Title: Fifteen Year Condition Survey of Premolded Joint Seals in Cesery Boulevard Bridge

Author(s): Lawrence L. Smith and John A. Wagner

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 70

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 461-488

Keywords: bridges (structures); control joints; inspection; joint sealers; laboratory tests; performance; plastics, polymers and resins; rubber; specifications.

DOI: 10.14359/17424

Date: 1/1/1981

Abstract:
Premolded rubber compression joint seals were installed in expansion joints in a new bridge at Jacksonville, Florida in 1966. The superior performance of these seals as compared to older joint sealing methods was shown by inspections over a six year period. The performance led to their adoption by the Florida Department of Transportation as a standard specification material in 1973. The condition of these seals at the end of nearly fifteen years is now examined. Both the joint condition and the quality of the seal alone (compared with the original laboratory test values) are discussed. Data on both polychloroprene and ethylene propylene diene terpolymer seals are presented. Seals made from each polymer are serving the intended purpose. Due to the superior performance of seals using ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, recommendations are made to change Florida's specifications to allow this polymer as an alternate to poly-chloroprene seals. Addi tional laboratory tests are recommended to determine what degree of compression of the seal in the joint would minimize cracking of the top surface.