What exactly is a construction joint?

Hello,

currently we disagree with the general contractor (GU) about who has to fill the gaps between the joints of the concrete elements of the ground floor ceiling. The GU believes this must be done in the finishing work or by the painter we separately commissioned.

However, the specification states in the section on floor slabs: "Ready-mixed concrete, construction joints filled once."

The GU now claims that he only has to "close" the construction joints.

From this, I have two questions:

1) Am I mistaken in assuming that the gaps between the joints of the concrete elements are construction joints? If something else is meant by construction joints, then our painter would actually have to fill the gaps (probably twice in total).

2) Our GU speaks of "closing" the construction joints. This seems to mean something different to him than filling. What is the difference?

Thanks for reading and
Best regards

Construction joints do not mean the joints between the precast parts. Rather, for example, when a joint in the cast-in-place concrete arises due to separate work steps. In my opinion, this is rather unusual in single-family houses, as you usually get through in one piece.

The joints between the filigree ceiling elements are usually to be closed by the painter and then filled. I know it that way too, and in my opinion, it is not much additional effort if filling is done anyway. But for me, for example, the drywall installer simply did it as well. If you ask nicely and maybe have a fifty euro note spare... On a construction site, you have to train your pragmatism muscle...

Ok, then the painter has to do it. There was no pragmatism on our construction site. The general contractor pays very close attention to ensure that every hammer blow and brushstroke goes through his desk.

Interesting update. The GU has now filled the joints of the precast concrete slab after all. Why, I don't know. I haven't brought up the topic with him since the discussion here. Then the painter only has to do the second coat.