Different materials expand and contract at different rates based on temperature. Just like if you leave a plastic bottle full of water in a freezer it will burst, but if you leave it partially full no problem.....Ok?Expansion joints do the same for bridges. There is a gap to allow for temperature related expansions and contractions. Sometimes you drive over bridges and roadways where this movement is constricted and you might notice a bumpy ride. Engineers can predict the variation of structural length based on span lengths and leave the necessary gaps.....btw, NICE QUESTION:)