Which joint type is best suited for allowing movement due to temperature fluctuations?

The type of joint that is best suited for allowing movement due to temperature fluctuations is the expansion joint. Expansion joints are specifically designed to accommodate the expansion and contraction of materials that can occur with temperature changes. These joints provide the necessary space and flexibility for structures, such as concrete or metal, to move without causing stress or damage.

When temperatures rise, materials tend to expand, and when temperatures drop, they contract. An expansion joint effectively allows this natural movement to occur by providing a gap that can open and close as needed, preventing cracks or structural failure. This is particularly important in large structures, like bridges, buildings, and roads, where temperature-induced movement can be significant.

In contrast, control joints are primarily used to manage cracking in concrete by providing a weakened plane, while tapered joints and bevel joints serve more specialized purposes in construction, such as aligning materials or creating a transition. However, they do not serve the primary function of accommodating the types of movement caused by temperature changes like an expansion joint does.