Which statement about construction joints is accurate?

• A. They are placed to allow for continuous pours without interruption.
• B. They transfer loads from one pour to another.
• C. They must always be avoided.
• D. They are used to transfer thermal loads.

Answer: (D)

Construction joints provide a planned interface between consecutive concrete pours, allowing work to proceed in stages while keeping the structure continuous. A key part of that continuity comes from detailing across the joint—such as dowels, keys, or shear transfer features—that lets loads be carried from the old concrete to the new pour. Temperature changes create expansion and contraction forces, and a well-designed construction joint is arranged to transfer or accommodate those thermal stresses rather than letting cracks form uncontrolled. So, this statement is capturing that the joint’s role includes transferring thermal-related forces across the interface, which is a real and intentional function.

Keep in mind that construction joints are not meant to support continuous pours without interruption, and while they can transfer loads between pours, the emphasis here is on how they handle temperatures and movement across the joint.