Description

Joint sizes and movement dynamics dictate whether you require a standard or seismic expansion joint cover system. Before making a selection, there are other decisions you must make. The selection of the floor cover is often the most critical step in the specification process since the performance of the floor cover has the greatest impact on the occupants of the building. The presence of rolling loads and the need for hygiene are major considerations in cover selection.

The design of floor expansion joints presents an engineering challenge.  They must be able to handle transverse horizontal opening and closing movement, longitudinal differential or shear movement, as well as vertical differential shear movement.  These requirements are similar to the movement demands of wall, ceiling and roof expansion joints.  What makes the design of floor systems so challenging is that they must perform these movement functions while also providing a strong “bridge” that can bear point loads and provide a smooth, quiet transition for wheeled traffic, as well as a slip-free surface for pedestrians.