Systems and methods for reducing heat exposure of a turbine casing in a gas turbine engine may be provided. The system may include blade track segments. The blade track segments may include a cavity formed at a circumferential end of the blade track segment. The blade track segments may further include an assembly groove configured to provide a clearance for axial insertion of an inter-segment strip seal. An inter-segment strip seal may be axially inserted past the assembly grooves and into the cavity. The inter-segment strip seal may cover a gap between adjacent blade track segments, thus blocking hot, high pressure fluid from contacting the turbine casing.