Design Without Permanent Expansion Joints
Preserve Design Freedom. Accommodate Movement During Construction.
Expansion Joints Shouldn't Dictate the Architecture.
Permanent expansion joints can affect far more than the structure. They can require double columns, joint covers, interruptions in floors, walls and ceilings, complicated façade and waterproofing details, and compromises in usable space and architectural continuity. PS=Ø-EJ provides a different approach: accommodate the required building movement during construction, then restore structural continuity and close the joint when permitted by the project design. The result is greater architectural freedom and a cleaner, more continuous building.
Eliminate Double Columns and Permanent Joint Lines
Permanent expansion joints often require separate structural framing on each side of the joint. PS=Ø-EJ can allow the completed structure to become continuous, reducing the need for double columns and the architectural restrictions they create.
Create Cleaner, More Continuous Spaces
Reduce permanent joint covers and interruptions through floors, walls and ceilings. Architects gain greater freedom to create continuous spaces and finishes without designing around a permanent separation through the building.
Simplify Façade and Waterproofing Details
Permanent movement joints can complicate exterior walls, roofing, waterproofing and transitions between materials. Closing the joint after the required movement period can simplify these conditions and reduce long-term detailing challenges.
Preserve Design Flexibility
Expansion joints can dictate column locations, room layouts, corridors, finishes and other architectural decisions. PS=Ø-EJ gives the design team another option for accommodating construction-stage movement without requiring the joint to remain a permanent architectural feature.
Reduce Long-Term Joint Maintenance
Joint covers, seals and waterproofing assemblies are building components that may require inspection, maintenance and eventual replacement. Where a permanent expansion joint can be eliminated, many of these long-term joint-related components can also be eliminated.
Accommodate Movement During Construction
PS=Ø-EJ is designed to permit required movement while the structure undergoes shortening and other construction-stage movement. When the required movement period has occurred and the engineer determines conditions permit, the joint can be closed and structural continuity restored.