CPCD uses contraction joints to control cracking and does not use any reinforcing steel. An alternative slab design designation used by the industry is jointed concrete pavement (JCP). Transverse joint spacing is selected such that temperature and moisture stresses do not produce intermediate cracking between joints. Nationally, this results in a spacing no longer than 20 ft. The standard spacing in Texas is 15.0 ft.

Dowel bars are typically used at transverse joints to assist in load transfer. Tie bars are typically used at longitudinal joints. Figure 2-6 shows a typical section of CPCD.