Page 309 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

EXPANSION JOINTS 6.13

FIGURE 6.9 Sheet expansion-joint detailing.

FIGURE 6.10 Sheet system expansion joint. (Courtesy of Anti-Hydro)

Sheet systems are also difficult to terminate into structural components such as columns
or ramp walls. At such details, material is formed into a box or dam and fused together.
This design allows for collection of dirt and debris in the bellows that eventually prevents
a joint from functioning. Further, water collecting in a bellows acts as a gutter, with no
drainage for water.
Because of these problems, joints should be covered with metal plates to prevent the
accumulations. The cover plate also prevents possible safety hazards to pedestrians, who
might trip on an exposed joint.

TABLE 6.5 Sheet Expansion Joint Properties
Advantages Disadvantages
Vertical and horizontal applications Collects debris in bellows
Good shear and deflection movement Difficult to terminate
Metal, glass, and wood applications Changes in-plane detailing