Importance of Expansion joints and joint filler boards in construction
The term expansion joints, refer to the isolation joints provided within a
structure to permit the separate segment of the structural frame to expand and
contract in response to temperature changes without adversely affecting the
structural integrity or serviceability. The need for expansion joints in
buildings may be determined initially on an empirical basis. If results are
deemed by the designer to be too conservative or if the empirical approach is
not sufficiently comprehensive to be applicable to the type of structure being
investigated, a more precise analysis should be undertaken. Meanwhile, the
subject of expansion joints in the construction of concrete highways has been
considered controversial by many; however, there are really only a few
important areas of disagreement among those who understand the basic
engineering principles involved.
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| Example of Expansion Joint |
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Anyone familiar with the coefficient of expansion of concrete realizes the
necessity of providing adequate expansion joints; also the necessity to
eliminate intermediate cracks by creating planes of weakness to predetermine
the location of contraction cracks. In their (contractor) zeal to lower the
cost of concrete highway construction, some engineers have been using only
sawed joints, completely disregarding the important function of properly spaced
through expansion joints. Since, roads and buildings, being the second largest
activity in the economy after agriculture, the role of expansion joints in
these areas has become critical.
Hence; to bridge the gap between cost effectiveness coupled with high quality, Kampun Polymers has developed customized solutions specifically for the construction
requirement of various sectors. Kampun HD100 is a crossed-linked, pre-moulded,
high performance joint filler board which is readily compressible and ensures
low load transfer. This structural expansion joint application can be used in
concrete brick and block work; it also helps isolation to fill its gap and work
as a backup supporter for sealant. Another feature of the product is it can be
used for the expansion joints in concrete highway, taxi tracks and most
importantly in airport runway.
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| Expansion joint filler board application in building/Image:Kampun Polymers |
So one must be thinking that how buyers are going to benefit by this product?
Here is the answer. This product comes with closed cell, have excellent
chemical resistance, thermally stable (ranges from -40° C to+70° C), most
importantly – bitumen free and rot proof and bacteria resistance. Kampun-HD100
is available in thickness ranging from 5 mm to 100 mm sizes.
In addition, Kampun Back up rods have some more benefits to offer to its
buyers. The product is a closed-cell polymer based circular profile which
ensures stronger bonding of sealant with masonry, aluminium or other substrates
and helps to maintain desired thickness of sealant at the joint’s centre.
Importantly it does not bond with cold applied sealants. The product can be
used in applications like pre-cast panel joints, coping joints, contraction
joints, expansion joints, glazing joints as well as isolating joints, and
window and door frame parameters. Meanwhile, Bakcup rod works as a backup to
sealant in structural glazing systems. The product is available from 6 mm to 60
mm size. As far as features and benefits are concern, it offers closed cell,
hence negligible water or moisture absorption; excellent chemical resistance –
inert to most acid and alkalis and cost effective space filler. It also allows
unrestrained expansion and contraction of sealant while eliminating bubbling of
sealant.
This also works as a backup to cold applied sealants – to be precise – in
concrete road. The features and benefits of the product is more or less in line
with the other two, however, it have compressible and flexible joint movements
along with non-staining, which means it does not disintegrate. All structures
move by necessity to avoid buckling which could cause structural failure.
Architects, general contractors, owners and end users are adverse to seeing
caulk joints or movement profiles they feel destroys the ambiance of their
building. Awareness of the need for movement joints in installations needs to
begin at the sale or specification stage, well before ordering products and
certainly before the installer arrives on site. Asking an end user how they
prefer these joints to be treated should be no different than, and is of much
greater importance.
For more details you can visit following websites:
- Kampun Polymers
- Kampun Industries
