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Articulation joints - Positioning

Here is a plan showing where articulation joints are marked.

Plan of a house with three bedrooms. Articulation joints are marked along walls that are longer than 6 m.
Articulation joints and wall length

The following three diagrams are the elevated views of the house plan. The articulation joints are marked on the plans

Diagram showing articulation joints and openings with a note that where possible, articulation joints should be positioned to minimise total opening of the joint. The articulation joint is shown running along the vertical edge of a window.
Articulation joints and openings
Diagram illustrates what happens when there is a change of wall height. It shows the two-storey wall of a house abutting a masonry fence on one side with an open articulation joint between them. On the other side it abuts a single-storey wall with a sealed articulation joint.
Articulation joints and changes in wall height
Diagram showing one articulation joint from ground level to the base of one side of a window frame, and another running along one side of a door frame. Both openings are labelled 'opening greater than 900 x 900 mm', and the distance between the articulation joints is labelled '5 m max'.
Articulation joints between openings

Here is an example of the construction of an articulation joint.

Diagram showing single skin masonry with compressible foam joint filler and mastic backing built in by bricklayer. Mastic sealant is placed along the external edge of the filler.
Articulation joints sealed with filler