Movement joints per IS:456 (1978) — basic provisions for expansion joints According to the recommendations of IS:456-1978, which of the following statements about expansion joints in reinforced concrete buildings is/are correct?

Introduction / Context:
Expansion (movement) joints accommodate thermal and shrinkage movements, preventing cracking, distortion, or distress in long or irregular buildings. IS:456-1978 provides guidance on their location and detailing to allow free movement while maintaining structural integrity on either side.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Reinforced concrete framed or wall–slab buildings.
• Joints designed to interrupt continuous structural action as needed.
• Proper water- and fire-stopping treated separately from structural detailing.

Concept / Approach:

Joints are placed at plan irregularities and at spacing limits dictated by exposure and materials to reduce restraint. Across an expansion joint, each side must be structurally stable by itself and supported on its own columns or frames. Reinforcement is intentionally discontinued across the joint to avoid locking the two segments together; dowels or sliding bearings, if any, are detailed to permit movement, not force continuity.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Typical IS-based detailing manuals show free-movement joints with compressible fillers, water bars, and no continuity reinforcement across the joint—confirming all listed statements.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• The individual statements (a)–(d) are each correct; hence the inclusive choice (e) is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

• Accidentally lapping mesh or slab bars across the joint, defeating its purpose.
• Omitting water stops in wet areas, causing leakage through the joint.

Final Answer:

All of the above.