Selecting the right profile

How to select the right expansion joint profile?

Selecting the right profile is the most important point and may cause lots of problems if not done properly. As each project is specific, in addition to structural characteristics, project budget, design criteria and type of facility, technical properties of the profiles must be defined correctly. Clarifying the topics listed below will lead you to the right profile.

1. NOMINAL JOINT WIDTH - GAP (Fb)

The gap between 2 building blocks must definitely be known.

2. APPLICATION METHOD & LOCATION

It should be known whether the profile will be applied surface or flush mounted. Flush mounted type should be preferrred if the surface coating hasn't been done while the surface mounted type must be used for the completed coating.

Flush Mounted Application

Surface Mounted Application

As some profiles may be improper for outdoor application, location of use must be defined.

3. COATING THICKNESS ( H )

For flush mounted applications, to define the profile height, coating thickness must be known.

4. LOAD BEARING CAPACITY

For floor profiles, the load passing over (pedestrian, car, truck, forklift etc.) must be known. For trucks and forklifts, their maximum payload shall be defined. The type of wheel (pneumatic, polyamide etc.) is an important detail for forklifts and reach trucks.

5. MOVEMENT ABILITY

Horizontal and vertical movement abilities needed between 2 building blocks must be specified by the structural engineer depending on the height, type, load and ground of the building. If any, inquired lateral shear movement ability must be informed.

6. ADDITIONAL FACTORS

At the places with water leakage risk, watertight profiles or waterproof membrane shall be used.

In the zones with high earthquake risk, seismic profiles shall be prefered.

To ensure fire resistance, profiles shall be applied with Asteknik's fire barrier systems.

If the profile will be exposed to any chemical attack, before placing an order type of the chemical shall be specified to choose the right type of profile & gasket.

PICTOGRAMS

Load Capacity

Load capacities are calculated considering the vehicle speed is maximum 20 km/h.