Tn 18A web-nov06. indd

HORIZONTAL

EXPANSION JOINTS

Horizontal expansion joints are typically needed if the 

brick wythe is supported on a shelf angle attached to the 

frame or used as infill within the frame. Placing horizontal 

expansion joints below shelf angles provides space for 

vertical expansion of the brickwork below and deformation 

of the shelf angle and the structure to which it is attached. 

Structures that support the brick wythe on shelf angles, 

usually done for each floor, must have horizontal expansion 

joints under each shelf angle. 

Figure 8

 shows a typical 

detail of a horizontal expansion joint beneath a shelf angle. 

If the shelf angle is not attached to the structure when the 

brick below it are laid, any temporary shims that support the 

angle must be removed after the shelf angle is connected. 

The joint is formed by a clear space or highly compressible 

material placed beneath the angle, and a backer rod and