What are the most important criteria when selecting a joint cover/system?
A. There are several, but the following have the greatest impact on the selection process and are ranked accordingly. • Structural joint opening This is nearly always established by the structural engineer and determines the type of cover needed, i.e., thermal or seismic movement. Note: The term “seismic” is only a factor of joint width, not function. Some of our 3 and 4 inch covers are not labeled seismic yet can be used if the joint opening is only 3 or 4 inches, even in “seismic” design schemes. • Anticipated movement Again, determined by the structural engineer and normally specified as plus or minus ‘x’ when ‘x’ may be a dimension, i.e., 1 inch, or a percentage of joint opening, i.e., 50%. • Type of building The anticipated use of the building will help determine the type of cover system chosen. For example, a hospital will require covers that are easy to keep clean and also have a flush top surface since wheeled equipment is an aspect of normal building occupation. This would lea
