EXPANSION JOINTS
FOR BRIDGES

DEFINITION

Rubber expansion joints with a metal core are deformable devices that accommodate the movements of the structure where they are installed, allowing comfortable circulation of vehicles through the
roadway and waterproof the structural opening.

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The composition of steel-reinforced rubber for expansion joints in bridges and roads allows combining the characteristics of both materials: the elastomeric part gives elasticity, weather resistance and durability, while the metal reinforcements transfer loads, increase the rigidity and allow the structural opening to be bridged.

The joints are located in the extremes of the bridge between the deck and the abutments, as the length of the bridge increases, intermediate joint lines are placed between decks.

The joints must work simultaneously with the supports allowing their movements and the structure.

The movements that occur in the structure are basically:

  • movements internal due to temperature changes, concrete shrinkage, etc.
  • movements by outside forces such as wind, earthquakes, traffic, braking, etc.
  • movements by settlement of the land where the foundations, embankments, etc. are located.

Expansion joints must ensure adequate impermeability to avoid accelerated deterioration of the concrete structure and the elastomeric supports and their metal components.

The deterioration of expansion joints for bridges can compromise the security of these civil constructions, hence the importance of their choice as well as the correct manufacturing with quality materials, correct assembly and adequate maintenance.

TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINTS FOR BRIDGES

Choose the most expansion joints suitable for each road bridge is a task that must be given close attention and should preferably be carried out with the supervision of a specialist technician.

Among our products there are several types of expansion joints according to the Euro guide ETAG-032:

  • Series ET it is used for small movements between 45 and 75mm.
  • Series EJN It is used for medium movements between 80 y 160mm.
  • Series REJ It is used for medium movements between 80 and 400mm.
  • Series MAS It is used for medium movements between 500 and 900mm.

We also manufacture CEJ series compression extruded joints, extruded joints are only composed of rubber and are mounted for very small movements between 25 and 40mm.

INSTALLATION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

  • Once on site, verify that the wearing course is extended and its thickness. Find the shaft of the joint
    structural, mark it and check that both the thickness of the chipboard and the structural opening are the
    correct for the type of joint chosen. Once the structural joint is located, mark both sides of it
    and proceed to cutting using a machine with a diamond blade, trying to cool the blade with water.
  • The cut will be made as straight as possible, with the appropriate depth until reaching the concrete without actually cutting it. Using a breaking hammer, remove the agglomerate between cuts, collecting the debris on one side of the joint for later removal. Once all the agglomerate has been removed, tap the concrete surface by mechanical means until obtaining a base rough enough for perfect adhesion with the mortar and
    remove surface grout.
  • Remove 3 or 4 cm of the existing Styrofoam from the structural joint, and blow the box until it is clean of debris and dust after brushing the cut walls. If the thickness of the chipboard is greater than 15 cm for the small joints, the grilling must be done to form a beam.
  • Prepare the mixture following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Place the mortar in the mixer following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Place the mortar in the mixer following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • It is compacted and adjusted with a template, depending on the type of joint. Once the mortar has set (between 10 and 24 hours, depending on the ambient temperature), place the modules centered on the structural joint and fit the pieces, aligning the modules well.
  • Mark the holes and drill.
  • Blown with pressurized air until they are free of dust and impurities.
  • Prepare the anchor resin by mixing the two components following the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Fill the holes halfway and insert the bolts in a rotating direction to avoid occluded air.
  • The installation of the joints will be completed through the transitions to provide continuity to the asphalt and as protection of the modules.
  • All complementary materials must be used following the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer. For a good installation, it is necessary to use the best possible materials, always following their instructions and using mortars without shrinkage and that guarantee good adhesion to the board. Good installation is what allows the continuity of the running layer and makes it silent, using seat mortars without shrinkage and well adhered to the deck.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

  • The inspection of the joint as well as its component elements will be carried out periodically, at least once a year, (or sooner if necessary) visually.
  • To carry out the inspection, it will be essential to clean the joint in order to prevent deposited debris from hiding damage.

The following will be checked:

  • Absence of remains inside the “ribs” of the module.
  • Presence of damage to elastic elements (wear, chafing, breaks, etc.).
  • Absence of breaks and loosening in the anchor nuts of each of the modules.
  • Absence of fatigue damage in metallic elements.
  • Absence of solid elements that obstruct the movements of the joint.
  • Absence of damage or obstructions in drainage systems. Water leaks, especially if they affect supports.
  • The state of transition bands and wearing course adjacent to the joints.

Depending on the result of the inspection, one of the actions listed below will be followed:

  • Do not take any action.
  • Repair:
    • Retightening of fixings.
    • Repair of transition bands.
    • Replacement of the complete gasket or parts of it, etc.

When any damage is detected during an inspection (periodic or extraordinary), its repair must be carried out immediately (within a period of no more than two months) to prevent its spread.

  • In the case of resurfacing, it will be necessary to replace or repair the installed joints in order to maintain their position and alignment with the rest of the bridge elements.
  • The date and result of the inspection, as well as the repair or replacement work carried out, will be recorded in a document that will also reflect the name and company name of the company in charge of the work.

PROJECTS

OUR FLEXIBILITY GOES FAR:
LEARN ABOUT THE PROJECTS WE HAVE ALREADY CARRIED OUT
IN MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES.

See the projects

CONTACT

WE ARE HERE
TO ADVISE YOU

If you want to know how we can help you or have any questions about our products or services, write to us. We will study your case to design the solution that best suits your project.

A Cacesa commercial that emerged in the late 90s
with a clearly international character and basically focused
in elastomeric bearing and expansion joints for bridges.

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