info needed on expansion joints on curbing

txdon · Dec 6, 2010

I've started making a circular drive and am putting a 1' wide 6" deep concrete curb. I have framed in the first 40' of 320' of the outside curb as seen in the picture. It will have 4 - 3/8" rebar running the length.

Several questions:
1. How often should there be an expansion joint?

2. What is the best non-wood material for an expansion joint?

3. Does the rebar need to be cut at the expansion joint?

Thanks.

AHNC · Dec 6, 2010

not sure on the spacing of expansion joints, but as I recall, we were every 10-12 ft. Best to error on the side of to many. For expansion joint material we used to use masonite. 1/2 or 3/4". I poured miles of interstate back in the mid sixities, so I'm sure there is some type of polymer product for the exp joints today. I just don't know what it is

arsenix2001 · Dec 6, 2010

Standard is 10 feet, you can go as close as you like, many products for expansion joints are asphalt based fiberboard. Cutting rebar is not recommended, the joints will allow swell in the slabs but the rebar will prevent uneven heaving. You would want to cut the bar if say you had one section on a below frost footing that will never move connected to a slab on grade. A forced cold joint.