Construction joints are part of a structure when discharges are run at different times. For retaining walls, common seal construction is horizontal, that is continuous between the foot and the wall. Vertical construction joints may not be present. Control joints or planned breaks, are more typical and are spaced at regular intervals.
Concrete Properties
The concrete has a compression strength to resist the compression forces on itself, but is weak in tensile strength, i.e., its ability to withstand tensile forces which separate it. The voltage is applied to the concrete by the movement of earth, such as the establishment at different rates, or soil moisture and freezing and thawing. Retaining walls are also subject to lateral soil pressure being retained. Cracks in concrete form when their ability to withstand stress is exceeded. Gaskets installed in the concrete is a method for controlling the location and width of cracks.
Types of concrete joints
The three main types of joints are contraction or isolation joints expansion and construction. Contraction joints or control installed on purpose a point of weakness in the wall where cracking can occur without affecting the structural integrity of the wall. Expansion joints or isolation separate the sections of the walls so they can move independently and avoid pressure to move together. Construction joints separate the work of the concrete being poured at different times. They may be vertical and horizontal.
Construction joints in retaining walls
The main board construction for retaining walls is the horizontal joint between the footing and the wall (shaft) of the retaining wall. The base and the wall is typically discharged separately. The base often includes a keyway or slot formed in the part superior of the base to increase the slip resistance of the wall. The joint between the base and the wall is continuous, and extending along the length of the wall and the base.
Distance between joints in a retaining wall
Vertical construction joints are no standards for retaining walls unless discharges are required separately. Contraction joints or control are placed vertically at regular intervals to control cracking of the expansion and contraction of soil movement. Generally, the spacing of the control joint is specified for a minimum of 20 feet (609.6 cm) in the center.