"Seismic Joint Covers: Navigating Moisture Management Quagmires," by Matthew C. Carlton and Michael J. Louis, The Construction Specifier, August 2010
Seismic joints are an important structural element for isolating buildings with independent load-resisting framing. These joints allow two buildings in close proximity to move independently during an earthquake without affecting the structural integrity of either. Unfortunately, the resulting void in the backup wall often receives little attention from the designer.