Some common reasons for issues
When considering what system you specify into your project, If you want to save on project costs, dont try and do it in such a critical area that is the seismic joints. It has been said that Expansion Joint installed cost's reflect less than half a percent of the total project cost, but account for over 80% of the callbacks and maintenance problems on new projects! That's some statistic!
To help prevent problems occurring on your project, here is a list of preventable things which can undermine your expansion joint.
To help prevent problems occurring on your project, here is a list of preventable things which can undermine your expansion joint.
- Lack of design assistance from your supplier, resulting in overlooked issues at the time of installation
- Cheap systems are substituted to try and save on project costs (ensure you enforce a 'no substitute allowed' in your spec)
- Poor alignment of block-out surfaces between opposing precast units
- Actual movement was unknown and in excess of system’s capability
- Actual seismic gap was not continuous, and fixed items are designed across the joint area
- On non-precast projects, concrete shrinkage / elastic shortening was not considered.
- Certain items (ie: pipe conduits) were located inside the opening
- Expansion type anchors loosened due to repeated traffic and vibration loads.
- Improper joint selection (service conditions were not properly evaluated)
- Poor / lack of maintenance has reduced the service life
- Mechanical damage from snow removal operations or cleaning procedures in place
- Inexperienced installation crew providing a poor finish
Each expansion joint job is unique so please contact us on 0800 SPAN-IT for a system demonstration
