January 12, 2026
The normal service life of expansion joints of highway bridges is usually related to the type, material and use environment:
Modular expansion joints(common in long-span bridges): generally 8-15 years, if frequently subjected to heavy traffic, the life may be shortened to 5-8 years;
Comb plate expansion joints: Suitable for small and medium-sized spans, with a lifespan of 6-12 years;
Seamless expansion joints(such as rubber asphalt type): properly maintained, it can be used for 8-10 years, and the life may be reduced by 20%-30% due to the shrinkage of the material in low temperature areas.
Routine maintenance should focus on 3 types of problems:
Sealant status: whether there is cracking or peeling, if water enters the gap, it will corrode the bearing and beam reinforcement;
Smoothness of the telescopic device: whether there is jamming resistance and insufficient displacement, it is necessary to clean up sediment and debris in time to avoid damaging the structure when the temperature is deformed;
Anchorage area conditions: whether the concrete is cracked, exposed ribs, and whether the anchor bolts are loose, these problems will lead to the overall loosening and failure of the expansion joint.
Westcoast New Area, Qingdao City ,Shandong Province ,China
