WO1993008331A1

WO1993008331A1 - Backup protection for sealed structural expansion joints

Info

Publication number: WO1993008331A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/009357
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bertram V. Burke; David Hall; Jay Burdett
Original assignee: Infrastructure Protection Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 1991-10-24
Filing date: 1992-10-26
Publication date: 1993-04-29
Also published as: AU3059092A

Abstract

A retrofit for diverting water leaking into an elevated expansion joint (EJ1) is formed by lowering an applicator (1B1) that carries an adhesively treated water run-off arrangement (AD1 + AD2) into the joint and pressing the arrangement against inside walls of the joint with an expanding bladder (PT1 + PT2) under fluid pressure. When the adhesive cures, reducing the pressure collapses the bladder (PT1 + PT2) and allows withdrawal of the applicator.

Description

TITLE

BACKUP PROTECTION FOR SEALED STRUCTURAL EXPANSION JOINTS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of our pending application Serial No. 653,254, Filed February 11, 1991. The subject matter of that application is incorporated into this application as if recited herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to backup protection for sealed structural expansion joints, and particularly to retrofitted backup protection of structural members against water seeping around seals at expansion joints of elevated structures such as bridges or decks.

Elevated roadways or decks with steel or concr steel superstructures generally sit on steel bearings surmounting the caps on top of concrete piers. Such roadways expand and contract continuously with hourly changes in temperature, as well as seasonal temperature variations. They also move in response to other forces. Expansion joints, forming gaps between sections of roadway that rest on the pier caps, accommodate this movement, growth, and shrinkage. The expansion joints usually extend transversely across the road, but may also follow longitudinally along the roadway. To prevent run-off water from damaging the supporting piers and caps, the expansion joints include elastically compressible seals secured in the gaps between the roadway sections. These seals shunt most of the water and other liquid materials that accumulate on a roadway away from gaps. The seals themselves resiliently reshape to fill the gaps between the roadway sections.

However, the seals are not perfect. Some of the water, caused by rain and snow, and oils and other materials leaking from automobiles, bypass trickle through the seals. Ultimately these liquids damage the bearings, the caps, and structural piers. Because the resulting damage takes place so slowly, it may not be recognized before conditions on the roadway become unsafe.

U.S.. Patent No. 4,804,292 illustrates a run-off arrangement for deflecting and collecting water seepage from the seals and diverting it to the sides of the roadway beyond the underlying piers and bearings. However, it is necessary to incorporate the run-off system into the bridge structure during initial construction, or to make it part of a dramatic rehabilitation project.

Accordingly, existing roadways cannot benefit from such a run-off system without reconstruction.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to overcome these difficulties.

According to a feature of the invention, these objects are obtained, in whole or in part, by horizontally securing run-off members against opposite faces at the gap of existing expansion joints either simultaneously or successively with a horizontal thrusting device that a suitable device lowers and retracts from the gap. Each member is a deflector although one of the members also coacts with the other deflector as a collector. The two deflectors overlap horizontally across the gap.

According to another feature of the invention, the run-off members are adhesively backed and secured by the adhesive to the faces of the gap.

According to another feature of the invention, other means such as elding are used to secure the run-off members to the gap faces.

These and other features of the invention are pointed out in the claims. Other objects and advantages from the invention will becomes evident from the following detailed description when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of an expansion joint with a resilient seal and a run-off arrangement embodying features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing several overlapping adjacent collectors.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of mounting means for mounting the run-off arrangement against the walls of an expansion joint from which the seal has been removed and which shows a method and means embodying features of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view showing suitable means in the process of mounting a collector portion of the run-off arrangement onto one wall of a gap formed in the expansion joint and embodying features of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view illustrating mounting of a deflection portion of the run-off arrangement embodying the invention.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a thruster using clips to hold the run-off members according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is a section view of a thruster using magnets according to the invention.

Fig. 8 is a section of another run-off arrangement embodying the invention.

Fig. 9 is a section of another run-off arrangement embodying the invention.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate details of the lowering device of Figs. 3 to 7 and the mandrel including the channel of Fig.4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In Fig. 1, two roadway or deck sections,

DS1 and DS2 sit on bearings BE1 on a pier cap PCI atop a structural pier SP1 and form an expansion joint, EJl between them. A compressed resilient seal RSI seals the gap GP1 formed by the vertical faces FAl and FA2 of the decks DS1 and DS2 at the expansion joint EJl. The seal RSI sits on two seal seats SSI and SS2 secured to the faces FAl and FA2.

A liquid run-off arrangement RAl includes a deflector DFl secured against the face FAl and a collector C02 secured against the face FA2 by . respective adhesive mounts ADl and AD2. Each adhesive mount ADl and AD2 takes the form of a resin impregnated reinforced fiber mat, a thick jelly, or any adhesive that fills the interstices between the deflector DFl and the face FAl on the one hand, and the interstices between the collector C02 and the face FA2 on the other.

The deflector DFl and collector C02 are each in the form of a stainless steel, reinforced plastic, or other non-corrosive sheet material bent as shown. The deflector DFl and the collector C02 are, in fact, each deflectors. However, the collector C02 serves both the function of a deflector and a collector. The deflector DFl and the collector C02 may also be termed run-off members.

According to another embodiment of the invention protected corrosive materials such as epoxy coated steel form the deflector DFl and collector C02.

In operation, the seal RSI prevents most liquid, made up largely of water and small amounts of other roadway liquid, from passing into the gap GP1 of the joint EJl. However, the deflector DFl passes any of the liquid at the left side of the seal into the collector C01. The collector C01 mounted on the face FA2 receives the remaining liquid not deflected by the deflector DFl. The collector C02 is tilted in the horizontal direction (into the page in Fig. 1) to pass the collected liquid beyond the structural pier SPl and the pier cap PCI.

The run-off arrangement CA1 may be composed of a single deflector DFl and a single collector C02 extending across an entire roadway or may constitute horizontally overlapping deflectors and collectors of which overlapping collectors C02 are shown in Fig. 2. The collector C02 are pitched downwardly toward the edges of the deck and identified as C021 and C022. To prevent leakage, extra thicknesses of adhesive AD2 are applied near the overlap portion of the section C021.

Fig. 3 illustrates an apparatus and method for securing the run-off assembly CA1 to the faces FAl and FA2 forming the gap GP1 of the expansion joint EJl. The process starts by removing the seal RSI and cleaning the surfaces of the faces FAl and FA2 with rotating brushes.

In Fig. 3 the seal RSI has been removed and the faces cleaned. A lowering device LD1 lowers an I beam (or structural mandrel) IBl with a shaft SHI into the gap GPl in the expansion joint EJl. Support sections SU1 and SU2 magnetically or mechanically hold the deflector DFl and collector C02 against the I beam. The adhesive mounts ADl and AD2 appear at the backs of the deflector DFl and collector C02 in an uncured condition. A horizontal pressure control HPl triggers pressure thrusters or actuators PTl and PT2 mounted on respective sides of the I beam IBl. The thrusters or actuators PTl and PT2 may take the form of bellows expansible horizontally under pressure from compressed air in the control HPl, compressed expansion springs which can be magnetically released by the horizontal pressure control HPl, electromagnetic repulsion devices, or other means for driving the adhesively backed portions of the deflector DFl and the collector C02 against the faces FAl and FA2 so that the deflector DFl and the collector C02 adhere to the faces FAl and FA2 as shown in Fig. 1.

In operation of Fig. 3, the lowering device LD1 lowers the I beam IBl with the loaded pressure triggers PTl and PT2 behind the deflector DFl and collector C02 as shown in Fig. 3 into a space below the seal seat SSI and SS2. The horizontal pressure control HPl then actuates the hydraulic, fluid, spring, electromagnetic repulsion, or other force devices to force the adhesive carrying deflector and collector EFl and C02 against the faces FAl and FA2 into the positions shown in Fig. 1 .

When the adhesive backing ADl cures enough to hold, the horizontal pressure control HPl releases the horizontal pressure by causing the thrusters or actuators PTl and PT2 to turn off the hydraulic or fluid pressure, by retracting the springs, by turning off the electromagnetic thrusters or actuators, or by other means.

Thereafter, the lowering device LD1 withdraws the I-beam IBl.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate other means for mounting the deflector and collector DFl and C02, particularly into gaps GP1 whose spaces are too small to accept both the deflector DFl and the collector C02 at the same time. Here, the lowering device LDl lowers a channel CHI that carries the collector C02 with the adhesive backing AD2 into the gap GP1 below the seal seats SSI and SS2. The horizontal pressure control HPl actuates the pressure thruster PTl which forces the collector C02 against the face FA2 into the position shown in Fig. l and 5. As In Fig. 1, the control HPl energizes the pressure thruster PTl by initiating hydraulic or fluid (pneumatic) pressure, starting electromagnetic force; releasing springs, or the like.

When the adhesive backing ADl cures enough at least partially, enough to hold, the horizontal pressure control HPl releases the horizontal pressure by causing the thruster or actuator PTl to turn off the hydraulic or fluid pressure, by retracting the springs, by turning off the electromagnetic thrusters or actuators, or by other means. Thereafter, the lowering device LDl withdraws the channel CHI.

Above the deck sections, DS1 and DS2, the lowering device LDl then reverses the horizontal direction of the channel CHI and the horizontal pressure control HPl sets the horizontal pressure thruster PTl. The lowering device LDl then lowers the channel CHI with the deflector DFl into the gap GPl at a space opposite the collector C02 and the pressure control HPl triggers the pressure thruster PTl to drive the deflector DFl and the adhesive ADl against the face FAl. When the adhesive ADl has cured, the control HPl releases the thruster PTl by eliminating the hydraulic or fluid pressure, retracting the springs, eliminating the electromagnetic repulsion, or otherwise eliminating the horizontal thrust and withdraws the channel. This sets the run-off arrangement as shown in Fig. 1.

As stated, in Figs. 4 and 5, the horizontal control HPl keeps causing the pressure thrusters PTl and PT2 to hold the deflector DFl and the collector C02 against the faces FAl and FA2 until the adhesives ADl and AD2 have at least partially cured enough to hold the deflector and collector against the faces. Thereafter, the horizontal pressure control deactivates the pressure thrusters' hydraulic or fluid (pneumatic) pressure, retracts the springs, deactivates the electromagnetic repulsion, or otherwise withdraws the horizontal pressure so that the lowering device can withdraw the I-beam IBl from the gap GPl. Thereafter, the seal RSI is force fitted above the seal seats SSI and SS2 as shown in Fig. 1.

The run-off arrangement RA1 avoids the leakage which the seal RSI may permit because it hangs off separate walls and is not subject to the same forces as the seal. The deflector DFl and the collector C02 may move independently of each other. They do not receive forces which might distort and damage other structures between the faces FAl and FA2.

According to an embodiment of the invention, caulking between the top rims of the deflector DFl and the collector C02 and the respective faces FAl and FA2 furnish further protection against leaks. According to still another embodiment mechanical means such as bolts or welds, with or without adhesive materials ADl and AD2, but with caulking, hold the deflector DFl and collector C02 against faces FAl and FA2.

The gap GPl between the faces FAl and FA2 may be as small as one-half inch and as wide as 3 or more inches. The lengths and angles of the bends in the deflectors FD1 and collectors C02 vary accordingly.

Joints such as the joint EJl extend not only across the longitudinal direction of an elevated roadway but may also external longitudinally. For that purpose the collectors C01 include spouts to direct the collected liquid away from bearings, piers, caps, and other structural members

The cleaning device for cleaning the faces FAl and FA2 takes the form of a carriage frame on wheels for a motor and a shaft. The motor turns the shaft and a series of different brushes on the end of the shaft clean the primary dirt, rust, and old glue that might have been used to keep seals in the RSI.

Expansion joints such as joints, EDI protect not only against thermal expansion but other movements of roadway sections or deck section DS1 and DS2. Also the lowering device LDl may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, manual, or other type.

For mechanically holding the deflector DFl and the collector C02 on the I beam IBl and the channel CHI, biasing clips CL1 on the support SU1 and SU2 grasp the members DFl and C02 and secure them in the position shown in Fig. 6. For magnetic attachment, permanent magnets PM1 and PM2 attract magnetic sections MSI and MS2 to hold the members DFl and C02 in position as shown in Fig. 7. Figs. 6 and 7 apply equally to channels as well as I beams.

The adhesive materials ADl and AD2 are thick enough to fill interstices in both the faces FAl, or FA2 and whatever breaks exist in the member DFl and C02.

The process for applying the run-off arrangement RA1 avoids removing the seal seats SSI and SS2. These seats may be removed and replaced by means other than those connected with the present invention. Normally however, the seal seats SSI and SS2 are firmly mounted by welding or otherwise in the faces FAl and FA2. According to another embodiment of the invention, the systems of Fig. 1,2,7 apply to two deflectors and a single collector as shown in Fig. 8. The manner of application is the same in Figs. l to 7. However, it involves applying first the collector, and than the lowermost deflector DF2 and lastly the upper deflector DFl. This embodiment embraces all of the other embodiments for application and positioning.

The expansion joints of Figs. 1 and 3 to 8 may include metal armor ARl along the faces of the faces FAl and FA2 as shown in Fig. 9. According to embodiments of the invention, the pressure thrusters PTl and PT2 contain a welding arrangement WEI for welding the deflector DEI and the collector COl onto the armor ARl.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate details of the lowering device LDl of Figs. 3 to 7 and the mandrel including the channel CHI of Figs. 4 and 5.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the deflector DFl and collector C02 abut against each other. According to yet another embodiment, the deflector DEI and collector C02 are spliced together.

While embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from its spirit and scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method which comprises:

cleaning a gap in an expansion joint of a roadway;

securing a run-off arrangement on opposing vertical faces that form a gap in an expansion joint of a roadway;

said securing step including:

a. removably mounting a run-off member on a horizontal thrusting device, with the member having an section facing away from the thrusting device;

b. lowering the thrusting device and the member into the gap between the vertical faces;

c. pressing the section of the member against one of the vertical faces by actuating the horizontal thrusting device;

d. bonding the section against the vertical face;

e. deactuating the thrusting device; and

f. withdrawing the thrusting device from the gap; and said securing step further including applying a second member horizontally overlapping the first member against the other of the faces within the gap.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein:

said applying step further includes:

a. removably mounting a second run¬ off member on the horizontal thrusting device before lowering the thrusting device, the second member having a section facing away from the thrusting device; and

b. pressing the section of the second run-off member on the horizontal device against the other of the vertical faces simultaneously with the first member.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the

step of applying includes:

a. removably mounting a second run¬ off member on the horizontal thrusting device after withdrawing the thrusting device from the gap, the second member having an section facing away from the thrusting device; b. lowering the thrusting device and the member into the gap between the vertical faces so that the section faces the other of the faces;

c. pressing the section of the member against the other of said faces by again actuating the horizontal thrusting device;

d. again deactuating the thrusting device; and

e. withdrawing the thrusting device from the gap.

4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

removing a resilient seal from the gap before lowering the thrusting device into the gap below the position of the seal; and replacing a resilient seal into the gap after withdrawing the device.

5. An expansion joint comprising:

a seal compressed between vertical faces

a water run-off arrangement bonded to the faces at a gap;

said run-off arrangement including two elongated overlapping portions each secured to one face extending along the gap and projecting toward each other so to overlap across the gap.

6. An apparatus for retrofitting a water run-off arrangement to the vertical faces at a gap of an expansion joint, comprising:

elongated thrusting means having vertical sidewalls;

holding means in said elongated thrusting means for holding elongated member of a run-off arrangement along one of the vertical sidewalls;

remotely actuable horizontal pressure applying means in said elongated thrusting means for applying force on the member in a direction away from said thrusting means;

lowering means for lowering said thrusting means into the gap and withdrawing said thrusting means from the gap;

control means for actuating the pressure applying means and doing said pressure applying means to force the member against one of the faces.

7. An apparatus as in Claim 6; where

said thrusting means includes second holding means for holding a second elongated member of the run-off arrangement along the other of the vertical sidewalls;

said thrusting means includes second pressure applying means for applying force on the second member in a second direction opposite to that of the first direction;

said control means including means for actuating said second applying means and causing said second pressure applying means to force the second member against the other face.