Module # 8  Accommodating Movement

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module Learners will a) understand 7 causes of movement in buildings b) understand methods for minimizing movement of materials and assemblies c) understand 6 different joint types designed to accommodate movement in their details. Students will demonstrate this knowledge by completing an open book in-class quiz.

Glossary:

 Abutment Joints
 Building Separation Joints
 Chemical Change Movement
 Control Joints
 Equalizing Cross Grain
 Expansion Joints
 Foundations Below Frost Line
 Foundation Settlement
 Moisture Movement
 Phase Change Movement
 Relieved Back
 Seasoning and Curing
 Sliding Joints
 Structural Creep
 Structural Deflection
 Structure / Enclosure Joints
 Temperature Movement
 Vertical-grain Lumber

Text Reference:

Chapter 6

Accommodating Movement,

page 81-102

All buildings move, and although the distance is often small, the force of these movements can be huge.  Irreparable damage is likely unless the building is detailed to accommodate movements of the following types:

  - Temperature Movement
  - Moisture Movement
  - Phase Change Movement
  - Chemical Change Movement
  - Structural Deflection
  - Structural Creep
  - Foundation Settlement

We can manufacture and configure building materials in ways that minimize their tendency to move in undesirable ways with:
  - Seasoning and Curing
  - Vertical-grain Lumber
  - Equalizing Cross Grain
  - Relieved Back
  - Foundations Below Frost Line

We can separate building elements that move at different rates or in different ways with:
  - Structure / Enclosure Joints
  - Abutment Joints

We can divide large building surfaces that are likely to crack, crush, or buckle with:
  - Expansion Joints
  - Control Joints
  - Sliding Joints

We can divide large, geometrically complex buildings into simple parts (smaller buildings) that are allowed to move independently with:
 - Building Separation Joints

For sources of above products visit

http:www.mjuk.co.uk/indexMain.shtml (images right)

http://www.donmini.co.uk/ (images left)