Dilatation is a deliberately designed gap or break in the building structure. Its purpose is to compensate for stresses resulting from deformation of building materials caused by changes in temperature, humidity, soil settlement or concrete shrinkage.
Properly designed expansion joints increase durability and safety of the entire structure, minimising the risk of damage over the long term. The expansion joints allow individual sections of the structure to work independently, preventing cracks and fractures.
They are used in foundations, floors, ceilings, walls and roofs, among others. Regardless of the size of the object, if the properties of the materials and the working conditions of the structure require it. Expansion joints are often fitted with special tapes, profiles or elastic fillings to protect the joints from water penetration, dirt and heat loss.
