NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorMasonryMedium
A masonry crew is constructing a multi-story brick veneer wall in an area prone to seismic activity. To ensure the veneer can move independently from the structural backup wall and accommodate differential movement, which type of joint is most critical to include at regular intervals?
- AControl joint
- BTooled joint
- CRaked joint
- DExpansion joint
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Expansion joint
Expansion joints are specifically designed to accommodate movement in masonry walls, particularly for brick veneer which expands and contracts more than its backup. This prevents cracking due to thermal changes, moisture changes, and seismic forces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Control joints are typically used in concrete masonry to control shrinkage cracking, not for accommodating expansion or differential movement in brick veneer.
- B. A tooled joint is a type of mortar joint finish, not a movement joint.
- C. A raked joint is a type of mortar joint finish, not a movement joint.
Expansion Joints in Brick Masonry
Expansion joints are continuous, unobstructed vertical joints that extend through the entire thickness of a brick veneer or wall, designed to accommodate horizontal expansion and contraction of masonry units.
- Crucial for brick veneer due to thermal and moisture expansion.
- Prevents cracking and stress buildup.
- Typically filled with a compressible sealant material.
Memory trick: Expand to avoid the Cracks, Control to prevent the Shrinks.