The Modern PU-Based Flexible Plug Expansion Joint for Bridges – The Ideal Solution For City Expressways With Recent Innovations Making Installation Even Faster and More Reliable than Before

Abstract

<p>The modern polyurethane-based flexible plug expansion joint is vastly superior to the traditional asphaltic-type flexible plug joint, as has been shown by extensive laboratory testing and years of experience under traffic on many bridges. The advantages offered by the PU-based version include its great strength and elasticity (with the material allowing 650% elongation before failure), its resistance to both very low and very high temperatures, and the special advantages it offers when used to replace old small-movement joints in existing structures. These advantages relating to installation on existing, heavily trafficked structures have now been enhanced by recent prefabrication innovations that make installation even quicker and easier, thereby further reducing the impact on traffic. The expansion joint type and these recent innovations are described, with reference to their first applications on some of Shanghai’s busiest city expressways.</p>