The Joint problems in constructions and solution principles

Constructions and construction materials face length and shape changes because of the effects of temperature differences, moisture, wind, settlement moves, vibration etc. and as a result damages like cracks, detachments and level changes occur. The building is divided into parts, joint is left between constructions and construction materials so that the unavoidable moves in construction and construction materials can be faced without giving any damage to the building and the materials. It is possible to categorize the joints in 3 classes as per their qualifications. These are:. Movement joints Joints formed to prevent any damages resulting from the moves of the building.. Composition joints Joints taking place in joining of elements with limited dimensions.. Working joint Joints formed to provide the continuity of work in case the work is stopped because of several reasons in various levels of an ongoing work. Buildings face length and form changes with the effects of constructional, natural and mechanical factors. By time these changes cause damage and cracks on the buildings. Because of this, the building is divided into parts by interrupting the continuity of construction with constructional joints. The purpose is decreasing the effects of factors like contraction, bulge, temperature change and unequal foundation as well as securing suitable action during earthquakes and having the vibration consisting of dynamic forces stay regional. The movement joints are classified as separation, dilatation and settlement joints according to the factors causing the need to form constructional joints. Below are the suggested principles that the designer and the constructor should follow starting from the planning stage of the building, for the organization of the movement joints that prevent the formation of damage and cracks by separating the building into parts.. Determination of the factors that results the necessity of forming movement joints.. Defining the type of joints that will be formed considering these factors.. Planning of the joint places at an early stage in project by taking them into consideration starting from the design phase.. Forming joints as much as needed and as few as possible.. Putting into pieces the construction and the construction materials.. Avoiding the complex joint intersections.. Determining the characteristics of the bearing system, critical stress in the building and the area under influence of loading.. Designing the joints in a way that will not deform the architectural elevation characteristics.. Choosing materials suitable for the function of the joint.. Keeping the joint cost at an economic level. KEY WORDS: Joint, joint types, movement joints, the formation reasons of movement joints, movement joint materials, covering the joints, organization of movement joints, the functions of movement joints.