Expansion Joint

[theclipper]

2 story irregular shaped steel frame structure in upstate new york.

I have two interior columns about a foot apart with an expansion joint between the two. I'm tempted to put them on the same spead footing...

As a general question, what are your thoughts on expansion joints being carried all the way through the foundation? Our office typically terminates the expansion joint at top of slab level and have never had any issues.

Thanks for any input

 

[AggieYank]

Our office splits the foundations. I suppose not splitting them might lead to more minor cracks in the foundation, which probably won't cause problems. I design buildings so that if you completely remove the building on the other side of the expansion joint, it will still be be structurally sound.

 

[JAE]

Common footings ok with our practice...do it all the time.

 

[archeng59]

I use a common footing, also. the lateral movement which caused the need for the expansion joint generally occurs well above the foundation.

If you have concerns about needing to isolate the columns to accommodate differential vertical movement between the columns, then use a different footing for each. typically, that's not a concern.

 

[theclipper]

Thanks for the responses!

I really don't have a concern at all about the vertical movement, and I don't feel it would ever be an issue...I guess I was just curious if anybody knew of any code issues that may arise from sharing the footing.

Thanks again!