Which statement best distinguishes contraction joints from construction joints?

• A. Contraction joints transfer loads; Construction joints control cracking
• B. Contraction joints control cracking; Construction joints join separate pours to transfer loads
• C. They are the same and serve both purposes
• D. Construction joints are only for color

Answer: (B)

Contraction joints are placed to control where cracks will form as concrete dries and experiences temperature changes. They create a planned weak plane so cracking occurs in a predictable location, and they don’t transfer loads across the joint.

Construction joints, by contrast, connect two pours so the structure can be built in stages, allowing loads to be transferred from one pour to the next. They often include features like dowels or keys to maintain continuity between pours.

So the statement that contraction joints control cracking and construction joints join separate pours to transfer loads captures the distinct purposes of the two joint types. Construction joints aren’t about color, and contraction joints aren’t about load transfer.