Movement Joints in Internal block walls

[MIStructE_IRE]

Hi,

I seem to find conflicting views on whether or not vertical joints are required in internal masonry walls.

In a cellular building layout, do you guys still provide movement joints in internal walls even where regular crosswalls are present?

 

[johnie134]

I personally don't do that in case of internal walls.

 

[r13]

Depends on wall layout geometry, length , and function, the question is too broad.

 

[masonrygeek]

You don't see control joints on interior block walls very often since the walls often are in between concrete or steel columns and that column spacing is usually shorter than the length that requires a control joint. If you have a reinforced loadbearing block wall, it is often a shear wall and then movement joints affect the strength and stiffness which could be an issue. And at some point (in a loadbearing block structure) you will need building expansions, but that is a different subject.