Evaluation of silicone sealants on bridge deck expansion joints

Expansion joints in bridge decks must be sealed to prevent surface water and contaminant runoff from deteriorating the load carrying steel and concrete members beneath the structure. Within the past few years the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has specified poured silicone joint sealers on new bridges via Special Provision. The success of these type joints has been variable, including several premature, joint failures. The object of this research was to monitor five installations of poured silicone joint sealers on bridges and watch them for one year. Also, fifteen existing joints were to he looked at over the course of the project. With this information, a detailed Installation Manual was written to he used by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to Iimit the amount of premature failures from these joints.