Investigating polyurethane expansion joints under practice conditions
For long bridge structures, steel expansion joints are used; for shorter bridges, asphalt expansion joints have been used for some years. However, due to its limited stability, this material can only be used to a limited extent. The use of polyurethane is being discussed as an alternative. The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) therefore investigated whether the long-term properties of expansion joints made of polyurethane can be regarded as equivalent to those made of asphalt and whether they are suitable for use on construction sites.
The introduction of a corresponding information sheet was postponed by the Road and Transportation Research Association (FGSV) until further notice due to the damage that occurred on federal motorways. Initially, further pilot projects are to be carried out in which the measures developed for safe paving are taken into account. Only when it is shown that the implementation of these measures leads to a successful use of polyurethane expansion joints on federal motorways as well, can their use as a standard construction method be justified.