Composite expansion joints

[dcg9381]

I'm about to have new driveway poured (new construction) and one of the things that I'm adamant about is no wood expansion joints. My understanding of my pour is that the only expansion gasket needed is where the driveway meets the garage.... Can anyone recommend a product? Again, this is a new pour, not an expansion joint replacement.

Note, I don't really understand why the drive gets a joint at the foundation, as my shop porches and drive do not..

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I use heavy rubber expansion joint. I think this is similar.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-1-2-in-x-4-in-x-5-ft-2-lb-Expansion-Joint-691703/100318479

I put expansion joint between the driveway and garage because the garage has a "foundation" which won't move like the driveway does especially when freezing/thawing.

 

[ConCretin]

I'd suggest a product such as this;

https://www.nomaco.com/product/fastflex/

The removable strip can be left in place or removed to make room for sealant. It's best applied using spray adhesive.

Generally expansion isn't a concern for concrete. Shrinkage and the cracks that result are a bigger concern. The old axiom that concrete never gets bigger than the day it's poured has a basis in truth but expansion can be a concern in exterior concrete in hot climates especially in long, thin sections such as sidewalks.

Depending on the size and shape of your driveway, I'd install expansion foam against any existing structures and cut control joints to hide shrinkage cracks. If expansion is truly a concern, I'd place the driveway in sections and install the same foam at the joints.

Give my Guide to Floor Slabs in the link below a read for some additional thoughts. Good luck with your new driveway project.