevitably get soil settlements in any building that can be irregular across long lengths. These can be taken care of by adding the joints.

We will extend the joints out to 300 ft. spacing for concrete and longer for steel.