Control Joints

Control joints are employed in crack control to reduce restraint by accommodating movement of the masonry wall, or movement of structural elements adjacent to the wall. Their spacing along the wall will depend upon. The expected movements of the wall or other elements. The resistance of the wall to horizontal tensile stress. The extent and location in the wall of windows, doors, recesses, chases, and other causes of stress concentration. Control joints should be used in conjunction with bond beams and joint reinforcement for crack control purposes.