expansion joint

expansion joint

[ik′span·shən ‚jȯint]

(civil engineering)

In masonry, a flexible bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent cracking caused by thermally induced expansion and contraction.

A union or gap between adjacent parts of a building, structure, or concrete work that permits the relative movement caused by temperature changes to occur without rupture or damage.

(geology)

sheeting structure

(mechanical engineering)

A joint between parts of a structure or machine to avoid distortion when subjected to temperature change.

A pipe coupling which, under temperature change, allows movement of a piping system without hazard to associated equipment.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

expansion joint

Designed to permit the expansion or contraction due to temperature changes. It generally extends through the entire structure from the footings to the roof.

See also: Joint

Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture Copyright © 2012, 2002, 1998 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

expansion joint

expansion joint, 1

1.A joint or gap between adjacent parts of a building, structure, or concrete work which permits their relative movement due to temperature changes (or other conditions) without rupture or damage.

2. An expansion bend.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.