Bridge Joints

Bridge expansion joints, also known as movement joints, allow traffic to pass smoothly between two bridge structures. They act as traffickable plates, carrying traffic loads while allowing the bridge deck to move due to temperature changes, shrinkage, pre-stress creep and structural rotation.

These joints can be used on reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, composite and steel structures, and are particularly important on highway bridge decks.

The long-term durability of a highway bridge depends not only on effective deck waterproofing, but also on the performance of its movement joints. If joints fail or allow water to pass through, aggressive chlorides from de-icing salts can enter the structure. This can cause hidden corrosion that damages reinforced concrete, steel components and bridge bearings.

To prevent this, expansion joints must remain continuous and watertight. This stops water from passing through permeable road surfaces and helps resist the hydraulic pressure created by moving traffic.