Title:
Fatigue Design and Testing of Modular Bridge Expansion Joints
Author(s):
Mark R. Kaczinski, Robert J. Dexter, and Robert J. Connor
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
164
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
97-112
Keywords:
bridge decks; bridges (structures); durability; dynamic tests; fatigue tests; joints (junctions); modular structures; Design
DOI:
10.14359/1516
Date:
11/1/1996
Abstract:
Sealed expansion joint systems are becoming more widely used to minimize drainage and corrosion damage at bridge deck joints. Unfortunately, at this time there are no general design or fatigue design provisions for modular bridge expansion joints (MBEJ) in the United States. As a result of this lack of design guidance, premature fatigue failures have been documented at the welded and bolted connections of these MBEJ due to truck wheel loads. Research sponsored by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) is currently underway to develop performance-based specifications for the fatigue-resistant design of these MBEJ systems.