Corkjointing And Sealing Solutions

Workers using corkjoint in the construction site

Cork-based expansion joints in concrete structures are gaining popularity because they combine performance, low maintenance, and sustainability while still meeting the building industry’s rigorous quality requirements.

Buildings, bridges, roads, dams, airports, and other large-scale concrete systems whose stability and protection are dependent on proper expansion joint construction. Expansion joints are structural components that are used to bind concrete slabs or concrete links to other materials. They’re made to withstand acceleration, extension, and contraction motions that can inflict significant harm in various building materials.

Purpose of Corkjoints

An empty space between the different structural elements of a building is created. The goal is that when these components compress or dilate as a result of temperature or thermal fluctuations, these changes do not cause structural harm. The gaps between the components should be filled with a pre-formed elastic or durable material with a life cycle consistent with the structure’s working life, while retaining efficiency at the technological thresholds needed at the time of construction, to ensure optimal performance.

A corkjoint is an outstanding expansion filler that is currently being used in industrial and residential structures as well as major public works projects all over the world.

Preference of Corkjoints 

  1. Thanks to cork’s high compressibility, recovery capability, and durability, it naturally assists the transfer of concrete structures without triggering degradation.
  2. Cork expansion joints have an estimated lifespan of 50 to 60 years without losing their characteristics, ensuring a high degree of structure consistency.
  3. Particularly when exposed to heavy traffic or high compression, cork-filled extension joints do not extend past the bone.
  4. Cork expansion joints are simple to build and do not necessitate the use of skilled staff.
  5. Cork is a 100 percent renewable raw material with low integrated energy and a negative carbon footprint. Cork expansion joints are 100 percent recyclable and double as carbon sinks.

Complete Corkjointing System Includes

Total jointing solutions including project specification, design support, on-site installation, and manufacturing customized construction materials as needed. 

  1. Expansion Joint Filler Boards
    These are used in expansion and isolation joints in concrete or masonry structures. They are needed because the building needs to cope with expansions and contractions due to temperature change, gusts of wind, seismic forces, and so on. They separate the structures in a way that movement is allowed so that the stress from the above-mentioned reasons can be relieved.
  2. Waterstop Systems
    Waterstop structures retain or restrict water in a concrete structure. These joints are designed as per structural needs. Specialized manufacture, distribution, and installation of water stop systems are also offered by certain large distributors.
  3. Joint Sealants & Joint Seals
    Joint seals prevent the joints from external elements or water seeping in or leaving the structure. They must be able to withstand any loading pressures and movements associated with the joints, as well as any UV exposure, water submersion, chemical exposure, and even offer fire resistance. A diverse array of joint seals can be found depending on the structure, the joint, and the material they are likely to be exposed to.
  4. Jointing Systems
    Jointing systems are installed for specific requirements as they act as catalysts in the construction process. They can induce cracks in concrete in the form of a control joint or work as a structural connection used in the transfer of high shear loads across movement joints. Jointing companies provide consultation to determine what your jointing needs are.
  5. Sealing Systems

When joints are induced into concrete structures, and cracks are created or are present, specialized sealing systems are essential to maintain the integrity of the structure. These sealing systems should be able to withstand continuous exposure to UV water, atmospheric pressures, environmental factors, and even electrical conductivity. Sealing systems are exclusively designed to make strong sealing and bonding in a structure.

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