Where should you make the construction joint if you cannot pour a concrete beam over a wide doorway in one continuous pour?

Making a construction joint in a concrete beam is a critical aspect of ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetics of the finished product. When dealing with an opening such as a wide doorway, positioning the construction joint correctly is essential to manage the stresses encountered in the beam.

Choosing to make the joint vertically and more-or-less in the center of the opening balances the load in the beam and accommodates the inevitable movement and shrinkage that occurs as the concrete cures. A centralized joint helps distribute stresses evenly across the beam, reducing the likelihood of cracking or structural failure down the line. This positioning allows for an even transition between the two concrete pours, maintaining continuity in strength and performance.

In contrast, joints placed at angles or too close to the ends may create points of weakness, potentially leading to stress concentrations that can lead to cracking or failure. By avoiding these placements, the integrity of the overall structure is better preserved. It's also important to ensure that the joint is made in a vertical orientation to allow for proper alignment and bonding of the two pours, which is critical for load transfer across the joint.