CA2483078A1 - Expansion joint system - Google Patents
Expansion joint system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2483078A1 CA2483078A1 CA002483078A CA2483078A CA2483078A1 CA 2483078 A1 CA2483078 A1 CA 2483078A1 CA 002483078 A CA002483078 A CA 002483078A CA 2483078 A CA2483078 A CA 2483078A CA 2483078 A1 CA2483078 A1 CA 2483078A1
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- Prior art keywords
- expansion joint
- joint system
- load bearing
- spaced
- members
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
- E01D19/00—Structural or constructional details of bridges
- E01D19/06—Arrangement, construction or bridging of expansion joints
- E01D19/062—Joints having intermediate beams
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- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
Abstract
An expansion joint system including spaced-apart transversely extending vehicle load bearing members positioned in a gap between adjacent sections of highway construction, longitudinally extending support members positioned within the gap below the load bearing members, means positioned within the adjacent roadway sections for controlling longitudinal, transverse and vertical movement of the expansion joint system, and means for controlling the spacing between the transverse load bearing beams. The means controlling the spacing between the transverse load bearing beams are alternately disposed at, and extend from, opposite longitudinal ends of the expansion joint system.
Description
~J~A..315J
~J1VI ~T 1 ~'~~°
A~~a The present invention relates to an expansion joint system that can be utilized in roadway constructions where gaps are formed between spaced-apart, adjacent concrete sections. "l he expansion joint system is useful in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and oth~e~° constructions where it is desiral)le to accommodate large movements that occur in the vicinity of the expansion joint gap.
A gap is purposely provided between adjacent concrete structures for accommodating dimensional changes within the gap occurring as expansion and contraction due to ~empe~ store changes, shortening and creep caused by prestressing, seismic cycling and vibration, deflections caused by live loads, and longitudinal forces caused by vehicular traffic. An expansion joint is conventionally I5 utilized to accommodate these movements in the vicinity of the gap.
fridge constructions are also subject to relative movement in response to occurrence of thermal changes, seismic events, a.kzd vehicular loads. This raises particular problems., 'oecause the movements occurring during such events are not predictable either with respect to the magnit'~de of the movements or with respect to the direction of the movements. In many instance:, bridges have become unusable for significant periods of time, due to the fact ~«what traffic cannot travel across damaged expansion joints.
~J1VI ~T 1 ~'~~°
A~~a The present invention relates to an expansion joint system that can be utilized in roadway constructions where gaps are formed between spaced-apart, adjacent concrete sections. "l he expansion joint system is useful in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and oth~e~° constructions where it is desiral)le to accommodate large movements that occur in the vicinity of the expansion joint gap.
A gap is purposely provided between adjacent concrete structures for accommodating dimensional changes within the gap occurring as expansion and contraction due to ~empe~ store changes, shortening and creep caused by prestressing, seismic cycling and vibration, deflections caused by live loads, and longitudinal forces caused by vehicular traffic. An expansion joint is conventionally I5 utilized to accommodate these movements in the vicinity of the gap.
fridge constructions are also subject to relative movement in response to occurrence of thermal changes, seismic events, a.kzd vehicular loads. This raises particular problems., 'oecause the movements occurring during such events are not predictable either with respect to the magnit'~de of the movements or with respect to the direction of the movements. In many instance:, bridges have become unusable for significant periods of time, due to the fact ~«what traffic cannot travel across damaged expansion joints.
2~ As the aforementioned expansion joint systems have not adequately accommodated movements in expansion joint gaps, a need still exists in the art for an improved expansion joint system that can accommodate large movements that occur separately or simultaneously ics multiple dirwtions in the vicinity of an expansion joint gap between two adjacent roadway sections, for example, that occur in longitudinal and transverse directions relative 1:o the flow of traffic,, and which may be caused by thermal changes, seismic events, and vehicular deflections.
Ep,722644222US
~'A.P.~15~
SLTI~' tin expansion joint system for a roadway construction is provided wherein a gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections, said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said expansion joint systean comprising transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members, elongated support members having opposite ends positioned below said transversely extending load fearing members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint gap, and means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, Ioacl bearing members relative to one another comprising arms which alternately exte~~d from opposite lonl;it~.~dinal sides of said expansion joint system and which are movably engaged with at least one of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load yoearing members.
I~II~~' I3ES~ I~l~ ~F' ~T~:E< I~ I1~1GS
FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of the expansion joint system.
FIG 2 is a bottom plan view of the expansion joint system.
FIG 3f1 shows a top plan view of the support bar member of the expansion ~ornt system.
FIC'T 3~ shows a side, elevational view of the support bar rr~ember of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the sup port bar of the expansion joint system inserted into means fox providirvg transverse: ~r~ovement.
Ep,722644222US
~'A.P.~15~
SLTI~' tin expansion joint system for a roadway construction is provided wherein a gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections, said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said expansion joint systean comprising transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members, elongated support members having opposite ends positioned below said transversely extending load fearing members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint gap, and means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, Ioacl bearing members relative to one another comprising arms which alternately exte~~d from opposite lonl;it~.~dinal sides of said expansion joint system and which are movably engaged with at least one of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load yoearing members.
I~II~~' I3ES~ I~l~ ~F' ~T~:E< I~ I1~1GS
FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of the expansion joint system.
FIG 2 is a bottom plan view of the expansion joint system.
FIG 3f1 shows a top plan view of the support bar member of the expansion ~ornt system.
FIC'T 3~ shows a side, elevational view of the support bar rr~ember of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the sup port bar of the expansion joint system inserted into means fox providirvg transverse: ~r~ovement.
3~ FIGo 4. shows a top plan view of one side of the means for providing transverse movement of the expansion point system.
~V.A.P.~ ~5J
FIG. 5A is a side schematic view of the ~:L~car~s for providing longitudinal movement of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 5B is an end schematic view of the ~rr°~eans for providing longitudinal movement of the expansion jcsint system.
FIG. 6f1 is a fragmentary side view of the e,~pansion joint system including a side view of a vehicle load bearing member and a:r~ end view of the yoke assembly for maintaining a support bar member in proximity to the bottom surface of the load bearing bean of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 6B is an enlarged fragmegatary side view of flee expansion joint system including a side vie'v of a portion of a ~.~ehicle load bearing member and an end view of the yoke assem'oly for rr~aintaining a support bar member in proximity to the bottom surface of the load bearing beari~ of the expansion joint system.
FIG 7 shows a schematic side view of orn embodiment of th.a means for controlling the spacing betvTeen the vehicle Ioad bearing members, which is an elongated arm structure.
FIG ~ is a cut away side view of one end of an ~rrr9~ member of the expansion joint system having a°oll.er means attached thereto.
FIG 9 is a cross sectional view of ogee erg~bodiment of the expansion joint system.
~~'AII~ET~ I)ESGItII~~If3l~
This invention relates to an expansion joint system that may be installed in 30 the gap between adjacent sections of a concrete structure. The, exI)ansion joint system may be utilized in roadway, bridge, and tunnel constructions. The expansion joint syster~~ generally includes a plurality of vehicular traffic loading A.~'.3155 bearing members that extend transversely within a gap of an expansion joint, a plurality of support members that extend longitudinally across a gap of an expansion joint, and a mechanism for controlling the sp,~cing between the transversely extending load bea.rHng members.
In certain embodiments, the means for controlling the spacing between the transversely extending load bearing members maintains a substantially equal distance between the transversely extending load bearing members in response to movements within tlm gap of tlm expansion joi:r~z. I~ plurality of flexible and IG compressible seal members may be engaged with the load bearing members to extend transversely wi~whin the expansion joint relative to tEte direction of the flow of traffic. 'Without limitation, the expansion joint system is particularly useful in the construction of roadways, bridges, tunnels, and thf: life that require accommodation of relatively large n-~ovements in multiple direction:.
I
The expansion joint system will now bf: described in greater detail in conjunction with illustrative ~IC1S 1-9.
Referring to illustrative SIG I, expansion js>int system 1~ includes a plurality 20 of vehicular load bearing members 11-13. The vehicular load bearing members 13 of expansion joint systom l~ are positioned in the gap between the adjacent roadway sections (not shownj. The vehicle Toad bf:aring members are often referred to in the art as "center beams.'9 hike illustrativ;.~ ~I~ 1 shows three transversely extending load bearing members I l-1:3, it should be noted that the expansion joint z5 system 10 may include any number of transversely extending load bearing members, depending on the si a of the gap of the particular construction. I~ccording to certain embodiments, the load bearing members have a generally square or rectangular cross section. hTevert~heless, the load bearing members 1I-13 are not limited to members having approximately square or rectangular cross sections, but, rather, the 30 load bearing beam members 11-13 may comprise any number of suitable cross sectional configurations or shapes. The shape of the cross section of load bearing beam members I I-l~ is only limited in that the load bearing beams 11-13 must be A. P. 3 ~ 55 capable of permitting relatively smooth and unimpeded vehicular traffic across the top surfaces of the load bearing -beam members, a~:d the Load bearing beam members must have the ability to support engaging means on the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beam memdbers to engage the longitudinally extending elongated support members. According to certain embodiments, the top surfaces of the load bearing beam members may, for example, also be contoured to facilitate the removal of debris and liquids, such as rainwater runoff.
The load bearing beam members lI-I3 are positioned in a side-by-side IO relationship and extend transversely in the exp~~.nsion joint gap relative to the direction of vehicle travel. 3'he top surfaces of the load l;earing beam members are adapted to support vehicle tires as a vehicle passes over the expansion joint.
Compressible seals {shown in F'I~ ~) may be placed and extend transversely hetween the positioned vehicular Load bearing beam members I I-I3 adjacent the top I5 surfaces of the beam ~~erribers II-I3 ~.o fill the spaces between the beam members II-13. The seals gnat' also be placed and extend in the space between end beam member l I and edge plate l~ and to extend between end beam member 13 and edge plate 15. The seals are Ilexible and compressible and, therefore, can stretch and contract in response to movement of the load bearing beams within the expansion 2D joint. The seals may be Ynade from a durable and abrasion resistant elastomeric material. The seal members are not limited to any particular type of seal.
Suitable sealirAg members that can be used include, but are not limited to, strip seals, glandular seals, and merribrane sealso 25 lVow referring to FIB 2, the expansion joint system 10 includes elongated support bar members X13-23 positioned below the transversely extending vehicle load bearing members. Support -bar members 2(3-23 are positioned in a spaced-apart, side-by-side relationship and extend longitudinally across the gap of the expansion joint., relative to the direction of the flow of vehicular traffic. That is, the support 30 bar members 2(3-23 extend substantially parallel relative to the direction of vehicle travel across the expansion joint system 1G. The support bar members 2C-23 provide support to t'l~e vehicle load bearing beams II-I3 as vehicular traffic passes '~~A.~.3 ~ ~5 over the expansion joint system 10. support bar members 20-23 also accommodate transverse, longitudinal, anti vertical movement '~f the expansion joint system 10 within the gap. ~pposate ends of the support leer me~rnbers are received into a suitable means for- accepting the ends of l:he support bar members, and the several means for accepting the support bar members are disposed, or embedded in portions of respective adjacent roadway sections in the roadway construction. The expansion joint system 10 ca~~ be affi~c~°.d within the block-out areas between two roadway sections by disposing tlae systf:m 10 into the gap between the roadway sections and pouring concrete into the dock-out portions eor by mechanically affixing the expansion joint system t0 in the gap to the: underlying structural support.
mechanical attachment may be accomplished, for exampie, by bolting or welding the expansion joint system 10 to the underlying strtactural support.
Provision is made for particular types of movement of t:~e support bar 1~ members 20-23 within the separate means for accepting ti?e ends of the support bar members. In one embodiment, the means for accepting the ends of the support bar members may comprise box-like structures. It should be noted, however that the means for accepting the ends of the support bar members may include any structure such as, for example, d~eeeptacles, chambers, housings, containers, enclosures, channels, tracks, swots, grooves or passages, that includes a suitable cavity for accepting the end portions of the support bar members 20-23, and permits the desired movement of the support bars within the means.
Still referring to PIE 2, the expansion joint systems 10 includes first means 30 for confining the first ends of the support bars 20-23 against longitudinal movement within the first means 30 for accepting, but permitting transverse movement of the first ends within the ~~rst means :~0 for accepting.
~'lzerefore, the expansion joint system 10 includes first means for accepting first ends of the longitudinally extending elongated sL~pport members which include means for substantially restrict=,rAg longitudinal movement within the first means for accepting, but permitting transverse and vertical moveme:i within said first means for accepting.
WBA.P.3155 The expansion joint system 10 includes second means 50 for accepting opposite ends of the support member s 20-23 for confining the opposite ends of the support bars 20-23 against transverse movement within the second means 50 for accepting, but permitting longitudinal movement within the second means 50 for accepting. Therefore, the expansion joint system 10 includes second means for accepting ends of sand longitudinally extending elongated support members which includes means for substantially restricting transverse movement within said second means for accepting, but permitting longitudinal end vertical. movement within said second means for accepting.
FIGS 3A and 3E show an illustrative support member 20 of the expansion joint system 10. The support member 20 is showut as ~.n elongated bar-like member having a square cross section. It should be noted, however, that: the support member 20 is not limited to elongated bar members having sduare cross sections, but, rather, the support member 20 may comprise an elongated bar member having a number of different cross sectional shapes such as, for example, round, oval, oblong, rectangular, end other like cross sectiordal shapes. 'fhe support bar includes opposite ends 24, 25. Illustrative FICi 3~ shows one embodiment of end 25 of the support bar 20, which is shown as being tapered to a lesser width relative to the remainder of the length of the bar 20, and which includes a hole 26 communicating from one side 27 of the support bar 20 to the other side 28.
According to this emhodime~~t, the hole 2~ is adapted to receive a securing means.
End 25 of the support bar 20 having the hole 26 therein is adapted to be inserted into first means 30 for permitting transverse arid vertical movement, but substantially restricting longitudinal movement of the support member 20 of the expansion joint system 10 within the means 30. FIC3 3C shows one end 25 of the support bar 20 inserted into means 30.
FICA 4 shows means 30, which according to the embodiment shown is a substantially rectangular box structure, and which permits transverse and vertical movement of support bars 20-23 of the expansion joint system 10 in response to movement within the expansion joint. The transverse and vertical movement box ~A.P.~155 includes top 31 and bottom 32 plates, side plates 33, 34 and back plate (not shown).
According to this embodiment, flee securing means 36 is an elongated, substantially cylindrical guide rod to which a support bar 20-2:1 is engaged. The s~;curing means 36 is substantially centrally disposed within box 30 and may extend across box from side plate 33 to side plate 34. The securing means 36 may be held in place by holding plates 37, 38, which are attached t~ the inside wall surfaces 39, 40 of side plate 33 and side plate 34, respectively. The securing means 36 is inserted into the hole 26 in order to secure the support bars 20-23 within means 30. The securing means 36 can be any means which permits pivotable movement of end 25 of the support bar in tlm vertical direction within means 30, while further permitting transverse movement of end 25 of the support bar along the axis of the securing means 36. Thus, flee securing means 36 substantially restricts longitudinal movement of the support bars 20-23, but permits transverse and vertical movement.
while the securing means 36 is shown in FIG 4 as a cylindrical guide rod, it may, for example, include differently shaped rods, bars, pegs, pins, bolts, and the like.
FIG 3C shows a more detailed view of the tapered and holed end 25 of support bar 20, which has been inserved into box 30 and which is in contact with support bar bearings and holding plates. It should be appreciated that end 25 of support bar 20 is engaged vrithin box 30 in such a manner as to permit transverse and vertical movement of support bar 20. Illustrative FIG 3C shows concave support bar bearings 62, 63 are engaged with the tapered end 25 of the support bar 20. Again, it should be appreciated that spring-loaded, liquid or air charged, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the concave support bar bearings 62, 63.
Top support bar bearing 62 is placed in contact with the top surface 25a of the tapered end 25 of the support bar 20. Bottom support bar bearing 63 is placed in contact with the bottom surface 25b of the tapered end 25 of support bar 20.
30 Additional top support bar bearing 64 is placed bet~Teen top support bar bearing 62 and the top plate 31 of transverse box :30. Additions: bottom support bearing 65 is located between flee bottom support bar bearing 63 and the bottom plate 32 of ~~.P.3155 transverse box 30. Support bar 20 and support bar bearings 62-65 are held in place by lower holding plate 66a and upper holding plate 67a, which are positioned on each side 27, 28 of support bar 20. f~pposing upper and lower holding plates that are disposed adjacent to side 28 of support bar 20 are not shown in FIG 3C. As discussed hereinabove, the securing means 36 is passed through hole 26 of support bar 20. 3'he use of the securing means 36 through hole 26 in support bar 20 in combination with the curved upper and lower support bar bearings permits the support bar 20 to move transversely, relative to tf~e direction of traffic, and further allows the support bar 20 to pivot in the vertical diirect~on.
1~IG 5A shows one embodiment of the means for permitting longitudinal movement, but preventing transverse movement of the support bar members.
According to the embodiment of FIG 5A, the means for permitting longitudinal movement comprises a box-like structure 50. It should be noted, however, that the longitudinal movement support bar box 50 may include any structure such as, for example, receptacles, chambers, housings, eontair~ers, ea~closures, channels, tracks, slots, grooves or passages, that includes a suitable cavity for accepting the end portions 24. of support bar members 20-23 that are opposite the ends 25 that are inserted into longitudi~~al movement box 30. fox 50 includes top plate 51, bottom plate 52 and side plates (not shown). ~,ongitudinal movement support bar box 50 is adapted to receive the end 24 of the support bar 20-23, which is opposite to end 25 of the support bar 20, which is inserted into transverse movement box 30. A
portion of support bar 20 is received into box 50, and the position of the top and bottom sides of the support bar 20 are maintained within box 50 by upper and lower plates 53a, 53b, upper and lower curved rocker bearings 54a, 54b and keeper members 55a-55c, 56a-56c, respectively, disposed thereon, and upper 57a and lower 57b bearings that are hcld in place by the rocker beaa~ing keeper members.
'fhe use of tl~e upper 53a and lower 53b bearing plates and upper 54a and lower 54b rocker bearings maintains the vertical load on the bearings perpendicular to the sliding surfaces. 'The upper 54a and lower 54b rocker bearings are capable of absorbing impact from vehicular traffic; moving across the expansion joint system.
~~3A.P.31~5 however, it should be appreciated that spring-loaded means, liquid or air charged pistons, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the upper and lower bearings.
Box 50 includes means for permitting lonl;itudinal and vertical movement of the support bars 20-23 within box 50, and means for substantially preventing transverse movement of support bars 20-23 within the box 50. The upper 53a, 54a and lower means 53b, 541 nay maintain tlae vertical load on the support bars perpendicular to the axis of the support bars and, permit slidable movement of the support bars in the direction of vehicular traffic flow (longitudinal movement). As shown in FIG 58, side bearing means 58, 59' substantially prevent transverse movement of support bars 20-23 within box 50, ~.vhale not inhibiting or otherwise preventing longitudinal and vertical movement. Still referring to FIG 58, the position of the sides of tlae support bar 20 ar°c further maintained within the longitudinal movement support bar box 50 by b~,aring plates 58, 59, which arc attached to the inner surfaces of box 50 facing toward the support bar via bearing bolts 60a-60c.
The transverse movement box for receiving one end of the support bars is designed to permit transverse and vertical movement of the support bars within the boxes in response to changes in temperature changes, seismic movement or deflections caused by vehicular traffic, while restricting longitudinal movement.
Longitudinal boxes for receiving the opposite ends of the support bars are designed to permit relative longitudinal and vertical movement of the support bar within the boxes, while confining the bars agaia~st relative transverse mavement.
Means are provided to maintain the position of support bars 20-23 relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams members 11-13. Also, the means permit longitudinal and limited vertical movement of the support bars 20-23 within 30 the means. FIGS ~!-~. and 68 show one embodiment: of the means, which comprises a yoke or stirrup assembly 70 for retaining the position of the support bars relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams 11-13 of the expansion ~A.P.31~5 joint system 10. A.s shown in ~IC~ 6I3, the yoke assembly 70 includes spaced-apart yoke side plates 71, 72 that are attached to and extend away from the bottom surface of the vehicular load gearing beam 1l . F3ent yoke plate 73 includes leg portions 74, 75 and spanning portion 7fi that extends between legs 74, 75. The yoke assembly S 70 also includes upper yobs bearing 77 and lower yoke bearing 78. The yoke assembly 70 utilises flexible upper 77 and lower 78 yoke bearings to minimize yoke tilt and optimizes 'the ability of the expansion joint system 10 to absorb vehicular impact from traffic moving across the expansion joint system 10. Spring-loaded, liquid or air charged, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the upper 7 7 and lower 78 yoke bearings. While the one embodiment is shown utilizing a yoke or stirrup assembly to maintain the positioning of the support bars 20-23, any restraining device or the like that can maintain the position of the support bars 20-23 relative to the load bearing beams 11-1.3 may be utilized.
1 S Yoke assembly 70 may further include yoke retairc~ing rings 8I , 82 and yoke discs 83, 84, which are located on the inner surfa~:es of bc;nt yoke legs 74, 75. The yoke retaining rings 81, 82 and yoke discs 83, 84 are provided to allow limited vertical and longitudinal movement of the support bars 20-23. The yoke assembly 7D may also be provided with pivotal bushing-typf: devices in place of the upper 77 and lower 78 yoke bearings, yoke retaining rings 81, 82, and yoke discs 83, 84.
p'urthermore, the yoke side plates 71, 72 are spaced apart at a distance sufficient to permit bent yoke plate 73 to be inserted in the space; defined by the inner surfaces of yoke side plates 71, 72.
2~ The expansion joint system 10 also includes means for controlling the spacing between the transversely extending load bearing beam members 11-13 in response to movement in the vicinity of the expansion joint. In one embodiment, the means for controlling the spacing between beam members 11-13 maintains a substantially equal distance between the spaced-apart, traffic load bearing beams 11-13 that are transversely positioned within the gap ira an expansion joint, in response to movements caused by thermal changes, or seismic cycling, and vehicle deflections.
FIG 7 shoes one embodiment of the means for controlling the spacing between the vehicle load bearing members, which is an elongated arm 90. The elongated arm 90 may comprise a number of non-limiting cross sectional shapes that will permit the arm to movably engage at least one of the transversely extending load bearing members 11-? 3. Also, arm 90 has a cross-sectional shape that will permit pivoting of the arm at desired pivot points. hoc example, arm 90 may include a generally rectangular cross sectional shape. .A.ccording to certain embodiments, the generally rectangularly-shaped arm 90 may taper toward opposite ends. In one embodiment, arm 90 of the expansion ~oir~t system 10 is substantially planar. The term substantially planar is used to indicate that the arms are generally flat. It should be ~goted, however, that the term p=ar~ar is intended to include arms having notches, grooves or gecesses on one or both opposing surfaces. As shown in FIG '~, arm 90 has opposite first 91 and second 92 ends and a center region 93.
Arm 90 may be tapered toward its ends 91, 92 and may terminate into rounded 1~ ends, although this is merely one embodiment. Arm 90 may be provided with a number of spaced-apart, substantially equidistant holes 94-97, respectively, which communicate from surface 98 through to the opposite surface 99 of arm 90. In a preferred embodiment, arm 90 is provided with holes 9~, 96 that are located near the center region 93 of aura 90 and holes 94, 9'~ disposed substantially near the opposite ends of the grin 90.
While an illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG 7, one having ordinary skill in the art shouhl recognise that ths: recessed grooves or channels on arm 90 can be located an either the upper or lower surfaces, or on both surfaces, of the arms to provide clearance for the pivotal movement of the arm with respect to the bottom surfaces of members 11-13. Additionally, the number and position of the holes in arm 90 can be easily determined by one having ordinary skill in the art, depending on the specific installation of the systerra 10.
30 In one embodiment, the holes that are provided c>n arm 90 are adapted to receive fastener means to secure roller means to the arms. As shown in FIG 8, rollers 101, 102 are attached to end 91 of arm 90. The rollers 101, 102 are ~~f~.~. ~ 13~
substantially round and have a subsl:antially centrally disposed hole 103, I04 that communicates from a first surface to a second surface of the }roller 101, 102.
The hole 94 of arrn 90 is adapted to receive a pin means 105, which anchors rollers 101, 102 to the tapered end 91 of the arm 90. Specifically, the rollers 101, 102 are attached to the tapered end 91 of arm 90 by inserting the pin 105 through the hole 94 located near the end 91 of the arr~°~ 90 and through a portion of the holes of the rollers 101, 102. The rollers arc there secured to arm 90 by securement means 106, 107 that are inserted into the bolts 103, I04 of the rollers 10l., 102. The securement means I06, 10'~ could, for example, comprise a bolt, cap, peg, pin, IO plug, screw or the life chat anchors the rollers l~~I, 102 to the arm 90, but, at the same time, allows free rotation of the rollers 101, i02. Furthermore, washers I08, 109 may be fitted over the ends 105x:, 105b of pin 105 and tubular roller bearings 105c, 105d may be fitted o Jer the portions of pin 105 that are inserted into rollers 101, 102. t-llternati=Jely, the holes a gay be adapted to receive a bolt or pin means for sliding engagement with the load bearing beams.
FICx 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of the expansion joint system in cross section. according to Flfs 9, arm 110 has four spaced rollers 111-114 attached along the length of the arm l I0 for engaging vehicle load beams members 11-13 to control the spacing between the load bearing members. Roller°
111 inserted into side guide 115 located in edge plate 116. Each of vehicle load bearing members 11-13 has an inverted l1-shaped channei or guide 117-119 that extend away from the bottom surfaces of each of vehicle load bearing members 11-13.
Roller 1I2 is inserted into guide 117 extending away from the bottom surface of vehicular load bearir~gg beam 11. Roller I13 is inserted into guide 118 extending away from the bottom. surface of vehicular load lbearing beam I2. Roller 119 is inserted into guide 119 extending away from the bottom surface of vehicular load bearing member I3.
30 While the embodiment shown in FI~i 9 has been described as utilizing roller means engaged with the arms, it should be appreciarted that any mechanism having a sliding or rolling surface any which permits sliding or rolling engagement of the WPA.P.315~
arms with the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams 11-13 can be utilized in lieu of rollers. For example, a block or pin means engaged or integral with the arms may be used to provide sliding engagement of the expansion and contraction means with the load bearing beams.
Arm 90 is designed to be in ~Ynovable engagement with one or more of the transversely extending vehlclE: load bearing members. Depending on the desired construction, the ~rm.s of tlae expansion joint system may be provided in varying lengths to engage ~n increased or decreased number of transversely extending load bearing members in order to accommodate a broad range of expansion joint gap sizes. Alternatively, it is possible to increase or decrease the width of the vehicle load bearing members instead of increasing or decreasing the number of load bearing members utilized in the expansion joint gap. As the expansion joint gap between two concrete structures increases, the space between the transversely extending spaced-apart utilized tends to increase. Conversely, as the expansion joint gap between two concrete structures decreases, the space between the transversely extending spaced-apart mall decrease. ~ hus, a.ran 90 is utilized to maintain a substantially equal distance Between the transverse:Ly extending vehicle load bearing members.
Referring again to FIG 1, which shows an illustrative embodiment of the expansion joint systems, arms 90a-90e alternately extend from opposite longitudinal sides of the expansion joint system 10. Arms 90a, 90c, 90e extend from a first longitudinal side of the expansion joint and arms 90b, 90d alternately extend from 2~ the opposite longitudinal side of the expansion joint system. Mill referring to FIG
l, arm 90a extends away :prom receiver 120 l~acated in edge plate 15 of the expansion joint system 10. Arm 90b extends away f~ro~~n receiver 111 located in edge plate 14 of t:~e expansion joint system 10. Arm 90c extends away from receiver 122 located in edge plate l~ of the expaa~.sion joint system 10. Arm 90d extends away from receiver 123 located in edge plate 14 of the expansion joint system 10. Arm 90e extends away from receiver 124 located in edge plate 15 of the expansion joint system 10.
irJ~A.P.3155 In response wo a thermal, seismic or vehicular event, the longitudinal movement of the a~eehanisan of the expansion joint system, engaged with the load bearing beams, maintains a substantially equal a~istance between the load bearing beams 11-13 as the gap increases or decreases. ~s the rollers that are attached to the arms slide or roll within the guides, the load bearing beams 11-13 are pulled into relative alignment.
The expansion joint system is used in the gap between adjacent concrete roadway sections. The concrete is typically poured into the blockout portions of adjacent roadway sections. The gap as provided between first and second roadway sections to accommodate expansion and contraction due to thermal fluctuations and seismic cycling. The expansion joint system can be affixed within the block-out portions between two roadway sections by disposing the system into the gap between the roadway sectioa~s and pouring concrete into tlae block-out portions or by mechanically affixing the expansion joint system in the gap to underlying structural support. NlechaniCal attachment may be accomplished, for example, by bolting or welding the expansion joint system to the underlying structural support.
It is thus demonstrated that the improved expansion joint system can accommodate expansion anti contraction within am expansion joint that occurs in response to terr~perat~are eb~~anges, seismic cycl~~ng and deflections caused by vehicular loads. The expansion joint system maintains a substantially equal distance between the transversely disposed vehicular load bearing beams of the expansion joint systems. The use of the roller system on the arms decreases the friction forces while still maintaining is proportional distance between the vehicular load bearing support beams.
'While the present invention has been described above in connection with the preferred embodiments, as shown in the various figures, it is to be understood that 30 other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not YS
'VV6~~A. P. 3 ~ 55 necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary shill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present irmention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth am scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached clams.
~V.A.P.~ ~5J
FIG. 5A is a side schematic view of the ~:L~car~s for providing longitudinal movement of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 5B is an end schematic view of the ~rr°~eans for providing longitudinal movement of the expansion jcsint system.
FIG. 6f1 is a fragmentary side view of the e,~pansion joint system including a side view of a vehicle load bearing member and a:r~ end view of the yoke assembly for maintaining a support bar member in proximity to the bottom surface of the load bearing bean of the expansion joint system.
FIG. 6B is an enlarged fragmegatary side view of flee expansion joint system including a side vie'v of a portion of a ~.~ehicle load bearing member and an end view of the yoke assem'oly for rr~aintaining a support bar member in proximity to the bottom surface of the load bearing beari~ of the expansion joint system.
FIG 7 shows a schematic side view of orn embodiment of th.a means for controlling the spacing betvTeen the vehicle Ioad bearing members, which is an elongated arm structure.
FIG ~ is a cut away side view of one end of an ~rrr9~ member of the expansion joint system having a°oll.er means attached thereto.
FIG 9 is a cross sectional view of ogee erg~bodiment of the expansion joint system.
~~'AII~ET~ I)ESGItII~~If3l~
This invention relates to an expansion joint system that may be installed in 30 the gap between adjacent sections of a concrete structure. The, exI)ansion joint system may be utilized in roadway, bridge, and tunnel constructions. The expansion joint syster~~ generally includes a plurality of vehicular traffic loading A.~'.3155 bearing members that extend transversely within a gap of an expansion joint, a plurality of support members that extend longitudinally across a gap of an expansion joint, and a mechanism for controlling the sp,~cing between the transversely extending load bea.rHng members.
In certain embodiments, the means for controlling the spacing between the transversely extending load bearing members maintains a substantially equal distance between the transversely extending load bearing members in response to movements within tlm gap of tlm expansion joi:r~z. I~ plurality of flexible and IG compressible seal members may be engaged with the load bearing members to extend transversely wi~whin the expansion joint relative to tEte direction of the flow of traffic. 'Without limitation, the expansion joint system is particularly useful in the construction of roadways, bridges, tunnels, and thf: life that require accommodation of relatively large n-~ovements in multiple direction:.
I
The expansion joint system will now bf: described in greater detail in conjunction with illustrative ~IC1S 1-9.
Referring to illustrative SIG I, expansion js>int system 1~ includes a plurality 20 of vehicular load bearing members 11-13. The vehicular load bearing members 13 of expansion joint systom l~ are positioned in the gap between the adjacent roadway sections (not shownj. The vehicle Toad bf:aring members are often referred to in the art as "center beams.'9 hike illustrativ;.~ ~I~ 1 shows three transversely extending load bearing members I l-1:3, it should be noted that the expansion joint z5 system 10 may include any number of transversely extending load bearing members, depending on the si a of the gap of the particular construction. I~ccording to certain embodiments, the load bearing members have a generally square or rectangular cross section. hTevert~heless, the load bearing members 1I-13 are not limited to members having approximately square or rectangular cross sections, but, rather, the 30 load bearing beam members 11-13 may comprise any number of suitable cross sectional configurations or shapes. The shape of the cross section of load bearing beam members I I-l~ is only limited in that the load bearing beams 11-13 must be A. P. 3 ~ 55 capable of permitting relatively smooth and unimpeded vehicular traffic across the top surfaces of the load bearing -beam members, a~:d the Load bearing beam members must have the ability to support engaging means on the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beam memdbers to engage the longitudinally extending elongated support members. According to certain embodiments, the top surfaces of the load bearing beam members may, for example, also be contoured to facilitate the removal of debris and liquids, such as rainwater runoff.
The load bearing beam members lI-I3 are positioned in a side-by-side IO relationship and extend transversely in the exp~~.nsion joint gap relative to the direction of vehicle travel. 3'he top surfaces of the load l;earing beam members are adapted to support vehicle tires as a vehicle passes over the expansion joint.
Compressible seals {shown in F'I~ ~) may be placed and extend transversely hetween the positioned vehicular Load bearing beam members I I-I3 adjacent the top I5 surfaces of the beam ~~erribers II-I3 ~.o fill the spaces between the beam members II-13. The seals gnat' also be placed and extend in the space between end beam member l I and edge plate l~ and to extend between end beam member 13 and edge plate 15. The seals are Ilexible and compressible and, therefore, can stretch and contract in response to movement of the load bearing beams within the expansion 2D joint. The seals may be Ynade from a durable and abrasion resistant elastomeric material. The seal members are not limited to any particular type of seal.
Suitable sealirAg members that can be used include, but are not limited to, strip seals, glandular seals, and merribrane sealso 25 lVow referring to FIB 2, the expansion joint system 10 includes elongated support bar members X13-23 positioned below the transversely extending vehicle load bearing members. Support -bar members 2(3-23 are positioned in a spaced-apart, side-by-side relationship and extend longitudinally across the gap of the expansion joint., relative to the direction of the flow of vehicular traffic. That is, the support 30 bar members 2(3-23 extend substantially parallel relative to the direction of vehicle travel across the expansion joint system 1G. The support bar members 2C-23 provide support to t'l~e vehicle load bearing beams II-I3 as vehicular traffic passes '~~A.~.3 ~ ~5 over the expansion joint system 10. support bar members 20-23 also accommodate transverse, longitudinal, anti vertical movement '~f the expansion joint system 10 within the gap. ~pposate ends of the support leer me~rnbers are received into a suitable means for- accepting the ends of l:he support bar members, and the several means for accepting the support bar members are disposed, or embedded in portions of respective adjacent roadway sections in the roadway construction. The expansion joint system 10 ca~~ be affi~c~°.d within the block-out areas between two roadway sections by disposing tlae systf:m 10 into the gap between the roadway sections and pouring concrete into the dock-out portions eor by mechanically affixing the expansion joint system t0 in the gap to the: underlying structural support.
mechanical attachment may be accomplished, for exampie, by bolting or welding the expansion joint system 10 to the underlying strtactural support.
Provision is made for particular types of movement of t:~e support bar 1~ members 20-23 within the separate means for accepting ti?e ends of the support bar members. In one embodiment, the means for accepting the ends of the support bar members may comprise box-like structures. It should be noted, however that the means for accepting the ends of the support bar members may include any structure such as, for example, d~eeeptacles, chambers, housings, containers, enclosures, channels, tracks, swots, grooves or passages, that includes a suitable cavity for accepting the end portions of the support bar members 20-23, and permits the desired movement of the support bars within the means.
Still referring to PIE 2, the expansion joint systems 10 includes first means 30 for confining the first ends of the support bars 20-23 against longitudinal movement within the first means 30 for accepting, but permitting transverse movement of the first ends within the ~~rst means :~0 for accepting.
~'lzerefore, the expansion joint system 10 includes first means for accepting first ends of the longitudinally extending elongated sL~pport members which include means for substantially restrict=,rAg longitudinal movement within the first means for accepting, but permitting transverse and vertical moveme:i within said first means for accepting.
WBA.P.3155 The expansion joint system 10 includes second means 50 for accepting opposite ends of the support member s 20-23 for confining the opposite ends of the support bars 20-23 against transverse movement within the second means 50 for accepting, but permitting longitudinal movement within the second means 50 for accepting. Therefore, the expansion joint system 10 includes second means for accepting ends of sand longitudinally extending elongated support members which includes means for substantially restricting transverse movement within said second means for accepting, but permitting longitudinal end vertical. movement within said second means for accepting.
FIGS 3A and 3E show an illustrative support member 20 of the expansion joint system 10. The support member 20 is showut as ~.n elongated bar-like member having a square cross section. It should be noted, however, that: the support member 20 is not limited to elongated bar members having sduare cross sections, but, rather, the support member 20 may comprise an elongated bar member having a number of different cross sectional shapes such as, for example, round, oval, oblong, rectangular, end other like cross sectiordal shapes. 'fhe support bar includes opposite ends 24, 25. Illustrative FICi 3~ shows one embodiment of end 25 of the support bar 20, which is shown as being tapered to a lesser width relative to the remainder of the length of the bar 20, and which includes a hole 26 communicating from one side 27 of the support bar 20 to the other side 28.
According to this emhodime~~t, the hole 2~ is adapted to receive a securing means.
End 25 of the support bar 20 having the hole 26 therein is adapted to be inserted into first means 30 for permitting transverse arid vertical movement, but substantially restricting longitudinal movement of the support member 20 of the expansion joint system 10 within the means 30. FIC3 3C shows one end 25 of the support bar 20 inserted into means 30.
FICA 4 shows means 30, which according to the embodiment shown is a substantially rectangular box structure, and which permits transverse and vertical movement of support bars 20-23 of the expansion joint system 10 in response to movement within the expansion joint. The transverse and vertical movement box ~A.P.~155 includes top 31 and bottom 32 plates, side plates 33, 34 and back plate (not shown).
According to this embodiment, flee securing means 36 is an elongated, substantially cylindrical guide rod to which a support bar 20-2:1 is engaged. The s~;curing means 36 is substantially centrally disposed within box 30 and may extend across box from side plate 33 to side plate 34. The securing means 36 may be held in place by holding plates 37, 38, which are attached t~ the inside wall surfaces 39, 40 of side plate 33 and side plate 34, respectively. The securing means 36 is inserted into the hole 26 in order to secure the support bars 20-23 within means 30. The securing means 36 can be any means which permits pivotable movement of end 25 of the support bar in tlm vertical direction within means 30, while further permitting transverse movement of end 25 of the support bar along the axis of the securing means 36. Thus, flee securing means 36 substantially restricts longitudinal movement of the support bars 20-23, but permits transverse and vertical movement.
while the securing means 36 is shown in FIG 4 as a cylindrical guide rod, it may, for example, include differently shaped rods, bars, pegs, pins, bolts, and the like.
FIG 3C shows a more detailed view of the tapered and holed end 25 of support bar 20, which has been inserved into box 30 and which is in contact with support bar bearings and holding plates. It should be appreciated that end 25 of support bar 20 is engaged vrithin box 30 in such a manner as to permit transverse and vertical movement of support bar 20. Illustrative FIG 3C shows concave support bar bearings 62, 63 are engaged with the tapered end 25 of the support bar 20. Again, it should be appreciated that spring-loaded, liquid or air charged, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the concave support bar bearings 62, 63.
Top support bar bearing 62 is placed in contact with the top surface 25a of the tapered end 25 of the support bar 20. Bottom support bar bearing 63 is placed in contact with the bottom surface 25b of the tapered end 25 of support bar 20.
30 Additional top support bar bearing 64 is placed bet~Teen top support bar bearing 62 and the top plate 31 of transverse box :30. Additions: bottom support bearing 65 is located between flee bottom support bar bearing 63 and the bottom plate 32 of ~~.P.3155 transverse box 30. Support bar 20 and support bar bearings 62-65 are held in place by lower holding plate 66a and upper holding plate 67a, which are positioned on each side 27, 28 of support bar 20. f~pposing upper and lower holding plates that are disposed adjacent to side 28 of support bar 20 are not shown in FIG 3C. As discussed hereinabove, the securing means 36 is passed through hole 26 of support bar 20. 3'he use of the securing means 36 through hole 26 in support bar 20 in combination with the curved upper and lower support bar bearings permits the support bar 20 to move transversely, relative to tf~e direction of traffic, and further allows the support bar 20 to pivot in the vertical diirect~on.
1~IG 5A shows one embodiment of the means for permitting longitudinal movement, but preventing transverse movement of the support bar members.
According to the embodiment of FIG 5A, the means for permitting longitudinal movement comprises a box-like structure 50. It should be noted, however, that the longitudinal movement support bar box 50 may include any structure such as, for example, receptacles, chambers, housings, eontair~ers, ea~closures, channels, tracks, slots, grooves or passages, that includes a suitable cavity for accepting the end portions 24. of support bar members 20-23 that are opposite the ends 25 that are inserted into longitudi~~al movement box 30. fox 50 includes top plate 51, bottom plate 52 and side plates (not shown). ~,ongitudinal movement support bar box 50 is adapted to receive the end 24 of the support bar 20-23, which is opposite to end 25 of the support bar 20, which is inserted into transverse movement box 30. A
portion of support bar 20 is received into box 50, and the position of the top and bottom sides of the support bar 20 are maintained within box 50 by upper and lower plates 53a, 53b, upper and lower curved rocker bearings 54a, 54b and keeper members 55a-55c, 56a-56c, respectively, disposed thereon, and upper 57a and lower 57b bearings that are hcld in place by the rocker beaa~ing keeper members.
'fhe use of tl~e upper 53a and lower 53b bearing plates and upper 54a and lower 54b rocker bearings maintains the vertical load on the bearings perpendicular to the sliding surfaces. 'The upper 54a and lower 54b rocker bearings are capable of absorbing impact from vehicular traffic; moving across the expansion joint system.
~~3A.P.31~5 however, it should be appreciated that spring-loaded means, liquid or air charged pistons, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the upper and lower bearings.
Box 50 includes means for permitting lonl;itudinal and vertical movement of the support bars 20-23 within box 50, and means for substantially preventing transverse movement of support bars 20-23 within the box 50. The upper 53a, 54a and lower means 53b, 541 nay maintain tlae vertical load on the support bars perpendicular to the axis of the support bars and, permit slidable movement of the support bars in the direction of vehicular traffic flow (longitudinal movement). As shown in FIG 58, side bearing means 58, 59' substantially prevent transverse movement of support bars 20-23 within box 50, ~.vhale not inhibiting or otherwise preventing longitudinal and vertical movement. Still referring to FIG 58, the position of the sides of tlae support bar 20 ar°c further maintained within the longitudinal movement support bar box 50 by b~,aring plates 58, 59, which arc attached to the inner surfaces of box 50 facing toward the support bar via bearing bolts 60a-60c.
The transverse movement box for receiving one end of the support bars is designed to permit transverse and vertical movement of the support bars within the boxes in response to changes in temperature changes, seismic movement or deflections caused by vehicular traffic, while restricting longitudinal movement.
Longitudinal boxes for receiving the opposite ends of the support bars are designed to permit relative longitudinal and vertical movement of the support bar within the boxes, while confining the bars agaia~st relative transverse mavement.
Means are provided to maintain the position of support bars 20-23 relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams members 11-13. Also, the means permit longitudinal and limited vertical movement of the support bars 20-23 within 30 the means. FIGS ~!-~. and 68 show one embodiment: of the means, which comprises a yoke or stirrup assembly 70 for retaining the position of the support bars relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams 11-13 of the expansion ~A.P.31~5 joint system 10. A.s shown in ~IC~ 6I3, the yoke assembly 70 includes spaced-apart yoke side plates 71, 72 that are attached to and extend away from the bottom surface of the vehicular load gearing beam 1l . F3ent yoke plate 73 includes leg portions 74, 75 and spanning portion 7fi that extends between legs 74, 75. The yoke assembly S 70 also includes upper yobs bearing 77 and lower yoke bearing 78. The yoke assembly 70 utilises flexible upper 77 and lower 78 yoke bearings to minimize yoke tilt and optimizes 'the ability of the expansion joint system 10 to absorb vehicular impact from traffic moving across the expansion joint system 10. Spring-loaded, liquid or air charged, elastomeric cushioning devices, or the like could be used in place of the upper 7 7 and lower 78 yoke bearings. While the one embodiment is shown utilizing a yoke or stirrup assembly to maintain the positioning of the support bars 20-23, any restraining device or the like that can maintain the position of the support bars 20-23 relative to the load bearing beams 11-1.3 may be utilized.
1 S Yoke assembly 70 may further include yoke retairc~ing rings 8I , 82 and yoke discs 83, 84, which are located on the inner surfa~:es of bc;nt yoke legs 74, 75. The yoke retaining rings 81, 82 and yoke discs 83, 84 are provided to allow limited vertical and longitudinal movement of the support bars 20-23. The yoke assembly 7D may also be provided with pivotal bushing-typf: devices in place of the upper 77 and lower 78 yoke bearings, yoke retaining rings 81, 82, and yoke discs 83, 84.
p'urthermore, the yoke side plates 71, 72 are spaced apart at a distance sufficient to permit bent yoke plate 73 to be inserted in the space; defined by the inner surfaces of yoke side plates 71, 72.
2~ The expansion joint system 10 also includes means for controlling the spacing between the transversely extending load bearing beam members 11-13 in response to movement in the vicinity of the expansion joint. In one embodiment, the means for controlling the spacing between beam members 11-13 maintains a substantially equal distance between the spaced-apart, traffic load bearing beams 11-13 that are transversely positioned within the gap ira an expansion joint, in response to movements caused by thermal changes, or seismic cycling, and vehicle deflections.
FIG 7 shoes one embodiment of the means for controlling the spacing between the vehicle load bearing members, which is an elongated arm 90. The elongated arm 90 may comprise a number of non-limiting cross sectional shapes that will permit the arm to movably engage at least one of the transversely extending load bearing members 11-? 3. Also, arm 90 has a cross-sectional shape that will permit pivoting of the arm at desired pivot points. hoc example, arm 90 may include a generally rectangular cross sectional shape. .A.ccording to certain embodiments, the generally rectangularly-shaped arm 90 may taper toward opposite ends. In one embodiment, arm 90 of the expansion ~oir~t system 10 is substantially planar. The term substantially planar is used to indicate that the arms are generally flat. It should be ~goted, however, that the term p=ar~ar is intended to include arms having notches, grooves or gecesses on one or both opposing surfaces. As shown in FIG '~, arm 90 has opposite first 91 and second 92 ends and a center region 93.
Arm 90 may be tapered toward its ends 91, 92 and may terminate into rounded 1~ ends, although this is merely one embodiment. Arm 90 may be provided with a number of spaced-apart, substantially equidistant holes 94-97, respectively, which communicate from surface 98 through to the opposite surface 99 of arm 90. In a preferred embodiment, arm 90 is provided with holes 9~, 96 that are located near the center region 93 of aura 90 and holes 94, 9'~ disposed substantially near the opposite ends of the grin 90.
While an illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG 7, one having ordinary skill in the art shouhl recognise that ths: recessed grooves or channels on arm 90 can be located an either the upper or lower surfaces, or on both surfaces, of the arms to provide clearance for the pivotal movement of the arm with respect to the bottom surfaces of members 11-13. Additionally, the number and position of the holes in arm 90 can be easily determined by one having ordinary skill in the art, depending on the specific installation of the systerra 10.
30 In one embodiment, the holes that are provided c>n arm 90 are adapted to receive fastener means to secure roller means to the arms. As shown in FIG 8, rollers 101, 102 are attached to end 91 of arm 90. The rollers 101, 102 are ~~f~.~. ~ 13~
substantially round and have a subsl:antially centrally disposed hole 103, I04 that communicates from a first surface to a second surface of the }roller 101, 102.
The hole 94 of arrn 90 is adapted to receive a pin means 105, which anchors rollers 101, 102 to the tapered end 91 of the arm 90. Specifically, the rollers 101, 102 are attached to the tapered end 91 of arm 90 by inserting the pin 105 through the hole 94 located near the end 91 of the arr~°~ 90 and through a portion of the holes of the rollers 101, 102. The rollers arc there secured to arm 90 by securement means 106, 107 that are inserted into the bolts 103, I04 of the rollers 10l., 102. The securement means I06, 10'~ could, for example, comprise a bolt, cap, peg, pin, IO plug, screw or the life chat anchors the rollers l~~I, 102 to the arm 90, but, at the same time, allows free rotation of the rollers 101, i02. Furthermore, washers I08, 109 may be fitted over the ends 105x:, 105b of pin 105 and tubular roller bearings 105c, 105d may be fitted o Jer the portions of pin 105 that are inserted into rollers 101, 102. t-llternati=Jely, the holes a gay be adapted to receive a bolt or pin means for sliding engagement with the load bearing beams.
FICx 9 shows an illustrative embodiment of the expansion joint system in cross section. according to Flfs 9, arm 110 has four spaced rollers 111-114 attached along the length of the arm l I0 for engaging vehicle load beams members 11-13 to control the spacing between the load bearing members. Roller°
111 inserted into side guide 115 located in edge plate 116. Each of vehicle load bearing members 11-13 has an inverted l1-shaped channei or guide 117-119 that extend away from the bottom surfaces of each of vehicle load bearing members 11-13.
Roller 1I2 is inserted into guide 117 extending away from the bottom surface of vehicular load bearir~gg beam 11. Roller I13 is inserted into guide 118 extending away from the bottom. surface of vehicular load lbearing beam I2. Roller 119 is inserted into guide 119 extending away from the bottom surface of vehicular load bearing member I3.
30 While the embodiment shown in FI~i 9 has been described as utilizing roller means engaged with the arms, it should be appreciarted that any mechanism having a sliding or rolling surface any which permits sliding or rolling engagement of the WPA.P.315~
arms with the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams 11-13 can be utilized in lieu of rollers. For example, a block or pin means engaged or integral with the arms may be used to provide sliding engagement of the expansion and contraction means with the load bearing beams.
Arm 90 is designed to be in ~Ynovable engagement with one or more of the transversely extending vehlclE: load bearing members. Depending on the desired construction, the ~rm.s of tlae expansion joint system may be provided in varying lengths to engage ~n increased or decreased number of transversely extending load bearing members in order to accommodate a broad range of expansion joint gap sizes. Alternatively, it is possible to increase or decrease the width of the vehicle load bearing members instead of increasing or decreasing the number of load bearing members utilized in the expansion joint gap. As the expansion joint gap between two concrete structures increases, the space between the transversely extending spaced-apart utilized tends to increase. Conversely, as the expansion joint gap between two concrete structures decreases, the space between the transversely extending spaced-apart mall decrease. ~ hus, a.ran 90 is utilized to maintain a substantially equal distance Between the transverse:Ly extending vehicle load bearing members.
Referring again to FIG 1, which shows an illustrative embodiment of the expansion joint systems, arms 90a-90e alternately extend from opposite longitudinal sides of the expansion joint system 10. Arms 90a, 90c, 90e extend from a first longitudinal side of the expansion joint and arms 90b, 90d alternately extend from 2~ the opposite longitudinal side of the expansion joint system. Mill referring to FIG
l, arm 90a extends away :prom receiver 120 l~acated in edge plate 15 of the expansion joint system 10. Arm 90b extends away f~ro~~n receiver 111 located in edge plate 14 of t:~e expansion joint system 10. Arm 90c extends away from receiver 122 located in edge plate l~ of the expaa~.sion joint system 10. Arm 90d extends away from receiver 123 located in edge plate 14 of the expansion joint system 10. Arm 90e extends away from receiver 124 located in edge plate 15 of the expansion joint system 10.
irJ~A.P.3155 In response wo a thermal, seismic or vehicular event, the longitudinal movement of the a~eehanisan of the expansion joint system, engaged with the load bearing beams, maintains a substantially equal a~istance between the load bearing beams 11-13 as the gap increases or decreases. ~s the rollers that are attached to the arms slide or roll within the guides, the load bearing beams 11-13 are pulled into relative alignment.
The expansion joint system is used in the gap between adjacent concrete roadway sections. The concrete is typically poured into the blockout portions of adjacent roadway sections. The gap as provided between first and second roadway sections to accommodate expansion and contraction due to thermal fluctuations and seismic cycling. The expansion joint system can be affixed within the block-out portions between two roadway sections by disposing the system into the gap between the roadway sectioa~s and pouring concrete into tlae block-out portions or by mechanically affixing the expansion joint system in the gap to underlying structural support. NlechaniCal attachment may be accomplished, for example, by bolting or welding the expansion joint system to the underlying structural support.
It is thus demonstrated that the improved expansion joint system can accommodate expansion anti contraction within am expansion joint that occurs in response to terr~perat~are eb~~anges, seismic cycl~~ng and deflections caused by vehicular loads. The expansion joint system maintains a substantially equal distance between the transversely disposed vehicular load bearing beams of the expansion joint systems. The use of the roller system on the arms decreases the friction forces while still maintaining is proportional distance between the vehicular load bearing support beams.
'While the present invention has been described above in connection with the preferred embodiments, as shown in the various figures, it is to be understood that 30 other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not YS
'VV6~~A. P. 3 ~ 55 necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary shill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present irmention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth am scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached clams.
Claims (21)
1. An expansion joint system for roadway construction wherein a gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections, said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said expansion joint system comprising:
transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members;
elongated support members having opposite ends positioned below said transversely extending load bearing members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint; and means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load bearing members relative to one another comprising arms which alternately extend from opposite longitudinal sides of said expansion joint system and are movably engaged with at least one of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load bearing members.
transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members;
elongated support members having opposite ends positioned below said transversely extending load bearing members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint; and means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load bearing members relative to one another comprising arms which alternately extend from opposite longitudinal sides of said expansion joint system and are movably engaged with at least one of said transversely extending, spaced-apart, load bearing members.
2. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein said longitudinally extending load bearing members extend across said expansion joint from said first roadway section to said second roadway section.
3. The expansion joint system of claim 1, comprising first means for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members; and second means for accepting opposite ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members.
4. The expansion joint system of claim 3, wherein said first and second means for accepting the ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members are structures selected from the group consisting of boxes, receptacles, chambers, housings, containers, enclosures, channels, tracks, slots, grooves or passages.
5. The expansion joint system of claim 3, wherein said first means for accepting said opposite ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members include means for substantially restricting longitudinal movement of said longitudinally extending elongated support members within said first means for accepting, but permitting transverse and vertical movement of said longitudinally extending elongated support members within said first means for accepting; and wherein said second means for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated support members include means for substantially restricting transverse movement of said longitudinally extending elongated support members within said second means for accepting, but permitting longitudinal movement of said longitudinally extending elongated support members within said second means for accepting.
6. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein said arms alternately extend from means adjacent to said first and second roadway sections.
7. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein said arms alternately extend from means embedded in said first and second roadway sections.
8. The expansion joint system of claim 1, comprising means attached to said arms for movably engaging said arms with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members.
9. The expansion joint system of claim 8, wherein said means for engaging said arms to said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members is selected from the group consisting of roller means, block means, and pin means.
10. The expansion joint system of claim 1, further comprising inverted U-shaped channels extending along a portion of bottom surfaces of said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members.
11. The expansion joint system of claim 1, comprising means for movably engaging said longitudinally extending, elongated support members with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members.
12. The expansion joint system of claim 11, wherein said means comprises a yoke assembly.
13. The expansion joint system of claim 12, wherein said yoke assembly comprising spaced-apart yoke side plates and a bent yoke plate spanning the gap between said spaced-apart yoke side plates.
14. The expansion joint system of claim 12, wherein said yoke assembly slidably engages said longitudinally extending, elongated support members with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members.
15. The device of claim 34, wherein said yoke assembly comprises bearings to permit longitudinal and vertical movement of said longitudinally extending, elongated support members.
16. The expansion joint system of claim 1, comprising seals extending between said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members.
17. The expansion joint system of claim 1, comprising seals extending between said transversely extending, spaced apart load bearing members, and between said transversely extending, spaced apart load bearing members and edge sections of said first and said second roadway sections.
18. The expansion joint system of claim 16, wherein said seals are flexible and compressible.
19. The expansion joint system of claim 16, wherein said seals comprise an elastomeric material.
20. The expansion joint system of claim 16, wherein said seals are selected from strip seals, glandular seals, and membrane seals.
21. The expansion joint system of claim 16, wherein said seals are strip seals.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/948,979 | 2004-09-24 | ||
| US10/948,979 US20060067789A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Expansion joint system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2483078A1 true CA2483078A1 (en) | 2006-03-24 |
Family
ID=36096926
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002483078A Abandoned CA2483078A1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2004-09-29 | Expansion joint system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060067789A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2483078A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA04009590A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109468917A (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2019-03-15 | 江苏徐工工程机械研究院有限公司 | Screw material-distributing system and paver |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8351687B1 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2013-01-08 | Watson Bowman Acme Corporation | Bearing and expansion joint system including same |
| CN112813798A (en) * | 2021-02-03 | 2021-05-18 | 兰州铁道设计院有限公司 | Combined corrosion-resistant supporting device for transverse earthquake resistance of bridge |
Family Cites Families (27)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3482492A (en) * | 1967-04-05 | 1969-12-09 | Acme Highway Prod | Joint seal |
| US3699853A (en) * | 1971-02-16 | 1972-10-24 | Acme Highway Prod | Composite expansion joint |
| CH595509A5 (en) * | 1975-07-29 | 1978-02-15 | Bertschmann Silvio | |
| US4080086A (en) * | 1975-09-24 | 1978-03-21 | Watson-Bowman Associates, Inc. | Roadway joint-sealing apparatus |
| US4007994A (en) * | 1975-12-18 | 1977-02-15 | The D. S. Brown Company | Expansion joint with elastomer seal |
| US4111582A (en) * | 1976-03-19 | 1978-09-05 | Samuel Tippett | Expansion joint |
| US4030156A (en) * | 1976-08-16 | 1977-06-21 | A. J. Harris & Sons, Inc. | Bridge expansion joint |
| US4075728A (en) * | 1976-12-27 | 1978-02-28 | Acme Highway Products Corporation | Adjustable embossment connector for a composite expansion joint assembly |
| US4087191A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1978-05-02 | Felt Products Mfg. Co. | Large motion expansion joint |
| US4120066A (en) * | 1977-06-01 | 1978-10-17 | Yves Gerald Leroux | Expansion joint for roadway sections |
| US4339214A (en) * | 1980-05-02 | 1982-07-13 | Acme Highway Products Corporation | Composite expansion joint |
| DE3212717C1 (en) * | 1982-04-05 | 1983-11-17 | Kober AG, 8750 Glarus | Joint bridging device for expansion joints in carriageways of bridges or the like. |
| US4533278A (en) * | 1983-07-25 | 1985-08-06 | Corsover William L | Expansion joint system |
| EP0163759B1 (en) * | 1984-06-08 | 1988-09-28 | Friedrich Maurer Söhne GmbH & Co. KG | Bridging device for expansion joints in bridges or the like |
| US4784516A (en) * | 1988-02-10 | 1988-11-15 | Harco Research, Inc. | Traffic bearing expansion joint cover and method of preparing same |
| US4923328A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1990-05-08 | The D. S. Brown Company, Inc. | Maintainable expansion joint for highways, bridges and the like |
| US5060439A (en) * | 1990-06-19 | 1991-10-29 | Watson Bowman Acme Corp. | Expansion joint cover assemblies |
| US5067297A (en) * | 1990-11-20 | 1991-11-26 | Watson Bowman Acme Corp. | Expansion-joint cover assemblies |
| DE19630328C2 (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1999-11-18 | Maurer Friedrich Soehne | Bridging device for joint gaps |
| US5863148A (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1999-01-26 | Shivaram; Mukundan | Prefabricated highway with end supports |
| US5887308A (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 1999-03-30 | Watson Bowman Acme Corp. | Expansion joint system with seismic accommodation |
| US6039503A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2000-03-21 | Silicone Specialties, Inc. | Expansion joint system |
| CA2423578C (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2010-02-16 | Mbt Holding Ag | Expansion joint system for accommodation of large movement in multiple directions |
| US7395570B2 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2008-07-08 | Construction Research & Technology Gmbh | Expansion joint system for accommodation of large movement in multiple directions |
| EP1355009B1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2011-12-21 | Maurer Söhne GmbH & Co. KG | Bridging device for joints |
| CA2486422C (en) * | 2003-10-31 | 2011-02-22 | Watson Bowman Acme Corporation | Expansion joint system including damping means |
| US20060070330A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-04-06 | Watson Bowman Acme Corporation | Bearing and expansion joint system including same |
-
2004
- 2004-09-24 US US10/948,979 patent/US20060067789A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-29 CA CA002483078A patent/CA2483078A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-30 MX MXPA04009590A patent/MXPA04009590A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109468917A (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2019-03-15 | 江苏徐工工程机械研究院有限公司 | Screw material-distributing system and paver |
| CN109468917B (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2023-10-03 | 江苏徐工工程机械研究院有限公司 | Spiral material distributing system and paver |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20060067789A1 (en) | 2006-03-30 |
| MXPA04009590A (en) | 2006-03-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |