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 one half of one 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.
- 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
Each expansion joint job is unique so please contact us on 0800 SPAN-IT for a system demonstration
