Expansion Joints Division

The key, reputable manufacturers of expansion joint technology in the European market have come together to establish this Division during 1998 (see ... List of Division Members). Membership of the Division requires:

	a good track record in the industry (including at least 3 years trading under the same company identity)
	operation according to good business practices and ethics
	ISO 9000 accreditation or an equivalent, acceptable quality scheme
	at least a 75% majority vote in support by other Division Members

The Division will focus initially on non-metallic expansion joint technology, and will open out to cover metallic forms in due course.

Non-metallic expansion joints are flexible connectors designed to provide stress relief in ducting systems by absorbing movement caused by thermal changes. They also act as vibration isolators, shock absorbers and, in some instances, to compensate for minor misalignment of adjoining ducting or equipment. They are fabricated from a wide variety of materials, including synthetic elastomers, fabrics, insulation materials and fluoroplastics, dependent upon the process environment in which they must operate.

The objective of the Division is to serve as a focal point for all efforts to improve the manufacture, understanding and application of expansion joint technology. This will be achieved through:

	promotion of harmonised procedures in standards, specifications and terminology
	promotion of best practice in the design and manufacturing of expansion joints
	providing "user-friendly" guidelines for both manufacturers and customers
	encouraging engineering value in products and services

Expansion Joints Engineering Guide
It is apparent that there is a wide ambiguity with the terminology used in connection with expansion joint technology. Although there are a number of guides describing expansion joints and their application, these are either biased on a particular type of technology, or are overcomplicated. Consequently, the Division has focussed initially on providing a comprehensive guide to European expansion joint technology, which is easy to use and understand.

For more information, please click: Expansion Joints - Engineering Guide

This document is ESA Publication N^o. 011/01 and is now available from the ESA.