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

Two lanes of the westbound Tacoma Narrows Bridge will be closed for at least “several days” after a routine inspection found crumbling concrete next to an expansion joint.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

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

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

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