Title: Sealing of Airfield and Highway Pavements Using Preformed Extruded Compression Joint Seals

Author(s): Stewart C. Watson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 70

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 691-717

Keywords: compression; concrete pavements; costs; field tests; highways; joint sealers; joints (junctions); performance; runways; sealing.

DOI: 10.14359/17433

Date: 1/1/1981

Abstract:
The inadequate performance of the available types of field molded sealants was a major contribution factor to blow-ups, spalling, faulting, pumping and the corrosion of load transfer devices in post-war concrete pavements. The advent in 1960 of preformed neoprene compression seals appeared to be an attractive alternative. The development of suitable compartmentalized seal configurations, test methods and specifications for the properties of the elastomeric material used and installation practices are discussed. The relationship of these parameters to field performance and improvements still needed are documented. Though not problem free, compression seals are shown to have made a significant contribution over the last 20 years to improve concrete pavement performance on highways and airfields and to reduced life cycle costs.