DURABILITY OF MODULAR BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINTS FOR ROAD BRIDGES

Abstract Modular bridge expansion joints are exposed to considerable loads and load cycles associated with the increase in heavy freight traffic. They are increasingly at risk of corrosion and fatigue necessitating, costly repair measures, often accompanied by road or lane closures. To develop more durable bridge expansion joints the key research focuses on damage analysis, corrosion protection by means of hot‐dip galvanising and the accompanying influence on fatigue resistance as well as the monitoring of modular bridge expansion joint structures under live traffic. Based on more than 14,000 individual cases of damage identified during bride inspection, a damage catalogue for modular bridge expansion joints has been compiled. The hypothesis that corrosion is mainly responsible for the frequently insufficient service life can be confirmed. Large‐scale 4‐point‐bending tests were used to verify the fatigue resistance of the centre beam welds in accordance with EN 1993‐1‐9. The fatigue resistance of hybrid sections with stainless steel was also confirmed. With respect to the durability of the structure, the influence of hot‐dip galvanization on fatigue resistance is still being investigated. In accordance to other research projects a slight reduction in fatigue resistance of HDG specimen could be observed.