NZ726825A - Expansion joint element and system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a method of manufacturing one or more bridge expansion joint assemblies 12 comprising an expansion joint element 10 and a lower support element 50. The method involves extruding a length of metal section having an upper surface 13 and a lower surface 14, including extruding a first engagement profile 57 on the lower surface. Cutting an intermeshing profile 22 along a side of the length of the section, or along a middle portion of the section, to form the or each expansion joint element, wherein an opposing side of the length of the or each expansion joint element is an anchoring side 17 formed with fixing means 26. Separately extruding a lower support element 50 that aligns for attachment with the or each intermeshing joint element, including extruding a second engagement profile 58 on an upper part of the lower support element that corresponds to the first engagement profile. The lower support element is used to increase the stiffness of the connection between the joint element and the structure 20a, 20b, particularly in larger sized applications, as the additional metal underneath the bolt head can distribute stresses from the joint element and makes it less likely to become loose from the structure due to vibration or fatigue. Having separate upper and lower components means that in case of damage, the upper joint element can be easily removed and replaced without having to also remove the lower support element which will usually be embedded in concrete.