WHY CARE ABOUT JOINTS?
We often get asked why we put so much emphasis on joint layout and joint type in our slab designs. There’s a specific reason for this: the joint is one of the weakest elements in a slab or pavement design.
Unless it’s properly protected, the joint will become not only a major long term maintenance issue but also a point in the slab that creates a rough and noisy crossing for your materials handling equipment.
THE EFFECTS OF POORLY DESIGNED JOINTS
Adequate load transfer at the joints in the slab is critical to the long term durability of the overall floor. Poor load transfer means that adjacent panels will deflect independently under an applied load, producing an uneven floor. This in turn will cause further damage to both the floor and material handling equipment.
HOW TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE
In high movement environments, we recommend using a steel armoured joint. These joints can open up sufficiently without creating a void that will cause unnecessary jolting or noise when trafficked by machinery. We have partnered with RCR Flooring and Permaban, one of the largest concrete construction product suppliers in the world, to provide our clients with the necessary support in ensuring their facility has the best possible jointing system that will serve its purpose for the lifetime of the building.
Don’t leave it to chance: if you are constructing a new building, make sure adequate thought is put into the jointing layout and system. If in doubt, reach out to one of our team for advice.
