Tn 18A web-nov06. indd

 

Brick Industry Association

 |

 

TN

 

18A

 

|

 

Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork 

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Page

 

3 of 11

Figure 2

Two-Stage Vertical Expansion Joint

Figure 1

Premolded Foam Pad

Neoprene Pad

Sealant & Backer Rod

Backer Rod

and Sealant

Vented Cavity

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www.gobrick.com |

 

Brick Industry Association

 |

 

TN

 

18A

 

|

 

Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork 

| 

Page

 

4 of 11

that may require a reduction in expansion joint spacing. 

In most instances it is desirable to be conservative, 

but it may be economically desirable to exceed the 

theoretical maximum spacing as a calculated risk. For 

example, calculations may result in a theoretical spacing 

of expansion joints every 23 ft – 2 in. (7.06 m) but the 

actual expansion joint spacing is set at 24 ft (7.3 m) 

to match the structural column spacing or a specific 

modular dimension. Vertical expansion joint spacing 

should not exceed 25 ft (7.6 m) in brickwork without 

openings.

Placement

The actual location of vertical expansion joints in a 

structure is dependent upon the configuration of the 

structure as well as the expected amount of movement. 

In addition to placing an adequate number of expansion 

joints within long walls, consider placing expansion joints 

at corners, offsets, openings, wall intersections, changes 

in wall heights and parapets.

Corners. Walls that intersect will expand toward their 

juncture, typically causing distress on one or both sides 

of a corner, as shown in 

Figure 3a

. Place expansion 

joints near corners to alleviate this stress. The best 

location is at the first head joint on either side of the 

corner; however, this may not be aesthetically pleasing. 

Masons can typically reach about 2 ft (600 mm) around 

the corner from the face where they are working. An 

expansion joint should be placed within approximately 

10 ft (3 m) of the corner in either wall, but not necessarily 

both. The sum of the distance from a corner to the 

adjacent vertical expansion joints should not exceed 

the spacing of expansion joints in a straight wall, 

as shown in 

Figure 3b

. For example, if the spacing 

between vertical expansion joints on a straight wall is 

25 ft (7.6 m), then the spacing of expansion joints around 

a corner could be 10 ft (3.0 m) on one side of the corner 

and 15 ft (4.6 m) on the other side.