Performance of Preformed Compression Sealers in Transverse Pavement Joints

摘要

Preformed compression sealers, 1-1/4-in. wide and installed in 5/8-in. wide transverse contraction joints in rigid pavements, were observed for up to 10 years. Construction operations were monitored, and laboratory tests conducted to determine sealer properties. Some fine material infiltrated below the sealer after 6 to 10 years in service, but most sealers generally performed well for that period. Many joints closed tighter than the 5/8-in. minimum design width. Although the narrow joints resulted in more compression set in the sealers, they had less infiltration and spalling than the wider ones. For larger sizes of preformed sealers, such as were included in this study, compression to 40 percent of original width appears to improve joint sealing. Results of force-deflection and recovery tests performed on new sealer samples related to compression set occurring during field service, but not to infiltration. Force-deflection and recovery properties of the sealers generally decreased after field aging, but these decreases did not relate to sealer performance. Preconditioning sealer samples at elevated (212 F) or reduced (14 and -20 F) temperatures produced changes in force-deflection and recovery properties, but those changes did not relate to field performance or to changes in the same properties during field aging. A laboratory cycle test, which simulates joint infiltration, appeared to relate to field infiltration.