What usually indicates the need for a construction joint?

A construction joint is typically required when concrete needs to be poured in multiple stages. This situation arises when a single pour is too large to be completed in one continuous operation, or if there are practical reasons to divide the work into sections for scheduling and resource allocation. When multiple pours are involved, construction joints are strategically placed to ensure the integrity and structural strength of the concrete assembly. They allow for the expansion and contraction of the concrete and serve as a point for the next pour to start without compromising the bond and properties of the cured concrete.

Other factors, such as poor weather conditions, high demand for speed, or lack of materials, might influence the project schedule or methods but do not inherently necessitate a construction joint in the same way that the requirement for multiple pours does.