Building Expansion Joint

[XR250]

I am working on 1 story apartment building, approximately 28'x163'. It is 2x4 construction with wood roof trusses. Do you guys think it needs an expansion joint anywhere? (See attached pic)
I have never seen an expansion joint in a wood framed building of this size, but I was curious about other engineer's experiences.
It will be constructed in eastern NC.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SteelPE]

Never done a wood structure of that size. I usually use the reference "federal construction council technical report no. 65 expansion joints in buildings" to determine if I need one in my structure or not. I know they have guidelines for wood and steel structures.... I also know they have provisions for buildings constructed out of "other" materials. Do a Google search and you should be able to locate the report if you don't already have it. It may be a good place to at least start.

 

[TopKnot]

I'd say no. If you do one, make it through the roof. When you have a joint in the FND and not the walls/roof, it just cracks the drywall.

_________________________
Tony Krempin, PE
TopKnot Engineering

 

[TDIengineer]

I don't see a need Excel. Although the building is long at 163', you have re-entrant corners along that long side that break up any long walls.

 

[XR250]

Sounds good to me!

Thanks

 

[XR250]

Ok, so here is another twist. The Arch wants to do a monolithic slab type foundation. Control joints in these types of slabs do not work very well as you can never cut deep enough at the thick part for them to be effective. May not be a problem as the floor finish is carpet and sheet vinyl.
Do you think the cracking will be distributed enough so as not to cause separations in the exterior walls?
Maybe I can install cold joints in the slabs under every other unit?