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Bridges

Bridge Expansion Joints

The type of Bridge Expansion Joint to be used largely depends on the range of movement that needs to be accommodated and can be selected from a simple asphaltic plug joint to a more complex mechanical joint. The fundamental criteria that needs to be considered before a suitable expansion joint system can be selected is as follows:

• To accommodate movements that occur as a result of thermal activity, rotation, shrinkage, creep and settlement;
• To support live loads imposed by passing traffic;
• An expansion joint should give good riding characteristics without generating excessive
  noise, especially in urban areas;
• To provide skid resistance at least equal to the adjacent surfaces;
• Where possible, joint type permitting, the joint system shall provide a water-tight solution to prevent the ingress of water into the expansion joint gap.

It has been found that the durability and longevity of bridges is dependent on the effectiveness of the bridge expansion joints, therefore it is essential to ensure that bridge expansion joints are adequately maintained and continue to function as designed and intended.

Bridge expansion joints that do not meet with the correct criteria pose many threats to the integrity of the associated bridge elements including; damage to structural elements and bearings through water ingress and unnecessary dynamic loadings, etc. Poorly maintained bridge expansion joints present other issues which include being a potential hazard for traffic or even an environmental issue where noise is not kept to a minimum.

HMS Civils is able to offer a service that includes the following:

• Consultation; to assist you in the correct specification of Bridge Expansion Joints
• Supply & Installation; we offer a fully comprehensive service that includes the procurement and installation of the selected expansion joint system.

We do not own or manufacture our own expansion joint systems which mean that we are able to source the best possible system to suit your specific needs and project budgets. Over the years we have built invaluable relationships with the Worldwide' leading market suppliers and we are members of the Bridge Joint Association (BJA) being a UK based association that exists to raise and maintain the standards within our Niche' industry.

We are the first associate member outside of Europe and as members receive regular updates on developments in the field ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry. Other members include; Prismo, ASL Contracts, Universal Sealants, Freyssinet, Maurer, Highways Agency (UK) and TRL (France).

Where required, we can include for the provision, design and implementation of a Traffic Management system utilising our sister company: Evolution Traffic Control Pty Ltd.