Assessment of Bridge Joint Performance in the Northeastern States

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst conducted a research project to determine the best practices for bridge expansion joints and headers in the northeastern United States. This research included understanding how joints and headers are used and maintained, and what factors and practices have affected joint and header performance positively and negatively. The initial research included reviewing the literature on previous joint research and compiling information on the existing bridge joint inventory in Massachusetts. Next, information was collected on bridge joints, headers, and practices within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT), by meeting with and interviewing personnel from each of the six district offices. These meetings identified significant variation in joint preferences and performance between districts within a single DOT. A survey on the use and performance of joints and headers that included questions specific to installation, repair, maintenance, and overall practice was created and distributed to transportation agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The 26 survey responses were compiled and summarized. This paper describes regional practice in the northeastern United States based on the results of this research.