A separation between two concrete sections to allow for movement during temperature changes is known as what?

The term that specifically refers to a separation between two concrete sections designed to accommodate movement due to temperature changes is an expansion joint. Expansion joints are essential in concrete construction because they allow for the natural expansion and contraction of materials that occurs with changing temperatures. This flexibility prevents cracking and damage to the concrete by providing a designated area for the material to expand when it warms up.

Control joints, while related, do not serve the same function. They are primarily used to control where cracks may occur in a concrete slab, allowing for controlled cracking rather than absorbing expansion. Contraction joints are similar in purpose but specifically address the reduction in volume that occurs as concrete cures and dries. Isolation joints are used to separate different elements of a structure, providing a complete separation that allows for independent movement. However, it is the expansion joint that most accurately describes the feature intended to accommodate movement due to thermal expansion.