Design and Pilot of an Elastomeric Concrete Plug Joint – Phase I

About the project:

Expansion joints are important components of bridges, which allow movement in the deck. They experience deterioration in structures throughout the state because the parts can face operational and maintenance issues. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has spent millions to repair and replace these joints.

To combat this problem, VDOT’s Structure and Bridge pision has developed a new design for a flexible joint system. The elastomeric concrete plug joint will use a material closer in durability to concrete, but which has sufficient flexibility such that it does not structurally link adjacent spans together, thereby eliminating the need to modify or replace existing bearings.

This project will test the materials and establish criteria for use and acceptance. Also, the aim is to test the theory by installing these joints in selected bridges for close monitoring.

Project Team

Principal Investigators