Seismic Systems Series

FLOOR & FLOOR-TO-WALL EXPANSION JOINT COVERS
IN STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINIUM

The Latham Seismic Systems Series expansion joint covers, are designed to accommodate extreme movement that occurs during seismic activity and earthquakes. They are also commonly used in modern hi-rise structures, that experience excessive movement during very high winds like typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones. These structures are usually isolated from the ground by base isolators and are designed to move during these occurrences. Generally structural joint widths designed to accommodate seismic activity are much wider than normal expansion joints in buildings. The theory behind this is that the slabs of the structure can move large amounts without bashing into each other causing structural damage to the building. The Latham range of Seismic Expansion Joint Covers are designed to accommodate this potential movement, with little or no damage to the expansion joint covers, meaning the structure in relation to the expansion joint covers will be damage free and functioning normally after a seismic or high wind event.

It should be noted that all of the Latham ranges of mechanical expansion joint covers will accommodate some seismic movement, particularly when the structure is designed with wide joint width to accommodate this potential movement. Although standard ranges of expansion joint covers may require some maintenance and repair after seismic activity occurs. In some cases designers and owners of the buildings feel it may be better to put in a system that will deal with the movement and require some repair after a seismic incident, as this generally reduces the width of the expansion joint cover required. Discuss these options further with your Latham representative.

When it is necessary to install a Seismic Expansion Joint Cover, Latham Seismic Systems offer the best option to deal with the movement. All of the systems can be custom made to suit different joint widths and allow different amounts of movement to best suit the design criteria for the structure.