ASPHALTIC PLUG JOINT CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

This paper presents the initial results of research on polymer-modified asphaltic plug joints (APJ) on bridges and an overview on the practical aspects and scientific background of the new Swiss guidelines, which were developed in close coordination with German road authorities. It focuses on recent EMPA research for laboratory and field characterization of the APJ materials as well as on the evaluation of the relevant mechanical charateristics for the APJ system such as adhesion, permanent deformation and low temperature cracking. Additionally, results from a construction monitoring and long term field performance research project on 18 plug joints on bridges are presented. Further development of accelerated full scale laboratory tests at EMPA are also discussed.