expansion joint

American  

noun

1. a joint between two parts of a structure, machine, etc., permitting expansion, as from heat, without structural damage.

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expansion joint British  

noun

1. engineering a gap in steel or concrete to allow for thermal expansion

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Etymology

Origin of expansion joint

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

expansion joint

The works then progresses over the following months to bridge waterproofing, concrete repairs, resurfacing, expansion joint replacements, edge beam strengthening, and barrier upgrades.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2025

Contractors will rebuild and level six expansion joint sections of southbound I-5.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 4, 2022

However, the state will skip its usual weekend expansion joint repairs in Sodo this weekend because of the Juneteenth holiday, so travelers will at least avoid a double freeway closure.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 13, 2022

Southbound Interstate 5 was backed up about 10 miles Wednesday afternoon because of a busted expansion joint.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2022

We had to leave a place there at the side, an expansion joint, to take care of that.

From Northern Nut Growers Association, Report of the Proceedings at the Fourth Annual Meeting Washington D.C. November 18 and 19, 1913 by Northern Nut Growers Association