contraction joint

American  

noun

Architecture, Civil Engineering.

1. a joint between two parts of a structure, designed to compensate for the contraction to which either part may be subject.

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Etymology

Origin of contraction joint

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The first method suggested was to shorten the sections to 25 ft., which would give an expansion and contraction joint every 25 ft., it being thought that sections of this length would not crack between the joints.

From Project Gutenberg