FIELD EVALUATION OF VARIOUS BRIDGE DECK JOINT SEALING SYSTEMS

The research, to date conducted on the reinforced expansion dam type sealing system, consists of system evaluation with respect to simplicity of installation, field performance (water-tightness, damage susceptibility, accommodation of movements due to bridge joint skew angles and adequacy of design) and cost. Two such expansion dams have been evaluated to date. The study of installation procedures for expansion dams demonstrated the excessive complexity and their need for unobtainable levels of field precision. With each brand of expansion dam, alterations with regard to the 'sealer' (joint seat, anchors) and to the structure (cutting of bridge deck re-bars) where necessary at most sites to permit these dams' installation. Leakage has occurred at all sites along with various deteriorations i.e., cracks, gaps, damage from traffic, apparent damage to the structure (the joint seat) and exposure of the system's anchoring elements. It is judged that the reinforced expansion dams evaluated thus far have not performed successfully.