Service Performance of Fifty Buried-Type Bridge Expansion Joints

摘要

The long term performance of fifty buried joints over a seven year period was ascertained, considering installation practice, design and materials, structural movements, and other factors. The joints were designed to withstand horizontal, vertical and rotational movements due to thermal variations and traffic, and consisted of synthetic rubber pads and flashing. The bridges were either concrete or composite structures. Performance was assessed by the amount of cracking and spalling in the surfacings, frequent inspections being made and observations recorded. Performance was shown to be influenced by stiffness of the bridge deck, expansion length of deck, traffic, design and materials, flexibility and other surfacing properties, site preparation, workmanship, weather and temperature during installation and in service, and bearing performance.