MODULAR EXPANSION JOINTS AND DECK DRAINS. FINAL REPORT

Inspections were conducted on bridge modular expansion joints and deck drains to assess their performance. 44 modular expansion joints were inspected including 38 Wabo-Mauer and 16 Acme joints. 23 elastomeric dams were also inspected for comparative purposes including 21 Transflex dams and 2 Fel-Span units. The joints were rated using a quantitative subjective rating system developed by PennDOT. Both the modular expansion joints and the newer expansion dams were performing satisfactorily. Both types of joints leaked and experienced a number of minor hardware problems. Some of the joints may warrant repairs to restore their complete function. Deck drains and drain outlet piping systems were inspected. The deck drains inspected included those having square and rectangular inlets, pipe drains, and scuppers (edge drains). All types of deck drains appear susceptible to clogging. Large scuppers performed well. Also, simple straight drop pipes were less clog prone than complex piping systems. Recommendations are provided to minimize clogging problems.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.1989.02
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Kentucky, Lexington

  Kentucky Transportation Center
  College of Engineering, 176 Raymond Building
  Lexington, KY  United States  40506-0281

  Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

  200 Mero Street
  Frankfort, KY  United States  40622

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hopwood II, T
  • Courtney, E E
• Publication Date: 1989-3

Media Info

• Features: Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 28 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Drains; Edge drains; Expansion joints; Inspection; Minimization; Performance evaluations; Ratings; Recommendations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge inspection; Clogging
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Research; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00496657
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: KTC-89-2
• Contract Numbers: KYHPR-85-107-8
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1991 12:00AM