engleski

Modular expansion joints for joint opening in the road

In asphalt pavements at high exploitation temperatures, deformation occurs in the form of a rut, whereas at low temperatures cracks and penetration of aggressive fluids into the road construction occur. In both cases, there is a risk that these abnormalities will occur on the connection between the modular devices and the roadway. The paper presents the types of modular expansion joints and their importance for the structures into which they have been installed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of certain types, the methods of installation and the materials which they are made from. Seamless sealing devices are explained in detail because they don’t have parts that need replacing, therefore it is not necessary to maintain them. The advantage of these devices is that they permit vehicle traffic to travel smoothly across expansion joint openings, at the same time ensuring the low noise level and safer and more comfortable driving. A common case while designing new or replacing the existing modular joints is the prediction of too large openings, which are often larger than the actual ones and which is technically unjustified. On many buildings with small expansion joint openings, built-in metal devices are installed, which is not economically viable and unjustified at exploitation level. The installation of seamless devices on objects with small spans or small openings, which are also the most common on the road network, opens up the possibility of a wide application of this type of joints and the solution of many deficiencies in road surfaces. Engineering expertise is required when deciding upon the choice of a suitable modular device, which will meet the high level of exploitation conditions, possess the durability of the asphalt pavement itself and thereby reduce the cost of stopping or diverting traffic when replacing an obsolete device.

modular expansion joint, durability of driving surface, water permeability, asphalt pavement bridge

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