Seismic Joint for Building Code Compliance by Unison Joints

Seismic joints are traditionally used to separate wings or other parts of a single structure building. They are also used to segment large expanses of suspended-slab concrete building structures. They run through the complete building...top-to-bottom...running through walls, facades, floors, roofs, podiums etc. The design for a seismic cover system is often complex, needs undivided attention, and effort from engineers, architects, and the design team to ensure that the seismic joint has all the correct specifications from the clients. These specifications cover vital details like seismic gap size and movement; weather-proof and/watersealing features; fire-sealing if required; and (for floor systems) the type of traffic the seismic joint is required to carry (pedestrian, maintenance equipment, passenger vehicle, BMU).

A well-designed seismic joint allows for adequate movement, and integration with adjoining finishes in walls, roofs, floors or columns - whilst maintaining fire-sealing and waterproofing or other characteristics of the joints specification. Incorporating seismic joints into the building structure without having to compromise the visual attributes of the building is another aspect that poses a challenge for the design team.

The team of experts at Unison Joints has come up with an innovative design that addresses both functionality and aesthetics - the SeiMax G (Si G) seismic joints from Unison Joints.

SeiMax G is an architectural floor seismic joint system, which has a deep pan cover plate that integrates well to floor finishes like terrazzo, granite, stone, paving and other thick floor-finishes. SeiMax G accommodates multi-directional movements caused by a seismic activity.