Expansion Joint Design Best Practices

AIA CREDIT: Yes

ABSTRACT:

Often architectural drawings include a manufactured expansion joint system sized to accommodate the anticipated structural movement of the joint with limited consideration to the adjacent building enclosure systems. Structural engineers view expansion joint systems as a separator between two buildings that move differentially, while building enclosure engineers consider expansion joints as a connector between roof, waterproofing, air/water/vapor control layer, and fire barrier systems. This presentation will address how to detail, develop, and construct expansion joint systems to maintain enclosure air/water/vapor and thermal barrier continuity and prevent leakage.  The presented approach is based on the presenters’ combined experience in managing projects that include expansion joints from design to final completion and in investigating failed expansion joint systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand how expansion joints fail from a building enclosure perspective.
• Overview of the various expansion joint systems that are available and the appropriate applications for each system.
• Learn what details, systems, and configurations should be included in a construction drawing set to “own” a continuous expansion joint in the design.
• Understand what specification requirements to include in the contract documents to set up the expansion joint system for success during construction.

PRESENTER BIO: 

Luke Niezelski joined the building technology division of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) in 2014.  He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and is experienced in the investigation/assessment, design, construction administration, monitoring/inspection and field-testing of historic and contemporary building enclosure systems.  Luke has been involved in various Boston high-rise construction projects and is routinely collaborating with architects, owners and contractors on complex building enclosure designs.

Sophia Salah is a consulting engineer and has been with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) for over ten years. She is licensed as a Professional Engineer in California and Massachusetts and works frequently with architects, owners, and contractors on both new design and rehabilitation projects. Ms. Salah is experienced in both the west coast and New England regions, and specializes in investigation and design of complex enclosure systems including below-grade waterproofing, plaza waterproofing, roofing systems, opaque cladding, and curtain wall systems.

VIRTUAL MEETING REGISTRATION & LOGIN INFORMATION:

For BEC Chicago members, an invite with REGISTRATION LINK will be sent out approximately 7 to 10 days in advance of event. After registration, a confirmation email with LOGIN INFORMATION with be sent for the virtual meeting that will be hosted through ZOOM. For non-BEC Chicago members interested in attending, you may contact Jeff Diqui at jdiqui@imiweb.org to request an invite. The invitation will include a REGISTRATION LINK.