The purpose of this research was to investigate the performance characteristics of joints available for use on concrete bridge decks, including design, installation, and maintenance issues. A literature review and a nationwide questionnaire survey of 20 state departments of transportations were performed. The findings indicate that compression seals, strip seals, and finger joints with troughs should be used for movements less than 2 in., less than 4 in., and greater than 4 in., respectively. Both compressionand strip seals should be continuous across the bridge deck and should reach high enough into the parapet sections to prevent accumulated snow fromleaking over the top of the joint. Troughs should be placed with a slopeof at least 8 percent to prevent debris accumulation and should be cleaned at least once a year. Finger plates should have adequate stiffness and tensile strength to avoid excessive vibration and bending. All steel materials should be painted in the shop and repainted regularly to prevent corrosion. All joints should be set between 0.125 in. and 0.156 in. (5/32 in.) below the roadway surface to minimize snow plow damage. Adequate time should be allotted in the joint construction schedule to ensure proper installation of the joint system, including curing time for concrete headers, primers, joint materials, and lubricants, before the deck is opened to traffic. Furthermore, manufacturer representatives should be employed as appropriate to ensure that proper joint installation procedures are followed.
Abstract