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

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

The expansion joint being replaced was engineered as two halves, one part covering the onramp and the second part the mainline part of the bridge.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2022

You’re familiar with the ongoing expansion joint replacements and congestion along southbound Interstate 5, where the sixth of 16 weekend-long lane reductions begins Friday night through Seattle’s Sodo area.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2022

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2022

The first and third spandrel arch on each side of the piers was made with an expansion joint in the crown.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers