ABSTRACT
Latest efforts by the European Organization for Technical Assessment (EOTA) resulted in the transition of ETAG 032 to the actual format of European Assessment Documents (EAD). These EADs provide a more comprehensive specification for expansion joints. In October 2020 EADs have substituted the earlier ETAG 032 as European harmonized technical specification for expansion joints. First ETAs have been granted based on this latest and most complete specification. Even though many national standards and regulations like Czech TP 86, Austrian ÖNorm B4031, Dutch RTD 1007 and German TL/TP FÜ refer to ETAG 032 or copied basic parts of it these cover additional aspects like in particular application, installation and aspects of maintenance of expansion joints by these national codes. The paper will introduce these EADs and show first applications of the assessments not limited, but in particular for complex expansion joint systems like modular and large cantilever finger expansion joints. This way a new level for assessment of expansion joints is reached, which exceeds significantly any other common national specifications for expansion joints in Europe or on an international level. Over-rolling tests on special prepared test tracks with statistical evaluation of measured data serves as viable basis for the assessment of the dynamic behavior of expansion joints respectively their fatigue design. Fatigue tests analyze the fatigue resistance and durability supported by wear tests. Full size kinematic test for modular joints are presented that prove the movement performance for up to 1800 mm total movement capacity. Important findings from these applications are shared in regard of general consideration of ETAG 032.
