ABSTRACT
Modular expansion joints constitute a substantial part of direct and indirect costs of bridge maintenance. Joint condition assessments can be improved to predict or detect damages earlier. In this way the probability for consequential damages such as emergency repair and a shortened lifespan is reduced. Maintenance can be planned well in advance to reduce congestion. An Early Warning Monitoring System (EWMS) for a so-called lamellae joint was successfully operated on the Martinus Nijhoff bridge. Technically it is feasible to upgrade such systems to deliver predictive information. Wider application is hindered by an unclear cost/benefit ratio. A cost benefit analyses is reported for monitoring all 166 of such joints installed in 62 bridges in the Dutch highway net.
