Fixing Loose Joints

In this article the author discusses the problem of loose joints in the highway and concrete pavement sector. Loose joints can cause a myriad of problems for vehicles, drivers, and road infrastructure. The loosening can occur from changes due to drying shrinkage and thermal contraction. The article also highlights the lack of effective load transfer across joints. Where both sides of good joints move in unison, loose joints lack transfer ability because designers or contractors leave out or use inadequate load transfer devices. Stressing the importance of joint stabilization, a list of five repair options are included with a brief analysis of each. Finally, the article discuses a new device known as a mechanical joint stabilizer that has the ability to bridge joints and reduce the deferential movement.