2007-09-09 01:18:03 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Concrete expands and contracts in different temperatures. The gaps are to allow for expansion.
2007-09-09 01:26:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the hardening of concrete is an exotermic reaction with an important temperature rise inside the concrete.
So you can´t lay slabs larger than a certain hight (about 4m in very large constructions:dams etc.)In those cases there are no gaps and you must allow cooling down before allowing the next
layer
2007-09-09 01:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by santmann2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is called expansion joint.
Concrete expands during hot temperature and tends to crack, to avoid cracks and damage to the slab they put this expansion joints.
2007-09-09 01:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by exo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they use the breaks in between for when a portion of the side walk needs repaired. They only have to destroy one or two slabs, instead of the whole walk.
2007-09-09 01:28:27 · answer #4 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋