Title:
Proven Seal
Author(s):
D. Brown
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
94
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
1009-1016
Keywords:
bridges (structures); concrete pavements; control joints; installing; joint sealers; joints (junctions); neoprene; specifications; structural design; Construction
DOI:
10.14359/3443
Date:
7/1/1987
Abstract:
The neoprene compression seal has now been used commercially in construction projects, including highways and bridges, for more than 20 years. It continues to be today's top method of sealing contraction and expansion joints in highways and bridges, as measured by the footages used annually. Through the years, there has been continued refinement of the specifications covering this type of sealing so that for practical purposes performance is assured when these specifications are followed. The degree of sophistication inherent in the development of this type of seal exceeds most rubber-like products. Enough time has now elapsed that data on field performance can be related back to the design parameters that were monitored by accelerated laboratory tests and that have been proven correct. The paper reviews the problems encountered in arriving at a proper seal design, the problems of field installation, and the correlation of accelerated laboratory testing to field results. Included also are remarks concerning the adoption of various special compression seals to specific applications.