Movement Joints

Movement joints are designed into a structure to relieve or absorb anticipated movement between structural elements generally caused by thermal expansion / contraction, settlement, load transfer, dead loads and at times seismic activity. Movement joints are dynamic, and will be subject to horizontal (expansion / contraction), vertical and shear movement. Therefore, before selecting the most appropriate movement joint system it’s important that the Engineer outlines the joints' movement dynamics to ensure that the proposed jointing systems will accommodate all types of movement.

RIW MultiJoint has been designed to be used in various types of movement joints to form the waterproofing system between two structural elements and will accommodate horizontal (expansion / contraction), vertical and shear movement. RIW MultiJoint is available in various widths to suit the individual requirements of each gap size. RIW MultiJoint has excellent movement capabilities and once installed is fully bonded to the structure giving an excellent waterproof seal. Due to the product’s good UV resistance the product is suitable for external deck applications and can sustain light pedestrian traffic without the need for further protection.

Construction joints within a reinforced concrete structure below ground are perhaps the weakest part of the structure and should, unless designed to a low grade of basement usage (BS8102 Grade1), be protected from ground water ingress with RIW Waterstop.

RIW Waterstop is a sodium bentonite based hydrophilic waterstop. The swelling property of the sodium bentonite forms a permanent pressure seal to exclude water ingress through joints in reinforced concrete.

RIW Cementjoint an elastomeric composite jointing tape with high tear resistance, is suitable for use over construction joints in conjunction with RIW Cementseal and RIW Cementflex, both high performance cement based waterproof coatings.

(Identify the most appropriate RIW product(s) for your specific application from the text above and click on the product icon on the right to access the product page for more information and downloadable data sheets).

For more information about waterproofing movement joints please contact the RIW Technical Department.