This document summarizes the different types of expansion joints used in bridges based on the amount of movement they can accommodate. It discusses small movement joints that allow up to 45mm of movement, including compression seal, silicone sealant, and asphalt plug joints. Medium movement joints that allow 45-130mm are described, such as sliding plate, strip seal, and finger plate joints. Large movement joints that accommodate over 130mm of movement are also summarized, specifically modular bridge expansion joints.

1. TYPES OF EXPANSION JOINTS IN
BRIDGES
MAHAVEER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
AND SCIENCE
PREPARED BY
SUNIL MANOHAR CHHANGANI
(ASSISITANT PROFESSOR )
(CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)

2. TYPE OF EXPANSION JOINT (BASED
ON MOVEMENT)
Small movement joints which have the
capacity to accommodate total motion up to
45 mm.
Medium movement joints which have the
capacity to accommodate total motion
ranging from 45 mm to 130 mm.
Large movement joints which have the
capacity to accommodate total motion
surpassing 130 mm.

3. TYPE OF SMALL MOVEMENT JOINT
(based on construction )
•Compression seal Joint
•Silicone sealants Joint
•Asphalt plug Joint

4. COMPRESSION SEAL JOINT
 Provides uniform compression without coming out of joint opening
 Enables a smooth ride for vehicles even with the deck after compression

5. SILICONE SEALANTS JOINT
 Exhibit good elastic properties over a wide
range of temperature variation.
 Easy to use and self leveling.
 Can be placed in a short time so suitable for
rehabilitation/repair project.

6. ASPHALTIC PLUG JOINT
• Effective for allowing thermal movement
• They are water tight and snow proof.
• There is no debris collection at the top of the joint

7. TYPE OF MEDIUM MOVEMENT JOINT
(Based On Construction)
Sliding Plate Joints
Strip Seal Joints
Finger Plate Joints

8. SLIDING PLATE JOINT
 Two overlapping steel plates made to stop water and rubble infiltration
 are used for short and medium span bridges.
 These Joints are structurally simple, reasonable in cost.

9. STRIP SEAL JOINT
 Enables movement by a neoprene seal gland between two steel strips
 Because of its location, the gland is usually protected from vehicular wear .(image in next
slide also)

11. FINGER PLATE JOINT
 Open joint typically anchored to concrete decks
 Metal troughs are usually constructed beneath the joint to redirect runoff

12. TYPE OF LARGE MOVEMENT JOINT
(Based On Construction)
Modular Bridge Expansion Joints

13. MODULAR BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINTS
 Designed to prevent water and
debris from damaging structures
below bridge deck.
 Accommodate large structural
movement from several
connecting seals
 Seals expand and contract
uniformly

14. THANK YOU