ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A large variability of expansion joints are used according to the type of bridge. Observing their increasing utilization since 1990s, finger type and rail type joints are predominant in short to medium span bridges, while special type joints like rolling shutter are mainly used in long span bridges. The recent recognition of the importance of maintenance and the increasing volume of traffic are now turning the main selection criteria onto the simplicity of management and replacement. In Korea, the repair or replacement of expansion joints occur after a relatively short period of 5 to 10 years in spite of the careful attention given to maintenance by the relevant managing authorities. The absorption of the continuously increasing traffic and the minimization of indirect social costs provoked by traffic control are requiring the installation of products exhibiting satisfactory performances and securing reliability during installation and replacement.
