Mechanical Expansion Joint Cover Architectural Specifications 

When you select Latham Self Aligning Flexible Mechanical Expansion Joint Covers, and have a special configuration fabricated, you are taking advantage of a unique solution to the problem of keeping joint covers firmly anchored despite movement between sections of concrete flooring. This ensures a long-lasting, trouble free and stable floor base.

The mechanical expansion joint covers are designed to permit multi-directional six-way movement. The cover unit is free to move horizontally, vertically, and horizontally in shear without damaging the surrounding concrete and paving, deforming the cover plate or shearing the screws holding the cover plate in place. Whatever your project, Latham Flexible Mechanical Expansion Joint Covers are available and can be fabricated to almost any width or required joint movement. Optional water gutters or fire barriers are part of the totally trouble free full joint system.

All Latham Mechanical Expansion Joint Covers unless otherwise detailed are designed for normal pedestrian applications. If the application is heavier e.g. high traffic areas like railway stations or airports or where heavier loads may transverse the joint cover, see the heavy duty and vehicular ranges, consult Latham Australia to specify a suitable cover thickness.

All Latham Expansion Joint Covers offer various amounts of movement as indicated by the symbols associated with systems and the related tables detailed below. All systems will accommodate general thermal expansion and contraction and shrinkage as indicated. In some cases depending on the requirements of the structure, standard systems also will allow seismic movement, although in applications where a structure has been designed to accommodate extreme seismic movement the Latham Seismic Range of expansion joint covers should be considered.

Note 1: Movement referred to in this publication should be viewed in the following way. The + (positive) factor refers to the effective amount the joint cover can extend (the joint in the slab increases in width), whilst the – (minus) factor refers to the effective amount the joint cover can contract (the joint in the slab decreases in width). These are effective movements, the systems may be effected by load and traffic volume and other circumstances, which may require a larger or heavier system to be considered. All movements shown in the tables refer to the expansion joint cover being in its standard installation configuration A (as detailed in tables). Altering the installation position will alter the available ± movement, but will not alter the total available movement.

Systems also offer vertical movement and horizontal shear as indicated by the relevant symbol associated to the particular joint cover. The amount of this is dependent on the system and the joint width. Consult Latham Australia for further information in relation to a specific joint cover.

Note 2: All specifications, should be written in conjunction with Product Information - Optional Extras and the Architectural Specifications from this website. 

Note 3: For confirmation of cover plate thickness for profiles on this website that refer to more than 1 cover plate type, refer to the actual technical drawing relating to the required expansion joint cover. Contact your Latham Australia Pty Ltd technical representative for further details.