Title: In Concrete Construction, what is a Cold Joint? (with pictures)
Headings: In Concrete Construction, what is a Cold Joint? (with pictures)
In Concrete Construction, what is a Cold Joint? (with pictures)
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Kirsten C. Tynan
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Content: A cold joint is even weaker under tension, and it is susceptible to shearing at the discontinuity. Whenever possible, these joints should be avoided in concrete construction by completing the entire pour for a given section in one session. This allows the entire section to harden in a continuous, solid mass. If this is not possible, several steps can be taken to mitigate the more serious problems. Specialized waterproofing joint sealant may be applied to the joint to make it watertight, thereby protecting against potentially damaging moisture intrusion. A special surface preparation may be applied to the hardened layer before applying a fresh layer of concrete. This will strengthen the bond between the two layers. Another way to increase the strength of the cold joint is to insert reinforcing bar, or rebar, into the first layer before pouring the next layer. This will better help tie them together and increase the tensile strength of the joint. It is also sometimes possible to locate the weakened joint in an area that is not critical to supporting a large load.