Last Updated 28/07/2004

Articulation / Control Joints

General Notes

To minimise cracking in walls caused by reactive soil movements, thermal movements, concrete drying shrinkage, ect., Articulation / Control joints should be located in accordance with the following guidelines.

• Joint spacing should not exceed 6.0m for unrendered walls and 5m for rendered walls.
• Joints should be taken through the full height of the wall including through the bond beam.
• Joint width should be a minimum of 10mm (15mm recommended).
• Masonry flexable anchors (MET 3-1 tie or similar) should be installed across the joints every third course to provide lateral support and allow the joint to open and close.
• The joint may be filled with a compressible filler and sealed against weather by a mastic or silicon sealant.

For further guidelines and comprehensive discussion an articulation, refer to cement and concrete association of Australia technical note 61 - 'Articulated Walling'