Significance of Bridge Expansion Joints| Expansion Joint Dubai

 

Expansion joints can be commonly found between sections of bridges, buildings, railway tracks, ships, piping systems, etc. They are structures of separation designed to hold together the parts and relieve stress on building materials caused by thermal expansion and contraction, seismic activity, vibrations, etc.

Bridge Expansion Joints

Bridge expansion joints are designed to allow continuous traffic between bridges and other structures while adjusting its length by accommodating temperature variations, movement, and shrinkage.  So the expansion joints are essential for the life of the bridge. They need to be installed and maintained properly for better functioning. Sometimes due to the accumulated dirt and dust, the expansion joints may lose the ability to expand and contract with structure, which makes them less successful. This lack of flexibility affects the structural integrity of the bridge causing distortion or cracks in the material. Bridge expansion joints must have the following properties:

• Must be able to allow thermal expansion and contraction

• Able to allow the natural shrinkage of the concrete

• Should be able to protect the concrete edges of the bridge from the vehicles

• Must prevent foreign objects such as dirt, debris, etc. from entering the joint

Major Factors to Consider

1. Building Material

There are many things to consider when using concrete as a building material. Important factors to consider are the strength and weight load of the concrete.

2. Effect of Environment

One of the important factors to look into is the thermal cycles within the geographical area. With changes in weather, there will be changes in temperature. It will make the structure expand and contract with the temperature. If overlooked, it may cause major issues with the expansion joint system.

The heating and cooling cycle will cause expansion and contraction respectively. Cracking may occur if the contraction is greater and if the expansion is restricted it will cause distortion. To prevent all these, expansion joints that are fitted with materials that allow that expansion and contraction without causing any damage to the structure are required.

3. Corrosion

Corrosion is one of the common things to cause damage to the bridge expansion joints.  Also, the components below expansion joints are highly susceptible to corrosion. So improved corrosion resistance is significant for the long life of bridge expansion joints. 

Structural deficiency of expansion joints in structures such as roads, bridges, or buildings is mainly due to improper installation or inadequate maintenance practices. MBM has been operating in the field of structural engineering since 1992 and provides the many types of best quality expansion joint Dubai and expansion joint cover UAE, to keep the integrity of various structures. MBM offers various range of expansion joints including Floor Series,  Wall Series, Roof, and Watertight Series, Car Park and Pressurized Seals, and Control Joints. 
To know more, visit: http://mbmauh.ae/