Seismic joints are frequently required between adjacent buildings and are often introduced to separate two or more parts of the same building.Expansion jointsare introduced to accommodate building movements caused by shrinkage, creep, or temperature changes.

A seismic joint typically creates a separation between the adjacent buildings or parts of buildings that includes separation of walls, floors, roof and, in the case ofjoints within the same building, may also include separation, or accommodation for movement of piping, HVAC ducts, and other elements.

An expansion joint or movement joint is an assembly designed to safely absorb the temperature-induced expansion and contraction of construction materials, to absorb vibration, to hold parts together, or to allow movement due to ground settlement or earthquakes.