Janos Gergely
Published: 2009
Total Pages: 130
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The purpose of this research was to determine the minimum requirements in order to ensure satisfactory long-term performance and to develop a quality control program, including field sampling and testing during installation. There were two main phases to the research performed within this study. The first phase dealt with identification of critical material properties to establish a prequalification program. A total of eleven products were obtained and lab-mixed to determine the effects of varying polymer and aggregate types. This phase would also provide a baseline for material property values throughout the remainder of the research. In the second phase, site visits were made to fresh installations throughout North Carolina to obtain sample elastomeric concrete mixed in the field. Those sites were later revisited to obtain material from the same expansion joint after at least 4 months in service. When revisited, samples were obtained through means of coring. Cored sample test data could then be compared to the fresh sampling data to determine changes in physical properties with time. Older existing joints (over 5 years in-service life) were also identified and sampled to determine the physical property changes associated with long-term cyclic loading and environmental weathering.