WO2015061875A1

WO2015061875A1 - Expansion joint

Info

Publication number: WO2015061875A1
Application number: PCT/BR2014/000397
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorge Gabrielli Zacharias Calixto
Original assignee: Jorge Gabrielli Zacharias Calixto
Priority date: 2013-11-01
Filing date: 2014-10-31
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Also published as: MX2016005729A; CR20160246A; AU2014344752A1

Abstract

The expansion joint includes: a sealing profile (20), in elastomer, having two lateral flanges (21) affixed against the upstream side of two structure portions (10) defined along an expansion space (VD), the lateral flanges being joined, in a single piece, by a central portion (22); and a reinforcing portion (30), in the form of a flexible mat, having lateral portions (31) and a median portion (32), which are associated with the downstream side of the sealing profile (20). Each lateral flange (21) and each lateral portion (31) presents and external longitudinal edge (21a, 31a) in the form of a respective continuous widening (CE). A retaining stop (40) is seated against the upstream side of the lateral flange (21), internally to the continuous widening (CE). Fixation means (50), anchored in the structure portions (10), actuate over each retaining stop (40), in order to press the latter, the lateral flange (21) and the lateral portion (31) against the respective structure portion (10).

Description

EXPANSION JOI T

Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to an expansion joint to be applied in spaces of several structures made of concrete, steel, or other materials, particularly, but not exclusively, the structures in which the expansion joint is submitted to large structural movements and high hydrostatic pressures, as it occurs in dams of hydroelectric plants.

Background of the Invention

It is well known in the state of the art the expansion joints for several structures, such as the concrete structures of dams and other constructions, obtained in copper, PVC mats, in the form of profiles in elastomeric material (such as polychloroprene , EPDM, butyl, nitrile or natural rubber, SBR, Viton, and others which are resistant to harsh weather conditions, alkalis, fungi, molds, oils, greases and other agents, or also in the form of silicone or polyurethane-based mastics.

Although being widely used and presenting operational results which meet the requirements of the structure to which they are applied, these known expansion joints have a time-consuming and expensive application and do not present the possibility of being repaired of recovered after they are installed and operating in the concrete structure, in case an accident or localized rupture occurs in the expansion joint.

Aiming at eliminating the deficiencies and limitations of said expansion joints, it was proposed the constructive solution described and claimed in Brazilian patent application PI 9903326-7, in the name of the present applicant. In said previous solution, the expansion joint comprises an elastomeric profile, consisting of two longitudinal lateral flanges, to be respectively seated and glued against the two confronting end edges of the expansion space, upstream the structure, and a central portion, to be lodged in the interior of the expansion space and configured to withstand the hydrostatic pressures on the upstream side of the structure.

The expansion joint, in order to support high hydrostatic pressures, as it occurs in the dams, is usually provided with a reinforcing portion in the interior thereof, obtained in a synthetic material (for example, aramid, Rayon, Nylon, and others) or in steel, which is extended along the longitudinal lateral flanges and the central portion. Said reinforcing portion considerably increases the resistance of the assembly, without impairing its free displacement.

Although said prior solution of the present applicant has a simple construction, being resistant to harsh weather conditions and to other deteriorating agents, elastically deformable jointly with the structure ^: and capable of withstanding large hydrostatic pressures, with no risk of impairing its sealing characteristics, it presents a drawback related to the fact of being manufactured with the reinforcing portion, particularly when the latter is formed in a synthetic fabric.

The extrusion operations of the sealing elastomeric profile, already incorporating the reinforcing portion in its interior, are complex, time-consuming and costly, making very troublesome to incorporate said reinforcing portion in the interior of the elastomeric profile, mainly when said reinforcing portion is made of a synthetic fabric.

Aiming at overcoming the drawback described above, the present applicant developed the improvement described and claimed in Patent application BR 10 ^: 2012 007263 7, according to which the expansion joint s formed by: an elastomeric _. sealing profile, having two: lateral flanges joined by a central portion, to be lodged in the expansion space formed between two structure portions; and a reinforcing portion, in the form of a flexible mat.

According to said development, each lateral flange of the sealing profile has an upper portion incorporated to the central portion and a lower portion, which defines a spacing in relation to the upper ^■ portion, being incorporated to the latter in the region of its outer edge, and to be affixed in one of the structure portions. The reinforcing portion has lateral portions lodged and glued in the respective spacings, and a median portion disposed around the central portion of the sealing profile,, upstream the latter.

The improvement cited above allows the- sealing profile to be formed separately, by a simple and conventional extrusion process, the reinforcing portion having each of its lateral portions easily inserted between the upper and lower portions of a respective lateral flange of the already previously produced sealing profile, the median portion of the reinforcing portion remaining loosely disposed around the central portion of the sealing profile, in order to provide, to the latter, the required structural strength when the sealing profile is submitted to large hydrostatic pressures. ^:

While effectively simplifying the construction of the sealing elements, said improvement still presents the limitation related to the fact that the arrangement that retains it to the structure does not withstand pressures superior to determined values, such as the hydrostatic pressures to which the expansion joint is submitted when applied to dams of great height, for example, higher than 200 meters.

Said improved construction has the lateral flanges of the sealing profile and the adjacent portions of the reinforcing portion retained to the structure by pins or bolts disposed along through holes provided in the lateral flanges of the sealing profile and of the reinforcing portion. Thus, the retention jto the structure is made in determined points spaced from each other, both of the sealing profile and of the reinforcing portion, allowing a concentration of stresses to occur in said points, the latter coinciding with the perforated regions of the lateral flanges of the sealing profile and of the reinforcing portion. In very high pressure conditions, the reinforcing portion and the sealing profile may break in the region of the holes for the passage of the retention pins or bolts.

Summary of the Invention

Due to the restriction in the application of the applicant's prior construction, the present invention has the object to provide an expansion joint having the same principle of constructing the sealing profile and the reinforcing portion in separate pieces, such as the previous improvement, but presenting a construction which is resistant to great hydrostatic pressures, resulting from a better and more resistant retention of the expansion joint in the structure in which the expansion joint is provided.

The expansion joint of the invention is of the type which comprises: a sealing profile, in a single piece of elastomer, having two longitudinal lateral flanges joined by a central portion; and a reinforcing portion, in the form of a flexible mat, having lateral portions and a median portion which are associated with the downstream side of the lateral flanges and of the central portion, respectively, of the sealing profile, said lateral flanges being superposed to the confronting lateral portions and, jointly with the latter, are seated and affixed against the upstream side of two respective structure portions, defined along an expansion space. According to the invention, the expansion joint further comprises: a retaining stop, seated against at least part of the width of the upstream side of each lateral flange and along the longitudinal extension of the latter; and fixation means anchored in each structure portion and engaged to each confronting retaining stop, in order to press the latter against the overlapping adjacent lateral flange and lateral portion, compressing them, jointly, against the respective structure portion, along the expansion space, each lateral portion of the reinforcing portion having an external longitudinal edge defined as a continuous widening disposed externally to the port of the width of said lateral flange against which is seated the retaining stop.

The new construction allows achieving, besides the advantages of forming the sealing profile and the reinforcing portion in separate pieces, a solid and reliable tight retention of the expansion joint in expansion spaces submitted to great pressures, with the lateral flanges of the sealing profile being made of elastomer and the lateral portions of the reinforcing portion being retained, not in punctual perforated regions of their longitudinal extensions, but by a retaining stop extending along said flanges and lateral portions, which are further tightly pressed against the respective structure portions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described below, making references to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an extension of the expansion joint of the invention, when constructed and mounted according to a first embodiment and applied to an expansion space of a structure, further illustrating, in dashed lines, the position assumed by the expansion joint when subjected to hydrostatic pressures;

Figure 2 represents a somewhat enlarged cross-sectional view of the expansion joint illustrated in figure 1 and applied to an expansion space between two structure portions;

Figure 3 represents a view similar to that of figure 2, but illustrating a second embodiment for the construction and assembly of the expansion joint;

Figure 4 represents a view similar to that of figure 1, but illustrating a third embodiment for the construction and assembly of the expansion joint;

Figure .5 represents a perspective view similar to that of figure 1, but illustrating a fourth embodiment for the expansion joint of the invention, -applied to an expansion space between two structure portions; and

Figure 6 represents a somewhat enlarged partial cross- sectional view of one of the ends of the expansion joint illustrated in figure 5.

Description of the Invention

According to the illustrations mentioned above, the present expansion joint J is applied in an expansion space VD formed between two structure portions 10, in order to seal said expansion space VD in the upstream side of the structure portions 10, in which is directly applied the hydrostatic pressure in the case of dams, the structure portions 10 presenting, in the upstream side, opposite and confronting beveled edges 1.0a, each of, them being defined in one of the sides of the expansion space VD.

In order for the expansion joint J to be applied, the expansion space VD may be defined with a seat, which is lowered in relation to the adjacent beveled end edges 10a of the structure portions 10. In figure 1, the illustrated expansion space VD may represent the region of said seat in which the expansion joint J is mounted and lodged.

In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion space VD presents a rectangular cross section with lateral walls and, optionally, with a bottom wall (not illustrated) , however it should be understood that said cross section may present several forms, usually extending throughout the whole thickness of the structure portions 10 which form the expansion space VD.

According to the invention, the expansion joint J comprises · a sealing profile 20, in a single piece of adequate elastomeric material (such as polychloroprene,

EPDM, butyl, nitrile or natural rubber, SBR, Viton, and others) which is pressed, calendered or extruded, and vulcanized in its definitive form, in order to increase its resistance and reduce porosity, having two longitudinal lateral flanges 21, to be seated and affixed, usually with the help of epoxy adhesive, against the upstream side of the respective structure portions 10, along the expansion space VD, and to be joined to each other, in a single piece, by means of a central portion 22 to be usually housed in the interior of the expansion space VD.

The expansion joint J further comprises a reinforcing portion 30, in the form of a flexible mat, made of a synthetic fabric formed, for example, in fibers of aramid, Rayon, Nylon and others, having lateral portions 31 and a median portion 32, which are respectively and operationally associated with the downstream side of the lateral flanges 21 and of the central portion 22 of the sealing profile 20.

The median portion 32 of the reinforcing portion 30 is dimensioned to be able to follow the contour of the central portion 22 of the sealing profile 20, in the downstream side of the expansion joint J. ^' The reinforcing portion 30 substantially increases the resistance of the expansion joint J, without impairing the free displacement of the central portion 22, as illustrated in dashed lines in figure 1 of the appended drawings.

Preferably, the median portion 32 of the reinforcing portion 30 presents a width at maximum equal to the width of the central portion 22 of the sealing profile 20, the width of said median portion 32 being dimensioned with a value superior to a larger expansion space VD admissible between the two structure portions 10.

It should be understood that, in the applications in which the expansion space VD does not present a width with a dimension sufficient to receive the central portions 22, 32 of the sealing profile 20 and of the reinforcing portion 30, the expansion joint J may be mounted so that said central portions 22, 32 be positioned externally to the expansion space VD.

The central portion 22 of the sealing profile 20 presents its cross section defined by at least one loop in the form of U or V, having its rounded base projecting to the interior of the expansion space VD and _. the ends of its lateral legs matching with the two lateral flanges 21 and eventually with each other by means of curved segments of the sealing profile 20, in case it is provided multiple loops having the cross . section as a double U or double V, that is, in the form of , as illustrated in figures 5 and 6.

The height of the central portion 22 and the number of its U-shaped loops are defined as a function of the maximum deformation that the expansion joint J will be subjected in each specific application, and also of the dimensions of the equipment used for forming the sealing profile 20 in elastomeric material to be vulcanized.

In the illustrated construction, the longitudinal lateral flanges 21 present the thickness equal to that of the central portion 22. However, it should be understood that these thicknesses may vary according to the forces to which the expansion joint J will be subjected in each specific application.

According to the invention, each lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20 and each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30 presents an external longitudinal edge 21a, 31a in the form of a respective continuous widening CE, extending along the whole longitudinal extension of the expansion joint J, for allowing that the retaining forces of the sealing profile 20 and of the reinforcing portion 30, during the operation thereof submitted to great hydrostatic, pressures, are transmitted along the entire extension of the expansion joint J and no more concentrated in spaced apart anchorage points along the extension of the expansion joint J.

The expansion joint J further comprises a retaining stop 40, seated against at least part of the width of the upstream side of each lateral flange 21, and along the longitudinal extension of the latter, and fixation means 50 anchored in each structure portion 10 and engaged to each confronting retaining stop 40, in order to press the latter against the adjacent superposed parts of lateral flange 21 and lateral portion 31, jointly compressing them against the respective structure portion 10 along the expansion space VD. Each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30 has an external longitudinal edge 31a defined as a continuous widening CE provided externally to the width portion of said lateral flange 21 against which is seated the retaining stop 40.

As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the fixation means 50 are generally in the form of spaced apart bolts, trespassing the retaining stop 40 and being anchored, in the upstream side of the respective structure portion 10, according to at least one longitudinal alignment external to the adjacent continuous widenings CE of the lateral flange 21 and of the lateral portion 31.

The fixation means 50 allow, after tightening the respective nuts 51, the retaining stop 40 to be pressed against the structure portion 10, compressing the lateral flange 21 and the lateral portion 31 against the respective structure portion 10, along the expansion joint J.

As can be noted in the construction illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the fixation means 50 trespasses only the retaining stop 40 in a region defined externally to the continuous widening CE of the external longitudinal edge 31a of the lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30. Thus, the lateral flanges 21 and the lateral portions 31 are not trespassed by the fixation means 50.

According to the construction illustrated in figures 1 to 4, each retaining stop 40 comprises an elongated structural plate 41, made of a metallic alloy resistant to the actuation thereof in the upstream side of the structure portions 10, and incorporating, along an inner lateral edge, a retaining flange 42 having a free edge 42a seated against the upstream side of the adjacent lateral flange 21, internally to the respective continuous widening CE; and, along an external lateral edge, a support flange 43, having a free edge 43a seated against the upstream side of the respective structure portion 10, externally to the alignment of the fixation means 50.

When the retaining- stop 40 is compressed by the fixation means 50, its retaining flange 42 presses the thicknesses of the lateral flange 21 and lateral portion 31 against the upstream side of the respective structure portion 10, in a region internal to the continuous widenings CE, whereas the support flange 43 is seated against said structure portion 10 in a region external to and spaced away from the fixation means 50.

In the construction illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the support flange 43 has a height Ha usually greater than the height Hr of the retaining flange 42 and corresponding to the height Hce of the continuous widenings CE. More particularly, the difference of height between the support flange 43 and the retention flange 42 corresponds, approximately, to the sum of the thicknesses of the lateral flange 21 and of the lateral portion 31 provided between the structure portion 10 and the free edge 42a of the retaining flange 42.

With the construction proposed in figures 1 to 4, the retaining stop 40 may be seated and pressed by the fixation means 50, maintaining its structural plate 41 substantially coplanar to the confronting upstream face of the structure portion 10.

Pressing the retaining flange 42 over the thicknesses of lateral flange 21 and lateral portion 31 allows obtaining a spacing, between the free edge 42a of the retaining flange 42 and the structure portion 10, much inferior to the height Hce of the continuous widenings CE, guaranteeing a solid retention of the sealing profile 20 and of the reinforcing portion 30 to the respective structure portion 10.

Besides the above-cited retention feature, it can be noted that said pressing of the thicknesses of lateral flange 21 and lateral portion 31, by the retaining flange 42, also guarantees the tightness of said mounting region, impeding the upstream water from penetrating in the interior of the retaining stop 40, through the side of the retaining flange 42, reaching the fixation means 50 and the interface between the thicknesses of the lateral flanges 21 and of the lateral portions 31 and the adjacent upstream face of the respective structure portion 10. Depending on the construction, said interface may be incapable of assuring the desired tightness for the expansion joint J. In order to facilitate the manufacture, the retention flange 42 and support flange 43 may be defined by respective metallic bars welded in the face of the structural plate 41 turned to the confronting structure portion 10 close to the external and internal lateral edges of said structural plate 41. In the drawings, said metallic bars present a circular or substantially circular cross section, with the free edges being rounded to avoid cutting the thicknesses of the lateral flange 21 or of the lateral portion 31, upon pressing the retaining stop 40.

In order to avoid that water or other elements penetrate between the retaining stop 40 and the confronting structure portion 10, through the side of the support flange 43, the solution of figures 1 to 4 further comprises a sealing cord 60, in elastomer, provided between each fixation means 50 and the respective support flange 43 and which is elastically compressed between the structural plate 41 and the upstream side of the structure portion 10.

The tightness provided by the sealing cord 60 prevents the water, which by any chance passes between the support flange 43 and the structure portion 10, from reaching the region of the sealing joint J located between one of the parts defined by the remaining part of the marginal portion 21b, . 31b of the sealing profile 20 and by the reinforcing portion 30 and the adjacent structure portion 10.

As can be seen by the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the continuous widening CE, of the external longitudinal edge 21a of each lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20, is obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion 21b of the lateral flange 21 around a respective retaining cord 25, in polymeric material, a respective extension of the lateral flange 21 being disposed between the retaining cord 25 and the retaining stop 40, and with the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion 21b being disposed between each one of the parts defined by the retaining cord 25 and lateral flange 21 and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion 10.

On the other hand, the continuous widening CE, of the external longitudinal edge 31a of each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30, is obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion 31b of the lateral portion 31 around a respective locking cord 35, usually in polymeric material, provided between the retaining cord 25 and the fixation means 50, a respective extension of the lateral portion 31 being disposed between the locking cord 35 and the retaining stop 40 and between the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion 21b of the sealing profile 20 and the structure portion 10, the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion 31b being disposed between each one of the parts defined by the locking cord 35 and lateral portion 31 and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion 10.

In the construction cited above, it is used, one retaining cord 25 for each lateral flange 21, and one locking cord 35 for each lateral portion 31, the locking cord 35 being retained by the retaining cord 25 which, in turn, is retained by the retaining flange 42 of the retaining stop 40. In a second embodiment, illustrated in figure 3, the continuous widening CE, of the external longitudinal edge 31a of each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30, is obtained by mounting one adjacent longitudinal marginal portion 31b of the lateral portion 31 the retaining cord 25, with a respective extension of said lateral portion 31 being in contact with the retaining cord 25, between the latter and the parts defined by the lateral flange 21 and the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion 21b of the sealing profile 20.

In figure 4, it is illustrated a third exemplary embodiment, according to which the continuous widening CE, of the external longitudinal edge 21a _: of each lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20, is obtained by the very material which forms the sealing profile 20, the continuous widening CE, of the external longitudinal edge 31a of each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30, being obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion 31b of the lateral portion 31 around a respective locking cord 35, a respective extension of the lateral portion 31 being disposed between the lateral flange 21 and the structure portion 10 and between the locking cord 35 and the retaining stop 40, the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion 31b being provided between the parts defined by the locking cord 35 and the lateral portion 31 and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion 10.

In figures 5 and 6 it is illustrated a possible constructive variant for the retaining stops. According to this constructive variant, each retaining stop 40 comprises an elongated structural plate 45, which is seated and pressed against the upstream side of the adjacent lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20, between the continuous widening CE of the lateral portion 31 and the expansion space (VD) . As a function of said construction of the retaining stops 40, the fixation means 50 are spaced from each other and provided on each of the sides of the expansion joint J, according to at least one longitudinal alignment internal to the continuous widening CE of the lateral portion 31. The fixation means 50 trespass the structural plate 45 of each retaining stop 40 and the confronting parts of lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20 and lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30, and are anchored to the respective structure portions 10.

In the construction illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the part of the width of each lateral flange 21, onto which is seated the retaining stop 40, is externally limited by the external longitudinal edge 21a of said lateral flange 21.

In the constructive variant illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the structural plate 45 of each retaining stop 40 presents an external longitudinal edge 45a against which is seated the continuous widening CE of the external longitudinal edge 31a of the lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the retaining stops 40 having its structural plates 45 associated with a construction of continuous widening CE of the type described in relation to figures 1 and 2, that is, with the continuous widening CE, of each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30, being obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion 31b of the lateral portion 31 around a locking cord 35, the lateral · portion 31 being disposed between the confronting lateral flange 21 of the retaining profile 20 and the structure portion 10, the remaining part of said longitudinal marginal portion 31b of the lateral portion 31 being disposed between each one of the parts defined by the locking cord 35 and lateral portion 31, and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion 10.

In the construction illustrated in figures 5 and 6, each lateral portion 31 of the reinforcing portion 30 has its face, which is turned to the confronting lateral flange 21 of the sealing profile 20, coated, in the entire width and longitudinal extension thereof, with an impermeable film 90, preventing any liquid contained in the upstream side of the structure portions 10 from contacting the material of the reinforcing portion 30. The impermeable film 90 may be formed in any adequate material compatible with the material of the reinforcing portion 30.

In the constructive examples illustrated in figures 1 to 6, the retaining cord 25 and the locking cord 35 present a circular cross section, which is configured to avoid damages to the sealing profile 20 and to the reinforcing portion 30. For the same reason, the external longitudinal edge 45a of the structural plate 45, illustrated in figures 5 e 6, is preferably rounded.

The reinforcing portion 30 is extended along the whole longitudinal extension of the expansion joint, the median portion 32 of the reinforcing portion 30 following the contour of the central portion 22 of the sealing profile 20, in the downstream side of the expansion joint.

As can be seen in the figures of the appended drawings, for a more adequate assembly of the present expansion joint J, apart from the bevel 10a provided in the upstream edges of the structure portions 10, the latter may have the upstream face thereof lined, in the mounting region of the expansion joint J, with a mortar layer 70, usually of epoxy, which is solidly anchored to the respective structure portion 10 and presents its external face with a high level of smooth and flat surface finishing .

The present expansion joint may further comprise a lining 80, in the form of a dampening mat of synthetic material such as, for example, EPDM mat, which is glued on the upstream side of each structure portion 10, surface finished or not with said mortar layer 70. Against the lining 80 are jointly compressed, by the respective retaining stop 40, the confronting superposed parts of lateral flange 21 and lateral portion 31.

As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the lining 80 may extend over an extension of the inner wall of the expansion space VD, in each one of the structure portions 10. The lining 80 protects the elements of the expansion joint J against wear by direct contact with the confronting surfaces of the structure portions 10.

Other changes regarding form and relative positioning of the components may be made, without departing from the constructive concept defined in the claims that accompany the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An expansion joint, ^' comprising: a sealing profile (20) , in a single piece of elastomer, having two longitudinal lateral flanges (21) joined by a central portion (22) ; and a reinforcing portion (30) , in the form of a flexible mat, having lateral portions (31) and a median portion (32) which are associated with the downstream side of the lateral flanges (21) and of the central portion (22), respectively, of the sealing profile (20), said lateral flanges (21) being superposed to the confronting lateral portions (31) and, jointly with the latter, seated and affixed against the upstream side of two respective structure portions (10) defined along an expansion space (VD) , the expansion joint being characterized in that it further comprises: a retaining stop (40), seated against at least part of the width of the upstream side of each lateral flange (21) and along the longitudinal extension of the latter; and fixation means (50) anchored in each structure portion (10) and engaged to each confronting retaining stop (40), in order to press the latter against the superposed adjacent parts of lateral flange (21) and lateral portion (31), jointly compressing them against the respective structure portion (10), along the expansion space (VD) , . each lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30) having an external longitudinal edge (31a) shaped as a continuous widening (CE) disposed externally to the part of the width of said lateral flange (21) against which the retaining stop (40) is seated.

2. The expansion joint, according to claim 1, characterized in that each lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) has an external longitudinal edge (21a) shaped as a continuous widening (CE) provided externally to the part of the width of said lateral flange (21) against which is seated the retaining stop (40), the fixation means (50) being spaced from each other, trespassing the retaining stop (40) according to at least one longitudinal alignment external to the adjacent continuous widenings (CE) of the lateral flange (21) and of the lateral portion (31), each retaining stop (40) comprising an elongated structural plate (41) and incorporating: along an inner lateral edge, a retaining flange (42) having a free edge (42a) seated against the upstream side of the adjacent lateral flange (21), internally to the respective continuous widening (CE) ; and, along an external lateral edge, a support flange (43), having a free edge (43a) seated against the upstream side of the respective structure portion (10), externally to the alignment of the fixation means (50) .

3. The expansion joint, according to claim 2, characterized in that the support flange (43) has the height (Ha) greater than the height (Hr) of the retaining flange (42) and corresponding to the height (Hce) of the continuous widenings (CE) .

4. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises a sealing cord (60), in elastomer, disposed between the fixation means (50) and the support flange (43) and which is elastically compressed between the structural plate (41) and the upstream side of the structure portion (10).

5. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the continuous widening (CE) , of the external longitudinal edge (21a) of each lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) , is obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion (21b) of the lateral flange (21) around a respective retaining cord (25), a respective extension of the lateral flange (21) being disposed between the retaining cord (25) and the retaining stop (40), and with the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion (21b) being disposed between each one of the parts defined by both the retaining cord (25) and by the lateral flange (21), and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion (10).

6. The expansion joint, according to claim 5, characterized in that the continuous widening (CE) , of the external longitudinal edge (31a) of each lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30), is obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion (31b) of the lateral portion (31) around a respective locking cord (35) , a respective extension of the lateral portion (31) being disposed between the locking cord (35) and the retaining stop (40) and between the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion (21b) of the sealing profile (20) and the structure portion (10), the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion (31b) being disposed between the parts defined by the locking cord (35) and by the lateral portion (31), and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion (10) .

7. The expansion joint, according to any pne of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the continuous widening (CE) , of the external longitudinal edge (21a) of each lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) , is obtained by the material that forms the sealing profile (20) , the continuous widening (CE) of the external longitudinal edge (31a) of each lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30) being obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion (31b) of the lateral portion (31) around a respective locking cord (35) , a respective extension of the lateral portion (31) being disposed between . the lateral flange (21) and the structure portion (10) and between the locking cord (35) and the retaining stop (40), the remaining part of the longitudinal marginal portion (31b) being disposed between the parts defined by the locking cord (35) and by the lateral portion (31) and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion (10).

8. The expansion joint, according to claim 1, characterized in that the part of the, width of each lateral flange (21) , onto which is seated the retaining stop (40), is externally limited by the external longitudinal edge (21a) of said lateral flange (21).

9. The expansion joint, according to any* one of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that .the fixation means (50) are spaced from each other and disposed, in each one of the sides of the expansion joint (J), according to at least one longitudinal alignment internal to - the continuous widening (CE) of the lateral portion (31) , each retaining stop (40) comprising an elongated structural plate (45) which is seated and pressed against the upstream side of the adjacent lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20), between the continuous widening (CE) of the lateral portion (31) and the expansion space (VD) , said fixation means (50) trespassing the structural plate (45) of each retaining stop (40) and the confronting parts of lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) and lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30) .

10. The expansion joint, according to claim 9, characterized in that the structural plate (45) of each retaining stop (40) presents an external longitudinal edge (45a), against which is seated' the continuous widening (CE) of the external longitudinal edge (31a) of the lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30).

11. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the continuous widening (CE) , of each lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30), is obtained by mounting an adjacent longitudinal marginal portion (31b) of the lateral portion (31) around a locking cord (35), the lateral portion (31) being disposed between a confronting lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) and the structure portion (10), and the remaining part of said longitudinal marginal portion (31b) of the lateral portion (31) being disposed between each one of the parts defined by the locking cord (35) and the lateral portion (31) and the confronting upstream side of the structure portion (10).

12. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 1, 8, 9, 10 and 11, characteri ed in that each lateral portion (31) of the reinforcing portion (30) has its face, turned to the confronting lateral flange (21) of the sealing profile (20) coated, in the entire width and longitudinal extension thereof, with an impermeable film (90) .

13. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims ¹ to 12, characterized in that the central portion (22) of the sealing profile (20} presents a cross section defined by at least one loop in the form of U or V, having its base portion rounded and projecting to the interior of the expansion joint (J) and the ends of its lateral legs matching with two lateral flanges (21) and eventually with each other, by means of curved segments of the sealing profile (20) .

14. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the reinforcing portion (30) is extended along the whole longitudinal extension of the expansion joint (J), with its median portion (32) following the contour of the central portion (22) of the sealing profile (20) , in the downstream side of the expansion joint (J), said median portion (32) presenting a width at maximum equal to the width of said central portion (22 ) .

15. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the structure portions (10) have the upstream face thereof lined, in the mounting region of the expansion joint (J) , with a mortar layer (70), presenting its external face with a high level of smooth and flat surface finishing.

16. The expansion joint, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a lining (80), in the form of a dampening mat of synthetic material such as, for example, which is glued on the upstream side of each structure portion (10) and against which are jointly compressed, by the respective retaining stop 40, the confronting superposed parts of lateral flange (21) and lateral portion (31) .