Performance of Bridge Joint Systems Designed for Large Movements. Test andEvaluation Project 005

摘要

An earlier effort to evaluate bridge expansion joints was augmented toconcentrate on those joints designed to accommodate large movements. Several States were included in the new project, and modular and finger systems were evaluated for their in-place condition. A total of 136 modular joint systems and 42 finger joint systems were included in the survey. The project focus was to evaluate the performance of each type to assist the States in determining the performance and cost effectiveness of using either modular or finger joints for large movements. Each joint in the survey was evaluated to determine its in-place condition. The condition of the surface elements as well as the hardware below the deck surface was rated using the prescribed evaluation criteria. Additionally, each joint was examined for its ability to control bridge roadway runoff and protect the structural components below the deck. For the most part, the modular joints reviewed, with the exception of a few locations, appeared to be performing as intended. The majority of the hardware was in very good condition. Buildup of debris was present in the recessed sealing elements in most of the modulars, particularly heavy at the shoulder areas of the deck. Most of the joints less than 11 years old were watertight, with only 3 that were actively leaking and several others which showed evidence of water getting through the joint. The ones incorporporating aluminum components had varying degrees of surface damage and adjacent concrete deterioration.