Junction
Junctions are the points or surfaces in buildings and other structures where different elements or components come together. Properly designed and constructed junctions help to ensure the building performs properly:
- Junctions provide the points or surfaces where different structural elements of the building connect and transfer loads. The integrity of these junctions is crucial for the overall stability and safety of the building.
- Junctions can be a source of heat loss or gain. Properly designed and constructed junctions can help to prevent thermal bridging, which can lead to energy inefficiency and higher heating or cooling costs.
- Junctions are also important for managing water and moisture in a building. If not properly designed and constructed, water can penetrate through junctions and cause damage to a building and its components.
- Junctions can also affect the acoustic performance of a building. Properly designed and constructed junctions can help reduce noise transmission between different areas of abuilding.
Common types of junctions include:
- Roof-to-wall junctions, important junction for weatherproofing.
- Window-to-wall junction, important for preventing water and air infiltration and ensuring energy efficiency.
- Wall-to-floor junctions, ensuring the stability of the building and preventing moisture and air infiltration.
- Door-to-wall junctions, connecting the door frame to the surrounding wall, providing weatherproofing and preventing air and water infiltration.
- Expansion joints, allowing for movement between building components or materials due to thermal expansion and contraction or settlement.
Key design considerations include:
- The compatibility of materials: Different building materials expand and contract at different rates, or have corrosive properties which can cause stress on junctions. Compatibility of materials is essential to ensure that the junctions perform correctly over time.
- Proper sealing of junctions is essential to prevent water, air, and moisture infiltration. Adequate sealing can be achieved through the proper design, manufacturing and installation, and the use of sealants, tapes, flashing and so on.
- Adequate drainage is important to prevent water accumulation and damage to the building. Drainage can be achieved through the use of weep holes, scuppers, and other drainage systems.
- Thermal breaks are used to prevent thermal bridging and energy loss at junctions. They are typically achieved through the use of insulation or other materials that provide a barrier to heat flow.
- Junctions must be designed to transfer loads and stresses effectively. Proper reinforcement, fastening, and connections are essential to ensure the structural integrity of the junction.
- Junctions must be designed to allow for movement due to thermal expansion and contraction, settlement, and other factors. Movement allowance can be achieved through the use of expansion joints, slip planes, and other techniques.
- Junctions must be designed to provide adequate fire resistance. This can be achieved through the use of fire-resistant materials, such as fire-rated sealants and insulation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Connection.
- Expansion joint.
- Fixing v fastener.
- Fixings.
- Joint v connection.
- Movement joint.
- Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.
- Rivet.
- Soldering.
- Strap.
- Structural fasteners.
- Tolerance.
- Types of bolts.
- Types of nails.
- Types of nuts.
- Types of screws.
- Welding.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.