Settlement Joint Placement

Settlement joints are designed to accommodate the deformation caused by uneven settlement of building sections to prevent damage. The following situations require the installation of settlement joints:

I. As buildings are constructed on different foundation soils between the two sections.

II. When the height difference between adjacent sections of the same building is two floors or more, or exceeds 10 meters.

III. When the structural systems, widths, and burial depths of adjacent foundations in the same building vary greatly.

When the existing building is adjacent to the new building.

② Settlement joint structure:

The difference between settlement joints and expansion joints lies in that settlement joints not only separate walls, floors, and roofs, but also require the foundation to be disconnected as well.

The width of the settlement joint varies with the foundation conditions and the height of the building.

Settlement joints generally serve as expansion joints as well, with their construction being similar to that of expansion joints. However, attention must be given to the design of the cover strip and adjustment plates to ensure free deformation in both horizontal and vertical directions.