What is "Expansion Joint"?

I am working very hard with the final "construction set" drawing before our contract signing...

Found this "Expansion Joint" thing been marked almost every 3 to 5 meters around the house on external brick walls. Can any one please tell me what is "expansion joint"? Also, it would be even better if you can kindly provide a photo. Thanks!

Cheers
Allan
http://building-our-first-house.blogspot.com/

an expansion joint is a gap in the brickwork to allow for movement and hopefully prevent cracking etc....

I think our soil test (m class slab) reccomended 6 metre spacing of joints and to be placed within 4 metres of any external corner of the house.

Have a look at some of the blogs or at your display home and you can see them easily in the brickwork....

Thanks for the info. One question resolved, continue with the others...

Cheers
Allan
http://building-our-first-house.blogspot.com/