Breaking the Asphalt code – Polyurethane flexible plug expansion joint

Typically, expansion-joints are installed between adjacent spans of a bridge deck or the bridge deck and the abutment. Their exposure to impact and vibration caused by traffic-loading, climatic-conditions and chemical agents’ impact, causes them to deteriorate faster than other bridge components. This requires maintenance and replacement during the service life of a bridge. An enhanced flexible-plug expansion-joint has been developed, with a polymeric surface, which offers a number of substantial advantages over the traditional bituminous type. The Polyflex®Advanced expansion joint offers all the benefits of the asphaltic plug joint, including smooth, safe, low-noise surface, great adaptability and easy installation. However, it overcomes numerous disadvantages and challenges that have always plagued asphaltic plug joints. Installation is also far easier and less prone to error, with the two-component compound being mixed at ambient temperatures. For these and other reasons, this joint should be considered for use in bridge-construction, in particular, in bridge-maintenance.