ABSTRACT
Honshu-Shikoku Bridges have large and special expansion joints in order to deal with the deformation unique to long-span bridges, such as large longitudinal and in-plane displacement. There are several types of large expansion joints, and most of the link type expansion joints in Japan are used in the Honshu-Shikoku Bridges. The link type expansion joints installed in the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge move up to ±1450mm. Although many minor damages were reported, maintenance of the link-type expansion joints is limited to small scale repairs or parts replacements. In order to continue to maintain more than 200 years, preparation for large-scale renewal work and replacement of these expansion joints expected in the future is necessary. This paper introduces the examples of damages and repair works of link-type expansion joints reported in the Honshu-Shikoku Bridges. Furthermore, the future maintenance strategies based on problems in maintenance over the past 30 years will be explained.
