Have you noticed the joints between railway tracks, pipes, sections of buildings? The expansion joints are designed to help the movement in the structure, which is caused by pressure and temperature induced by contraction. The expansion joints also extend the life of the concrete structures. Also known as movement joints, the expansion joints are also used in roadways, sidewalks, and parking garages. The expansion joints are designed to absorb vibration, hold the parts together and also absorb the noise and movement between two surfaces.

Types of expansion joints

There are several types of expansion joints. Let us take you through the different kinds of expansion joints, which will help you make informed decisions in your next project.

Winged joint: Made of thermoplastic materials, these joints have additional “wings” to provide more attachment. However, the winged joints require at least 5-6 people to install the system. The “wings” prevent any extrusion of the joint seal. Most of the time, the winged joints are found in stadiums, plazas and parking structures. In construction areas where water tightness is needed, the winged joints are needed.

Single arch joint: These joints have full face integral flange design and are available both in single and multiple arch types. The joints are constructed of rubber and fabric and then are supported with metal rings.

Foam-type expansion joint: Do you know which type of expansion joints are mostly found in the commercial buildings or bridges? The foam-type expansion joints are installed under compression, thus preventing the seal from being displaced. However, it needs 3-4 people to install the expansion joints. There are two types of foam expansion joints: Impregnated open cell foam joints and preformed closed cell foam. The expansion joints are used in water treatment structures, parking spaces, and commercial buildings.

Inflated expansion joints: Made of neoprene thermoset rubber, the inflated expansion joints are bonded in the right place with epoxy. The inflated expansion joints take nearly 5-6 people to install the system. The joints allow increased movement and are mostly found being used in tunnels, roadways and bridges.

Compression seal expansion joint: Used in bridges and highways especially made for high traffic situations, the compression seal expansion joint does not permit staged construction and has been designed to assist movements of heavy vehicles on bridges.  

Strip seals: The strip seals can withstand freeze-thaw cycles. These types of joints have long shelf life if maintained properly. These joints are used in bridges and parking decks.

Why should you choose Dutco Tennant?

When expansion joints are used in any kind of construction project, it increases the longevity of any project. Dutco Tennant has been a market leader in supplying different kinds of industrial and engineering solutions for the construction industry. We provide expansion joints to meet the requirements of the customers and based on your application. In the Middle East and GCC region, we have earned the trust of thousands of people for our quality service. As one of the prominent Expansion Joint suppliers in the UAE,  we provide cost effective and easy to install expansion joints to the high-status list of corporate and government projects. Do you want to learn more about our products? Then contact us at info@dutcotennant.com