U.S. patent application number 10/948979 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for expansion joint system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Watson Bowman Acme Corporation. Invention is credited to Paul Bradford, Woon Hui Chong.
Application Number | 20060067789 10/948979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36096926 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060067789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bradford; Paul ; et
al. |
March 30, 2006 |
Expansion joint system
Abstract
A bearing is provided for use in connection with expansion joint
systems. The structure of the bearing permits improved motion of,
and provides improved support for, the components of the expansion
joint system that are supported on or engaged with the bearing. The
bearing is particularly useful for expansion joint systems in
roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and architectural
structures.
Inventors: |
Bradford; Paul; (East
Amherst, NY) ; Chong; Woon Hui; (North Tonawanda,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CURATOLO SIDOTI CO., LPA
24500 CENTER RIDGE ROAD, SUITE 280
CLEVELAND
OH
44145
US
|
Assignee: |
Watson Bowman Acme
Corporation
Amherst
NY
|
Family ID: |
36096926 |
Appl. No.: |
10/948979 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/47 ;
14/73.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01D 19/062
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/047 ;
014/073.5 |
International
Class: |
E01C 11/02 20060101
E01C011/02 |
Claims
1. A bearing comprising: a bearing substrate; and an upper bearing
portion disposed on said bearing substrate, said upper bearing
portion including curved side walls and a curved upper bearing
surface, concavely curved side walls and a flat seat region.
2. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said upper bearing portion
further comprises a curved upper bearing surface with a flat seat
region.
3. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said curved side walls of said
upper bearing portion are concavely curved toward the center of
said upper bearing portion.
4. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said bearing substrate is
substantially cylindrical.
5. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said side walls of said upper
bearing portion are bonded over at least a portion of said bearing
substrate.
6. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a
material that substantially resists a conformational change in
response to the application of a load.
7. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said upper bearing portion
comprises a material that is capable of undergoing a conformational
change in response to the application of a load to said
bearing.
8. The bearing of claim 7, wherein said upper bearing portion is
capable of undergoing a conformational change in response to the
application of a maximum load to said bearing, whereby said side
walls of said upper bearing portion change conformation from being
concavely curved to a conformation that is substantially
perpendicular to said upper surface of said bearing substrate of
said bearing.
9. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said substrate comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of polymers,
composites, and metal alloys.
10. The bearing of claim 9, wherein said composite comprises a
fiber reinforced polymer.
11. The bearing of claim 9, wherein said polymer is selected from
the group consisting of urethane, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyethylene, phenolic, and nylon polymers.
12. The bearing of claim 11, wherein said polymer is a phenolic
polymer.
13. The bearing of claim 9, wherein said metal alloy is selected
from the group consisting of bronze and steel.
14. The bearing of claim 1, wherein said upper bearing portion
comprises an elastomeric material.
15. The bearing of claim 14, wherein said elastomeric material is
selected from the group consisting of polyurethane,
polychloroprene, isoprene, styrene butadiene rubber, and natural
rubber.
16. The bearing of claim 15, wherein said elastomeric material is a
urethane material.
17. An expansion joint system for roadway construction wherein a
gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections,
said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit
vehicular traffic, said expansion joint system comprising:
transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing
members; elongated support members having opposite ends positioned
below said transversely extending load bearing members and
extending longitudinally across said expansion joint; first means
for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated
support members for controlling the movement of said ends of said
support members within said first means for accepting
longitudinally extending elongated support members; second means
for accepting opposite ends of said longitudinally extending
elongated support members for controlling the movement of said
opposite ends of said support members within said second means for
accepting longitudinally extending elongated support members; and
bearing means disposed between surfaces of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members and inner surfaces of at least
one of said first and second means for accepting ends of said
longitudinally extending elongated support members, said bearing
means comprising a bearing substrate and an upper bearing portion
disposed on said bearing substrate, said upper bearing portion
including concavely curved side walls.
18. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said upper
bearing portion further comprises a curved upper bearing surface
with a flat seat region.
19. The expansion joint system of claim 17, further comprising
means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending,
spaced-apart, load bearing members relative to one another.
20. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said
longitudinally extending load bearing members extend across said
expansion joint gap from said first roadway section to said second
roadway section.
21. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said first and
second means for accepting said ends of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members are structures selected from
the group consisting of boxes, receptacles, chambers, housings,
containers, enclosures, channels, tracks, slots, grooves, and
passages.
22. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said first
means for accepting said opposite ends of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members substantially restricts
longitudinal movement of said longitudinally extending elongated
support members within said first means for accepting, but permits
transverse and vertical movement of said longitudinally extending
elongated support members within said first means for accepting;
and wherein said second means for accepting ends of said
longitudinally extending elongated support members substantially
restricts transverse movement of said longitudinally extending
elongated support members within said second means for accepting,
but permits longitudinal movement of said longitudinally extending
elongated support members within said second means for
accepting.
23. The expansion joint system of claim 17, further comprising
means for movably engaging said longitudinally extending, elongated
support members with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load
bearing members.
24. The expansion joint system of claim 23, wherein said means for
movably engaging said longitudinally extending, elongated support
members with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing
members comprises a yoke assembly.
25. The expansion joint system of claim 24, wherein said yoke
assembly comprises spaced-apart yoke side plates and a bent yoke
plate spanning the gap between said spaced-apart yoke side
plates.
26. The expansion joint system of claim 25, wherein said yoke
assembly slidably engages said longitudinally extending, elongated
support members with at least one of said transversely extending,
spaced-apart load bearing members.
27. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said curved
side walls of said upper bearing portion are concavely curved
toward the center of said upper bearing portion.
28. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said bearing
substrate is substantially cylindrical.
29. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said side walls
of said upper bearing portion are bonded over at least a portion of
said bearing substrate.
30. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said substrate
comprises a material that substantially resists a conformational
change in response to the application of a load.
31. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said upper
bearing portion comprises a material that is capable of undergoing
a conformational change in response to the application of a load to
said bearing.
32. The expansion joint systems of claim 31, wherein said upper
bearing portion is capable of undergoing a conformational change in
response to the application of a maximum load to said bearing,
whereby said side walls of said upper bearing portion change
conformation from being concavely curved to a conformation that is
substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said upper
bearing portion of said bearing.
33. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said substrate
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
polymers, composites, and metal alloys.
34. The expansion joint system of claim 33, wherein said composite
material comprises fiber reinforced polymers.
35. The expansion joint system of claim 33, wherein said polymer is
a polymer selected from the group consisting of urethane,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, phenolic, and nylon
polymers.
36. The expansion joint system of claim 35, wherein said polymer is
a phenolic polymer.
37. The expansion joint system of claim 33, wherein said metal
alloy is selected from the group consisting of bronze and
steel.
38. The expansion joint system of claim 17, wherein said upper
bearing portion comprises an elastomeric material.
39. The expansion joint system of claim 38, wherein said
elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of
polyurethane, polychloroprene, isoprene, styrene butadiene rubber,
and natural rubber.
40. The expansion joint system of claim 39, wherein said
elastomeric material is a polyurethane material.
41. The expansion joint system of claim 17, comprising seals
extending between said transversely extending, spaced-apart load
bearing members.
42. The expansion joint system of claim 17, comprising seals
extending between said transversely extending, spaced apart load
bearing members, and between said transversely extending, spaced
apart load bearing members and edge sections of said first and said
second roadway sections.
43. The expansion joint system of claim 42, wherein said seals are
flexible and compressible.
44. The expansion joint system of claim 42, wherein said seals
comprise an elastomeric material.
45. The expansion joint system of claim 44, wherein said seals are
selected from strip seals, glandular seals, and membrane seals.
46. The expansion joint system of claim 45, wherein said seals are
strip seals.
47. An expansion joint system for roadway construction wherein a
gap is defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections,
said expansion joint system extending across said gap to permit
vehicular traffic, said expansion joint system comprising:
transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing
members; elongated support members having opposite ends positioned
below said transversely extending load bearing members and
extending longitudinally across said expansion joint; means for
movably engaging said longitudinally extending, elongated support
members with at least one of said transversely extending,
spaced-apart load bearing members; and bearing means disposed
between surfaces of said longitudinally extending elongated support
members and surfaces of said means for movably engaging at least
one of said longitudinally extending, elongated support members
with said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing
members, said bearing means comprising a bearing substrate and an
upper bearing portion disposed on at least a portion of said
bearing substrate, said upper bearing portion including concavely
curved side walls.
48. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said upper
bearing portion further comprises a curved upper bearing surface
with a flat seat region.
49. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said curved
side walls of said upper bearing portion are concavely curved
toward the center of said upper bearing portion.
50. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said bearing
substrate is substantially cylindrical.
51. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said side walls
of said upper bearing portion are bonded over at least a portion
said bearing substrate.
52. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said substrate
comprises a material that substantially resists a conformational
change in response to the application of a load.
53. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said upper
bearing portion comprises a material that is capable of undergoing
a conformational change in response to the application of a load to
said bearing.
54. The expansion joint system of claim 53, wherein said upper
bearing portion is capable of undergoing a conformational change in
response to the application of a maximum load to said bearing,
whereby said side walls of said upper bearing portion change
conformation from being concavely curved to a conformation that is
substantially perpendicular to said upper surface of said upper
bearing portion of said bearing.
55. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said bearing
substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting
of polymers, composites, and metal alloys.
56. The expansion joint system of claim 55, wherein said composite
material comprises fiber reinforced polymers.
57. The expansion joint system of claim 55, wherein said polymer is
selected from the group consisting of urethane,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, phenolic, and nylon
polymers.
58. The expansion joint system of claim 57, wherein said polymer is
a phenolic polymer.
59. The expansion joint system of claim 55, wherein said metal
alloy is selected from the group consisting of bronze and
steel.
60. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said upper
bearing portion comprises an elastomeric material.
61. The expansion joint system of claim 60, wherein said
elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of
polyurethane, polychloroprene, isoprene, styrene butadiene rubber,
and natural rubber.
62. The expansion joint system of claim 61, wherein said
elastomeric material is a polyurethane material.
63. The expansion joint system of claim 47, further comprising
means for controlling the spacing of said transversely extending,
spaced-apart, load bearing members relative to one another.
64. The expansion joint system of claim 47, wherein said means for
movably engaging said longitudinally extending, elongated support
members with at least one of said transversely extending,
spaced-apart load bearing members comprises a yoke assembly.
65. The expansion joint system of claim 47, comprising seals
extending between said transversely extending, spaced-apart load
bearing members.
66. The expansion joint system of claim 47, comprising seals
extending between said transversely extending, spaced apart load
bearing members, and between said transversely extending, spaced
apart load bearing members and edge sections of said first and said
second roadway sections.
67. The expansion joint system of claim 66, wherein said seals are
selected from the group consisting of glandular seals, membrane
seals, and strip seals.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing structure. The
present invention more particularly relates to a bearing structure
for an expansion joint system and an expansion joint system
including the bearing structure.
[0002] An opening or gap is purposely provided between adjacent
concrete structures for accommodating dimensional changes within
the gap occurring as expansion and contraction due to temperature
changes, shortening and creep of the concrete caused by
prestressing, seismic cycling and vibration, deflections caused by
live loads, and longitudinal forces caused by vehicular traffic. An
expansion joint system is conventionally utilized to accommodate
these movements in the vicinity of the gap.
[0003] Bridge constructions are also subject to relative movement
in response to occurrence of thermal changes, seismic events, and
vehicle loads. This raises particular problems, because the
movements occurring during such events are not predictable either
with respect to the magnitude of the movements or with respect to
the direction of the movements. Gaps or openings in the bridge deck
are provided for accommodating these movements, and expansion joint
systems are often installed in the gap. In many instances, bridges
have become unusable for significant periods of time, due to the
fact that traffic cannot travel across damaged expansion
joints.
[0004] Prior art expansion joint systems include various types of
bearings for absorbing loads applied to the expansion joint system
and for supporting the various expansion joint system components.
However, many of the bearings used in expansion joint systems
cannot absorb the increased loads and rotations that are demanded
by the roadway and bridge designs. Therefore, a need still exists
in the art for an improved bearing structure that can accommodate
increased loads and an expansion joint system including an improved
bearing that can accommodate movements that occur in the vicinity
of a gap having an expansion joint between two adjacent roadway
sections, for example, movements that occur in longitudinal and
transverse directions relative to the flow of traffic, and which
are a result of thermal changes, seismic events, and deflections
caused by vehicular loads.
SUMMARY
[0005] A bearing structure is provided, said bearing structure
comprising a bearing substrate and an upper bearing portion
disposed on a portion of said bearing substrate, said upper bearing
portion including concavely curved side walls.
[0006] According to certain embodiments, the upper bearing portion
includes curved side walls, a substantially curved upper bearing
surface, and a flat seat region.
[0007] An expansion joint system is further provided for a roadway
construction wherein a gap is defined between adjacent first and
second roadway sections, said expansion joint system extending
across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said expansion joint
system comprising transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular
load bearing members, elongated support members having opposite
ends positioned below said transversely extending load bearing
members and extending longitudinally across said expansion joint
gap, first means for accepting ends of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members for controlling the movement of
said ends of said support members within said first means for
accepting longitudinally extending elongated support members,
second means for accepting opposite ends of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members for controlling the movement of
said opposite ends of said support members within said second means
for accepting longitudinally extending elongated support members,
and bearing means disposed between said ends of said longitudinally
extending elongated support members and said first and second means
for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending elongated
support members, said bearing means comprising a bearing substrate
and an upper bearing portion disposed on said bearing substrate,
said upper bearing portion including concavely curved side
walls.
[0008] According to certain embodiments, the bearing includes an
upper bearing portion having curved side walls, a substantially
curved upper bearing surface, and a flat seat region.
[0009] In another embodiment, an expansion joint system is provided
for a roadway construction wherein a gap is defined between
adjacent first and second roadway sections, said expansion joint
system extending across said gap to permit vehicular traffic, said
expansion joint system comprising transversely extending,
spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members, elongated support
members having opposite ends positioned below said transversely
extending load bearing members and extending longitudinally across
said expansion joint, means for movably engaging said
longitudinally extending, elongated support members with at least
one of said transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing
members, and bearing means disposed between lateral sides of said
longitudinally extending elongated support members and surfaces of
said means for movably engaging at least one of said longitudinally
extending, elongated support members with said transversely
extending, spaced-apart load bearing members, said bearing means
comprising a bearing substrate and an upper bearing portion
disposed on said bearing substrate, said upper bearing portion
including concavely curved side walls.
[0010] According to certain embodiments, the bearing includes an
upper bearing portion having curved side walls, a substantially
curved upper bearing surface, and a flat seat region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing
structure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bearing structure in an
uncompressed state in the absence of a load.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bearing structure in a
compressed state in response to the application of a load to the
bearing.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the expansion joint
system including the bearing structure
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of an illustrative support bar
member.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the means for permitting transverse
movement of the support bar members.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of an illustrative support bar member
inserted into means for permitting transverse movement of the
support bar member.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a side view of the means for permitting
longitudinal and vertical movement of the support bar member.
[0019] FIG. 8B is an end view of the means for permitting
longitudinal and vertical movement of the support bar member.
[0020] FIG. 9A is a side view of a portion of the expansion joint
system including an end view of the yoke assembly for maintaining
the support bar member in proximity to the bottom surfaces of the
load bearing beams of the expansion joint system.
[0021] FIG. 9B is an enlarged fragmentary side view of a portion of
the expansion joint system including an end view of the yoke
assembly for maintaining the support bar member in proximity to the
bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams of the expansion joint
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] An improved bearing structure is provided. Without
limitation, the bearing can be utilized in connection with an
expansion joint system in roadway constructions, bridge
constructions, tunnel constructions, and other constructions where
gaps are formed between spaced-apart, adjacent concrete sections.
The expansion joint system may be utilized where it is desirable to
absorb loads applied to the expansion joint systems, and to
accommodate movements that occur in the vicinity of the expansion
joint gap in response to the application of the applied loads to
the expansion joint system.
[0023] The bearing structure includes a bearing substrate and an
upper bearing portion that is disposed on, or otherwise fitted
over, a portion of the bearing substrate. The upper bearing portion
of the bearing includes curved side walls and a curved upper
bearing surface.
[0024] The bearing structure will now be described in greater
detail with reference to the FIGURES. It should be noted that the
bearing structure is not intended to be limited to the illustrative
embodiments shown in the FIGURES.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exploded side view of one embodiment of the
bearing structure 10. Bearing structure 10 comprises a substrate 11
that is manufactured from a resilient material. According to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, bearing substrate 11 is shown having a
substantially cylindrical shape. The bearing substrate 11 includes
a top surface 12, bottom surface 13, and side walls 14 that extend
between top surface 12 and bottom surface 13.
[0026] Bearing structure 10 also includes an upper bearing portion
15. Upper bearing portion 15 includes a top bearing surface 16 and
side walls 17 extending downwardly away from top bearing surface
16. The side walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15 include
oppositely facing inner 18 and outer 19 surfaces. The top bearing
surface 16 and curved side walls 17, together, form a cap-like
structure having an inner volume 20.
[0027] Now turning to FIG. 2, the bearing structure 10 is shown
with upper bearing portion 15 engaged with the bearing substrate
11. Upper bearing portion 15 is engaged with bearing substrate 11
by disposing or otherwise fitting upper bearing portion 15 over a
portion of bearing substrate 11. The upper bearing portion 15 is
fitted over the top surface 12 of bearing substrate 11, and the
side walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15 extend over a portion of
the side walls 14 of the bearing substrate 11.
[0028] According to FIG. 2, the bearing structure 10 is shown under
conditions where no force or load is applied to the top bearing
surface 16 of the upper bearing portion 15 of the bearing 10. The
side walls 17 of the upper bearing portion 15 are constructed such
that in the absence of a force or load on the upper bearing portion
15 the sides walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15 have a curved
shape. That is, the side walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15
remain concavely curved and "bow in" toward the center of the upper
bearing portion 15. A portion of the upper bearing surface 16
includes a flat seat region. The flat seat region of upper bearing
surface 16 may be centrally located.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 3, the bearing structure 10 is shown under
conditions where a force or load (F) is applied to the top bearing
surface 16 of the upper bearing portion 15. Under conditions where
a force or load is applied to the upper bearing surface 16 of the
bearing 10, the side walls 17 of upper bearing portion 16 are urged
downwardly along the outer surfaces of side walls 14 of bearing
substrate 11 and upper bearing portion 16 moves into closer
proximity with bearing substrate 11. As upper bearing portion 15 is
urged in a downward direction toward bearing substrate 11, the
shape of the side walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15 undergo a
transition from being concavely curved toward the center of the
upper bearing portion 15 to a vertical configuration. That is, as
top bearing portion 15 is urged downwardly the side walls 17 change
configuration from the concavely shaped side walls to a position
that is perpendicular to the upper bearing surface 16 of upper
bearing portion 15 and top surface 12 of bearing substrate 11. When
an out of level force or load is applied to upper bearing surface
16 at an angle, the upper bearing portion 15 of structural bearing
10 is able to transmit the vertical load such that the bottom
surface of the bearing "feels" very minimal eccentricity.
[0030] Distortional stresses in response to the application of a
load to a traditional bearing structure often caused damage to the
bearing structure. The use of the bearing structure 10 having
concavely curved side walls 17 minimizes the distortional stresses
below the bearing surface in response to the application of a force
or load. The optimized geometric combination of curved side walls,
curved top bearing surface, and flat seat region reduces local
distortional stresses directly below the applied load, and moves
the maximum distortional stress region to below the surface, based
on the accepted principles of elasticity.
[0031] It is known that prior art bearing structure stiffness
remains nearly constant over the range of applications, as they are
compressed in response to the application of a load to the bearing.
The use of the bearing structure 10 havino an upper bearing portion
15 with concavely curved side walls 17 provides an increasing force
versus deflection spring rate. Utilizing the bearing structure 10
having an upper bearing portion 15 with curved side walls 17
permits the bearing structure to be precompressed to a significant
degree, thereby mitigating bearing vibration when large vehicular
impact loads are applied to the bearing. Additionally, the use of
the bearing structure 10 having an upper bearing portion 15 with
curved side walls 17 stabilizes large displacements in response to
loads applied to the bearing 10.
[0032] In general, the top bearing surfaces of prior art bearings
expand and contract against the support bar of the expansion joint
systems in response to an application of a load, which causes
significant rubbing and friction between the top bearing surfaces
of the bearings and the surfaces of the support bar of the
expansion joint systems. In contrast, upper bearing portion 15 of
the bearing structure 10 expands upward to contact the surface of
the support bar of the expansion joint systems. Under these
conditions, less surface rubbing and friction occur between the top
bearing surface 16 and the surface of the support bars of the
expansion joint system. Because there is less friction between the
top bearing surface 16 of the bearing 10 and the surfaces of the
support bars, there is a significant decrease in the surface wear
of the bearing 10. Thus, the overall life of the bearing is
increased.
[0033] The side walls of the prior art bearings bulge outwardly
upon an application of a load to the top bearing surface. These
bearings, sometimes referred to as parabolic bulge bearings, are
bonded on the top and bottom surfaces, and are free to bulge on
their sides. These bearings produce very large surface shears at
the point where the free edge of the bearing meets the bonded
surfaces. In contrast to prior art parabolic bulge bearings, the
side walls 17 of bearing 10 are constructed in such a manner that
upon maximum compression by a load applied to the bearing, the side
walls 17 of upper bearing portion 15 are vertical. This is a
significant improvement over prior art parabolic bulge bearings, as
shear strains at the point of the bond of the free edge to the
bonded edge is minimized.
[0034] An expansion joint system incorporating the improved
structural bearing 10 is further provided. The expansion joint
system may be utilized in a roadway construction wherein a gap is
defined between adjacent first and second roadway sections. The
expansion joint system extends across the gap between adjacent
concrete roadway sections to permit vehicular traffic. The
expansion joint system comprises transversely extending,
spaced-apart, vehicular load bearing members. Elongated support
members having opposite ends are positioned below the transversely
extending load bearing members and extend longitudinally across the
gap in the expansion joint from a first concrete roadway section to
a second concrete roadway section. According to certain
embodiments, the expansion joint system also includes first means
for accepting first ends of the longitudinally extending elongated
support members for controlling the movement of the ends of the
support members within the first means for accepting longitudinally
extending elongated support members, and second means for accepting
opposite ends of the longitudinally extending elongated support
members for controlling the movement of the opposite ends of said
support members within the second means for accepting
longitudinally extending elongated support members. Bearing
structures 10 are disposed between sides surfaces of the opposite
first and second ends of the longitudinally extending elongated
support members and inner surfaces of the first and second means
for accepting ends of the longitudinally extending elongated
support members to absorb loads applied to the expansion joint
system. The bearing structure includes a substrate and an upper
bearing portion that is disposed on, or otherwise fitted over, the
substrate. The upper bearing portion of the bearing comprises
curved side walls and a curved upper bearing surface.
[0035] According to other embodiments, the expansion joint system
includes transversely extending, spaced-apart, vehicular load
bearing members, elongated support members having opposite ends
positioned below the transversely extending load bearing members
and extending longitudinally across the expansion joint, and means
for movably engaging the longitudinally extending, elongated
support members with the transversely extending, spaced-apart load
bearing members. Bearings 10 are disposed between surfaces of
lateral sides of the longitudinally extending elongated support bar
members and surfaces of the means for movably engaging the
longitudinally extending, elongated support bar members with the
transversely extending, spaced-apart load bearing members. The
bearing structure 10 includes a substrate and an upper bearing
portion that is disposed on, or otherwise fitted over, the
substrate. The upper bearing portion of the bearing comprises
curved side walls and a curved upper bearing surface.
[0036] Now referring to illustrative FIG. 4, expansion joint system
30 includes a plurality of vehicular load bearing members 31-37.
The vehicular load bearing members 31-37 of expansion joint system
30 are positioned in the gap between the adjacent roadway sections
(not shown). The vehicle load bearing members are often referred to
in the art as "center beams." While illustrative FIG. 4 shows seven
transversely extending load bearing members 31-37, it should be
noted that the expansion joint system 30 may include any number of
transversely extending load bearing members, depending on the size
of the gap of the particular construction. According to certain
embodiments, the load bearing members have a generally square or
rectangular cross section. Nevertheless, the load bearing members
31-37 are not limited to members having approximately square or
rectangular cross sections, but, rather, the load bearing beam
members 31-37 may comprise any number of cross sectional
configurations or shapes. The shape of the cross section of load
bearing beam members 31-37 is only limited in that the load bearing
beams 31-37 must be capable of permitting relatively smooth and
unimpeded vehicular traffic across the top surfaces of the load
bearing beam members, and the load bearing beam members must have
the ability to support engaging means that are engaged to the
bottom surfaces of the load bearing beam members to engage the
longitudinally extending elongated support members. According to
certain embodiments, the top surfaces of the load bearing beam
members may, for example, also be contoured to facilitate the
removal of debris and liquids, such as rainwater runoff.
[0037] The load bearing beam members 31-37 are positioned in a
spaced apart, side-by-side relationship and extend transversely in
the expansion joint gap relative to the direction of vehicle
travel. That is, the load bearing members 31-37 extend
substantially perpendicular, relative to the direction of vehicle
travel across the expansion joint system 30. The top surfaces of
the load bearing beam members are adapted to support vehicle tires
as a vehicle passes over the expansion joint. Compressible seals
(not shown in FIG. 1, but shown in FIG. 9) may be placed and extend
transversely between the positioned vehicular load bearing beam
members 31-37 adjacent the top surfaces of the beam members 31-37
to fill the spaces between the beam members 31-37. The seals may
also be placed and extend in the space between end beam member 31
and edge plate 38 and to extend between end beam member 37 and edge
plate 39. The seals are flexible and compressible and, therefore,
can stretch and contract in response to movement of the load
bearing beams within the expansion joint. The seals are preferably
made from a durable and abrasion resistant elastomeric material.
The seal members are not limited to any particular type of seal.
Suitable sealing members that can be used include, but are not
limited to, strip seals, glandular seals, and membrane seals.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 4, the expansion joint system 30
includes elongated support bar members 40-43. Support bar members
40-43 are positioned in a spaced-apart, side-by-side relationship
and extend longitudinally across the gap of the expansion joint,
relative to the direction of the flow of vehicular traffic. That
is, the support bar members 40-43 extend substantially parallel
relative to the direction of vehicle travel across the expansion
joint system 30. The support bar members 40-43 provide support to
the vehicle load bearing beams 31-37 as vehicular traffic passes
over the expansion joint system 30. Support bar members 40-43 also
accommodate transverse, longitudinal and vertical movement of the
expansion joint system 30 within the gap.
[0039] Opposite ends of the support bar members 40-43 are received
into suitable means for accepting the ends of the support bar
members, and several means for accepting the support bar members
are disposed, or embedded in portions of respective adjacent
roadway sections in the roadway construction. The expansion joint
system 30 can be affixed within the "block-out" areas between two
adjacent roadway sections by disposing the system 30 into the gap
between the roadway sections and pouring concrete into the
block-out portions or by mechanically affixing the expansion joint
system 30 in the gap to underlying structural support. Mechanical
attachment may be accomplished, for example, by bolting or welding
the expansion joint system 30 to the underlying structural
support.
[0040] In accordance with the invention, provision is made for
particular types of movement of the support bar members 40-43
within the separate means for accepting the ends of the support bar
members. In one embodiment, the means for accepting the ends of the
support bar members comprise box-like structures. It should be
noted, however, that the means for accepting the ends of the
support bar members may include any structure such as, for example,
receptacles, chambers, housings, containers, enclosures, channels,
tracks, slots, grooves or passages, that includes a suitable cavity
for accepting opposite end portions of the support bar members
40-43.
[0041] Still referring to FIG. 4, the expansion joint system 30
includes first means 50 for confining the first ends of the support
bars 40-43 against longitudinal movement within the first means 50
for accepting, but permitting transverse movement of the first ends
within the first means 50 for accepting. Therefore, the expansion
joint system 30 includes first means for accepting first ends of
the longitudinally extending elongated support members which
include means for substantially restricting longitudinal movement
within the first means for accepting, but permitting transverse and
vertical movement within said first means for accepting.
[0042] The expansion joint system 30 includes second means 51 for
accepting opposite ends of the support members 40-43 for confining
the opposite ends of the support bars 40-43 against transverse
movement within the second means 51 for accepting, but permitting
longitudinal movement and vertical movement within the second means
51 for accepting. Therefore, the expansion joint system 30 includes
second means for accepting ends of said longitudinally extending
elongated support members which includes means for substantially
restricting transverse movement within said second means for
accepting, but permitting longitudinal movement within said second
means for accepting.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative support member 60 of the
expansion joint system 30. The support member 60 is shown as an
elongated bar-like member having a square cross section. It should
be noted, however, that the support member 60 is not limited to
elongated bar members having square cross sections, but, rather,
the support member 60 may comprise an elongated bar member having a
number of different cross sectional shapes such as, for example,
round, oval, oblong and rectangular. The support bar 60 includes
opposite ends 61, 62. Illustrative support bar 60 includes a hole
63 communicating from one side 64 of the support bar 60 to the
other side 65. According to this embodiment, the hole 63 is adapted
to receive a securing means. End 62 of the support bar 60 having
the hole 63 therein is adapted to be inserted into first means 50
for permitting transverse and vertical movement, but substantially
restricting longitudinal movement of the support member 60 of the
expansion joint system 30 within the means 50.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a side view of means 50, which according to the
embodiment shown is a substantially rectangular box structure, and
which permits transverse and vertical movement of support bars
40-43 of the expansion joint system 30 in response to movement
within the expansion joint. The transverse and vertical movement
box 50 includes top 52 and bottom 53 plates, side plates 54, 55 and
back plate (not shown). According to this embodiment, the securing
means 56 is an elongated, substantially cylindrical guide rod to
which a support bar 40-43 is engaged. The securing means 56 is
substantially centrally disposed within box 50 may extend across
box 50 from side plate 54 to side plate 55. The securing means 56
may be held in place by holding plates 57, 58, which are attached
to the inside wall surfaces 59a, 59b of side plate 54 and side
plate 55, respectively. The securing means 56 is inserted into the
hole 63 in order to secure the support bar 40-43 within means 50.
The securement means 56 can be any means which permits pivotable
movement of end 62 of the support bar in the vertical direction
within means 50, while further permitting transverse movement of
end 62 of the support bar along the axis of the securement means.
Thus, the securing means 56 substantially restricts longitudinal
movement of the support bars 40-43, but permits transverse and
vertical movement. While the securing means 56 is shown in FIG. 6
as a cylindrical guide rod, it may, for example, include
differently shaped rods, bars, pegs, pins, bolts, and the like.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows one end 62 of the support bar 60 inserted into
means 50. Bearing means 10 are disposed between the top surface of
support bar member 60 and the inner surface 52a of top plate 52 of
box 50 and between the bottom surface of the support bar member 60
and the inner surface 53a of bottom plate 53. The rigid bearing
substrate 11 of bearing structure is positioned adjacent to inside
surface 52a of top plate 52 and top bearing surface 16 of upper
bearing portion 15 may contact top surface of support bar member
60. A second bearing means 10 is positioned within box 50. The
rigid bearing substrate 11 of the second bearing structure is
positioned adjacent to inside surface 53a of bottom plate 53 and
top bearing surface 16 of upper bearing portion 15 may contact
bottom surface 64 of support bar member 60.
[0046] FIGS. 8A and 8B shows longitudinal movement support box 51.
Box 51 includes means for permitting longitudinal and vertical
movement of the support bars 40-43 within box 51, and means for
substantially preventing transverse movement of support bars 40-43
within the box 51. Preferably, the upper 71 and lower 72 bearing
means maintain the vertical load on the support bars perpendicular
to the axis of the support bars and, permits slidable movement of
the support bars in the direction of vehicular traffic flow
(longitudinal movement). Upper and lower bearing means 71,72 are
the constructed like bearing structure 10 described in FIGS. 1-3.
As shown in FIG. 8B, side bearing means 73, 74 substantially
prevent transverse movement of support bars 40-43 within box 51,
while not inhibiting or otherwise preventing longitudinal and
vertical movement. According to the embodiment shown, side bearing
means 73, 74 are provided in the form of bearing plates that are
disposed adjacent the inner surfaces of box 51.
[0047] The use of the upper 71 and lower 72 bearings maintain the
vertical load on the bearings perpendicular to the sliding
surfaces. The upper and lower bearings are capable of absorbing
impact from vehicular traffic moving across the expansion joint
system.
[0048] The transverse movement box for receiving one end of the
support bars is designed to permit transverse and vertical movement
of the support bars within the boxes in response to changes in
temperature changes, seismic movement or deflections caused by
vehicular traffic, while restricting longitudinal movement.
Longitudinal boxes for receiving the opposite ends of the support
bars are designed to permit relative longitudinal and vertical
movement of the support bar within the boxes, while confining the
bars against relative transverse movement.
[0049] Means are provided to maintain the position of support bars
40-43 relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing beams
members 31-37. Also, the means permit longitudinal and limited
vertical movement of the support bars 40-43 within the means. FIGS.
9A and 9B show one embodiment of the means, which comprises a yoke
or stirrup assembly 80 for retaining the position of the support
bars 40-43 relative to the bottom surfaces of the load bearing
beams 31-37 of the expansion joint system 30. As shown in FIG. 9B,
the yoke assembly 80 includes spaced-apart yoke side plates 81, 82
that are attached to and extend away from the bottom surface of the
vehicular load bearing beam 31. Bent yoke plate 83 includes leg
portions 84, 85 and spanning portion 86 that extends between legs
84, 85. The yoke assembly 80 also includes upper yoke bearing 87
and lower yoke bearing 88. The yoke assembly 80 utilizes upper 87
and lower 88 yoke bearings to minimize yoke tilt and optimizes the
ability of the expansion joint system 30 to absorb vehicular impact
from traffic moving across the expansion joint system 30. While the
one embodiment is shown utilizing a yoke or stirrup assembly to
maintain the positioning of the support bars 40-43, any restraining
device or the like that can maintain the position of the support
bars 40-43 relative to the load bearing beams 31-37 may be
utilized.
[0050] Yoke assembly 80 may further include yoke retaining rings
90, 91 and yoke discs 92, 93, which are located on the inner
surfaces of bent yoke legs 74, 75. The yoke retaining rings 81, 82
and yoke discs 83, 84 are provided to allow limited vertical and
longitudinal movement of the support bars 40-43. Furthermore, the
yoke side plates 81, 82 are spaced apart at a distance sufficient
to permit bent yoke plate 83 to be inserted in the space defined by
the inner surfaces of yoke side plates 81, 82.
[0051] The expansion joint system 30 may also include means for
controlling the spacing between the transversely extending load
bearing beam members 31-37 in response to movement in the vicinity
of the expansion joint. In one embodiment, the means for
controlling the spacing between beam members 31-37 maintains a
substantially equal distance between the spaced-apart, traffic load
bearing beams 31-37 that are transversely positioned within the gap
in an expansion joint, in response to movements caused by thermal
or seismic cycling and vehicle deflections.
[0052] The expansion joint system of the invention is used in the
gap between adjacent concrete roadway sections. The concrete is
typically poured into the blockout portions of adjacent roadway
sections. The gap is provided between first and second roadway
sections to accommodate expansion and contraction due to thermal
fluctuations and seismic cycling. The expansion joint system can be
affixed within the block-out portions between two roadway sections
by disposing the system into the gap between the roadway sections
and pouring concrete into the block-out portions or by mechanically
affixing the expansion joint system in the gap to underlying
structural support. Mechanical attachment may be accomplished, for
example, by bolting or welding the expansion joint system to the
underlying structural support.
[0053] While the present invention has been described above in
connection with the preferred embodiments, as shown in the various
figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may
be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described
embodiments for performing the same function of the present
invention without deviating therefrom. Further, all embodiments
disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various
embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired
characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited
to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope
in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims.
* * * * *