Title: Genesis of Modern Sealand Techonology

Author(s): Raymond J. Schutz

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 70

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-14

Keywords: bitumens; bridges (structures); concrete pavements; history; joint sealers; joints (junctions); mechanical properties; neoprene; plastics, polymers and resins; structural design; structures.

DOI: 10.14359/17399

Date: 1/1/1981

Abstract:
Joints in structures existed since men first constructed a waddle hut or a bark canoe. These joints were subject to movement then as now. Early structures shedded rain at the joints due to overlapping of small elements such as thatch, slate, clapboard or board and batten. Where overlapping was impractical, (such as in a log hut) early builders used sealants of mud, moss, shredded bark, or pine pitch. As man became more skilled, he developed bituminious-based sealants and sealants based on natural drying oils. As buildings became more sophisticated, elements became larger and movement at the joints increased. Field molded elastomeric sealants were developed with performance far exceeding sealants based on natural materials. These were welcomed by the industry as the final solution, however, despite their excellent properties, field performance was quite often disappointing. This paper covers the development of sealant technology based on the study of joint movement and geometry. Understanding of the high strains which can occur in a sealant has resulted in better design and limits for field-molded sealants and has led to the development of compression seals, mechanically locked and modular preformed sealants for joints which are subject to extreme movement.