SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS 800-125 — BRIDGE JOINTS
823.01 Description.
This work includes specifications for furnishing and installing various types of roadway joints, both expansion and fixed, between bridge decks and abutments or between sections of bridge decks at intermediate piers.
823.02 Materials.
Compression Type Neoprene Deck Joints.
a.Structural Steel. Use structural steel bars and plates that conform to AASHTO M270, Grade 36, hot-dipped galvanized. Use stud anchors that conform to ASTM A108.
b.S ealer and Adhesive . Use a neoprene sealer that is a preformed extruded type. Ensure that the sealer and adhesive that conforms to Subsection M02.10.3.
c.A luminum Sheet Metal . Use aluminum sheet metal that conforms to AASHTO M274. Do not allow aluminum to directly contact concrete or steel.
d.M etal Material . Use metal materials that are hot-dipped galvanized or metalized. Strip Seal Expansion Joints. The materials for the strip seal joint are the same as those in Subsection 823.02.1. Asphaltic Expansion Joint System.
a.Backer Rod. Use a backer rod material that is an expanded closed cell polyethylene foam capable of withstanding the temperature of the hot binder material and with a diameter 150 percent of the width of the joint opening and with the following properties: ● Density: 2.0 lb/cu ft minimum, ASTM D1622 ● Tensile Strength: 25 psi minimum, ASTM D1623 ● Water Absorption: 1 percent of weight maximum, ASTM C509
b.Binder Material. Use a binder material that is a hot applied polymer modified asphalt material conforming to ASTM D6690 and conforming to the following: ● Softening Point, (ASTM D36) – 180°F minimum
c.Aggregate. Use an aggregate that is of the Basalt, Gabbro, or Granite groups, meeting the manufacturer’s size and gradation requirements. Ensure that all stones are double washed, dried, and delivered to the site pre- weighed in labeled packs . When tested according to AASHTO T11, ensure that the material passing the #200 sieve is no more than 0.3 percent by weight of the stone. Use basalt for the broadcast stone for the surface of the joint system and is sized to pass the #8 sieve and be retained on the #16 sieve.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-126 SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS
d.Steel Backing Plate. Use a backing plate that conforms to AASHTO M270, Grade 36 steel, minimum ¼-in. thick and is galvanized according to AASHTO M111. Ensure that holes for locating pins are approximately 1 ft center-to-center along the centerline of the plate.
e.Loc ating Pins . Use locating pins that are 16d common nails or larger and are hot-dipped galvanized according to AASHTO M232.
f.A sphaltic Joint System. Provide t he materials for the joint system, both aggregate and binder, by one of the manufacturers included in the Department’s Approved Materials List.
823.03 Construction Methods.
For all types of deck joints, ensure that the joints are installed within the applicable temperature ranges for installation of the joint types. Compression Type Neoprene Deck Joints.
a.Installation. Assemble, erect and set the entire structural steel frame to grade before placing deck (or abutment) concrete. Make allowance for temperature conditions at the time of final setting to allow for full movement of the joint over the temperature range. Clean the joint assembly to be free of foreign material immediately before installation of the seal. Install the neoprene sealer in the field and secure the sealer in place with the approved material that will lubricate the sealer and become an adhesive upon curing (lubricant - adhesive). Ensure that the adhesive cover both sides of the sealer over the full contact area with the sides of the metal joint. The adhesive may be applied to the metal or the sealer or both. Install the sealer in a compressed condition in the position shown on the Plans within seconds after the application of the adhesive. Ensure that the sealer is in one piece for the full width of transverse joints without splicing. Seal any joints in the sealer material sealed with additional adhesive.
b.Frames. Where the seal will be installed after the frame for a transverse joint, do not field splice the seal. Install as one continuous piece.
c.C ompliance. Identify e ach shipment with the manufacturer ’s name, address , and trademark and ensure that the shipment includes four copies of the manufacturer ’s standard test results and an affidavit attesting to full compliance with these Specifications. Ensure that all sealer and adhesive to be employed in the work conforms with the material that has been approved on the basis of test results. Strip Seal Expansion Joint.
a.Installation. Assemble, erect, and set the entire strip seal frame to grade before placing the deck (or abutment) concrete. Make an allowance for temperature conditions at the time of final setting to allow for full movement of the joint over the temperature range. Clean the joint assembly to be free of foreign material immediately before the installation of the seal.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS 800-127 Install the neoprene strip seal in the field by suitable hand or machine tools. Secure the seal in place with the approved adhesive according to the manufacturer ’s recommendations. Ensure that the strip seal is in one piece for the full width of the transverse joints without splicing.
b.Compliance. Compliance requirements for strip seal joints are the same as those in Subsection 823.03.1(c). Asphaltic Expansion Joint System. Installation. Prepare the joint and install the asphaltic expansion joint system according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Emphasize the following requirements: • Tanking. Immediately after cleaning/caulking, coat the bottom of the blockout area with a layer of hot binder according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If any delay greater than one hour occurs between cleaning and tanking, reclean the joint using a hot compressed air lance as described above. • A ggregate. Ensure that t he aggregate is dry, clean, and heated according to the Manufacturer’s recommendations. Remove all tangible signs of dust before mixing binder with the aggregate. • B ond Breaker . Use a bond breaker at the blockout location at the time of overlay paving to facilitate clean removal. Asphaltic Expansion Joint System and Materials and Workmanship Warranty. Correct defects in the asphaltic expansion joint system caused by elements within the Contractor’s control (i.e., the materials supplied and the workmanship) during the warranty period. Provide a bond issued by a surety that guarantees the warranty requirements will be met. The following summarizes the warranty requirements: • Limits of Warranted Work . The warranted work includes all asphaltic expansion joint systems within the Project limits, unless otherwise indicated in the Contract. • W arranty Period. The length of the warranty will be five years from the date of Final Acceptance. • A mount of Warranty Bond. Supply a warranty bond equal to 100 percent of the warranted work for asphaltic expansion joint systems, as described in the above bullet “Limits of Warranted Work.” • W arranty Parameters . Condition parameters are used to measure the performance of the asphaltic expansion joint system during the warranty period. Each condition parameter has a threshold limit that defines when corrective action (warranty work) is required. • De finitions . ○ Debonding. Physical separation of the asphaltic expansion joint from the adjacent vertical face of the pavement or the bridge deck.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-128 SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS ○ Transverse Crack. Any open crack that extends more in the transverse (perpendicular to traffic flow) than in the longitudinal direction. ○ Longitudinal Crack. Any open crack that extends more in the longitudinal (parallel to traffic flow) than in the transverse direction. ○ Perviousness. Absence of watertightness. ○ Rutting. Depression, displacement, or dislodgment of the asphaltic expansion joint surface. • W arranty Requirements . The Table lists the allowable threshold limit for each condition parameter for each asphaltic expansion joint. If any of the warranty requirements are not met as a result of a defect in materials and/or workmanship, corrective action (warranty work) is required. Condition Parameter Threshold Limit for Each Asphaltic Expansion Joint Debonding (either edge) 5% total for the joint, with no debond greater than 2 ft Transverse cracking 5% total for the joint, with no crack greater than 2 ft Longitudinal cracking 3 times joint longitudinal dimension Perviousness Visible seepage of water Rutting Maximum depth ½ in. • Corrective Actions. The following corrective actions are required to implement acceptable treatments for the various condition parameters. The Department will accept the listed corrective action if the action addresses the cause of the condition parameter. The Contractor may use an alternative action, subject to Department approval. Condition Parameter Required Action Debonding (either edge) Sawcut and remove the affected area; replace with a new asphaltic expansion joint system as shown on the Plans and described in this Specification. Transverse cracking Sawcut and remove the affected area; replace with a new asphaltic expansion joint system as shown on the Plans and described in this Specification. Longitudinal cracking Seal Perviousness Seal Rutting Sawcut and remove the affected area; replace with a new asphaltic expansion joint system as shown on the Plans and described in this Specification.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS 800-129 Rideability. Ensure that the rideability across the deck joints complies with SECTION 413.
823.04 Method of Measurement.
Bridge Joints will be measured by the linear feet installed and accepted. The length will include the vertical rise at curbs.
823.05 Basis of Payment.
The Department will pay for the completed and accepted quantities as follows. Pay Item Pay Unit Bridge Joints LF The price constitutes full compensation for all labor, materials, equipment, warranties, warrantee work, and incidentals required to finish the work, complete and accepted. Warrantee work includes all engineering, maintenance and protection of traffic, and uniformed traffic control personnel. Materials and Workmanship Warranty. The materials and workmanship pavement warranty shall consist of the warranty bond and the terms of this provision in its entirety. This provision establishes the common terms and definitions that appl y to all P rojects requiring a warranty (the warranted work). The Materials and Workmanship Warranty warrants the Department against defects in materials and workmanship. Definitions.
1.Materials & Workmanship Warranty. The Contractor is responsible for correcting defects in the asphaltic expansion joint system caused by elements within the Contractor’s control (i.e., the materials supplied and the workmanship) during the warranty period. Since the Department is responsible for the bridge design, the Contractor assumes no responsibility for defects that are design related. If a defect is attributable to both the materials and/or workmanship and the design, the responsibility for correcting the defect shall be shared by the Department and the Contractor; the Contractor is responsible for the percentage of fault attributable to the workmanship and/or materials, and the Department is responsible for the percentage of fault attributable to the design.
2.A cceptance Date of Construction. The date when the warranted work is complete and confirmed, in writing, on the initial acceptance document by the Department that the warrant complies with the Contract specifications and is open to traffic. This is the date of initial acceptance and constitutes the start date for the warranty period. There may be more than one acceptance date of construction for a Project.
3.W arranty Bond. A bond issued by a surety that guarantees that the warranty requirements will be met.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-130 SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS
4.Warranty Work . Corrective action taken to bring the warranted work into Contract compliance. Initial Acceptance. The Department and the Contractor shall jointly review all completed warranted work, or a portion thereof, as determined by the Department. If the work does not meet Contract requirements, the Contractor shall make all necessary corrections, at its expense, before initial acceptance. Initial acceptance will occur as soon as the Department confirms, in writing, on the initial acceptance form that the Contract requirements have been met for the warranted work. The date on which initial acceptance occurs is termed the Acceptance Date of Construction. Initial acceptance will be documented and executed jointly by the Department and the Contractor on a form furnished by the Department. A copy of the form will be sent to the Contractor’s warranty bond surety agent by the Department. Neither the initial acceptance nor any prior inspection, acceptance, or approval by the Department diminishes the Contractor’s responsibility under this warranty. The Department may accept the work and begin the warranty period, excluding any area needing corrective work, to accommodate seasonal limitations or staged construction. Acceptance of material, in penalty, under the Department's quality assurance program will not relieve the Contractor from meeting the material and workmanship warranty requirements for the accepted material. Warranty Bond. The Contractor shall furnish a single term warranty bond, in an amount stipulated in the Amount of Warranty Bond, as defined in Subsection 823.03.3.2, before Contract award. The effective starting date of the warranty bond shall be the Acceptance Date of Construction. The warranty bond will be released at the end of the warranty period or after all warranty work has been satisfactorily completed, whichever is the latest. Rights and Responsibilities of the Department. The Department: • Reserves the right to approve the schedule proposed by the Contractor to perform warranty work. • Reserves the right to approve all materials and specifications used in warranty work. • Reserves the right to determine if warranty work performed by the Contractor meets the Contract specifications. • Reserves the right to perform, or have performed, routine maintenance during the warranty period; any routine maintenance will not diminish the Contractor's responsibility under the warranty. • Reserves the right, if the Contractor is unable, to make immediate emergency repairs to the asphaltic expansion joint system to prevent an unsafe road condition as determined
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS 800-131 by the Department. The Department will attempt to notify the Contractor that action is required to address an unsafe condition. However, if the Contractor is unable to comply with this requirement to the Department’s satisfaction and within the time frame required by the Department, the Department will perform or will have performed any emergency repairs deemed necessary. Any emergency repairs undertaken will not relieve the Contractor from meeting the warranty requirements of this Specification . Any co sts associated with the emergency repairs will be paid by the Contractor if it is determined that the cause was from defective materials and/or workmanship. • Is responsible for monitoring the asphaltic expansion joint system throughout the warranty period and will provide the Contractor all written reports of the system’s condition related to the warranty requirements. The Contractor shall not be relieved of any responsibility based upon a claim that the Department failed to adequately monitor the asphaltic expansion joint system to report its findings to the Contractor. • Is responsible for notifying the Contractor, in writing, of any corrective action required to meet the warranty requirements. Rights and Responsibilities of the Contractor. The Contractor: • Shall warrant to the Department that the warranted work will be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the Acceptance Date of Construction, as defined in Subsection 823.05.1.1. The warranty bond shall be described on a form furnished by the Department. The completed form shall be submitted to the Department before award of Contract. • Is responsible for performing all warranty work, including but not limited to, all M&PT, all M&PT incidentals, and any uniformed traffic control personnel required to complete the warranty repairs or replacement work and restoring all associated bridge and pavement features, at no additional cost to the Department. • Is responsible for performing all temporary or emergency repairs resulting from any non- compliance with the warranty requirements using Department approved materials and methods. Upon receipt of a notice of non-compliance with the warranty requirements from the Department, shall submit to the Department within 21 calendar days a written course of action for performing the warranty work with all work items segregated and all materials and methods to be used. All of the warranty work shall be completed within 30 calendar days of the date of the submittal or as agreed to by the Department. • Shall follow a Department approved maintenance of traffic plan when performing warranty work. All warranty work shall be performed under permit issued by the Department. • Is required to supply to the Department original documentation that all insurance required by the Contract is in effect during the period(s) that warranty work is being performed, as required by Subsection 107.14. • Shall furnish to the Department, in addition to the regular performance and lien bond for the Contract, supplemental performance and lien bonds covering any warranty work being performed. The supplemental bonds shall be furnished before beginning any warranty work using Department approved forms. The supplemental bonds shall be in the amount required by the Department to cover the costs of warranty work.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-132 SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS • Shall complete all warranty work before conclusion of the warranty period or as otherwise agreed to by the Department. • Shall be liable during the warranty period in the same manner as Contractors currently are liable for their construction related activities with the Department pursuant to the Contract. This liability shall continue until the warranty work is accepted by the Engineer. The liability is in addition to the Contractor performing and/or paying for any required warranty work, and shall include liability for injuries and/or damages and any expenses resulting that are not attributable to normal wear and tear of t raffic and weather, but are due to non- compliant materials, faulty workmanship, and/or Contractor operations. Quality Control. The Contractor shall provide an affidavit from the joint manufacturer certifying that the aggregate meets all requirements and a certificate of compliance from the binder manufacturer certifying that the binder conforms to these Specifications. At the direction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall arrange for and have present, at the time the first joint-sealing operation will be performed, a manufacturer’s representative knowledgeable in the methods of installation of the joint system. The Contractor shall also arrange to have the representative present at such other times as the Engineer may request. Evaluation Method. The Department will conduct evaluations of each asphaltic expansion joint system installed under this Contract. Warranty Requirements. Warranty work will be required when the threshold limit for a condition parameter is exceeded as a result of a defect in material and/or workmanship. Specific threshold limits and segment limits and other items that the Contractor is responsible for are covered in the previous sections of this Specification. To determine whether the failure to meet the warranty criteria is a result of defects in materials and/or workmanship, a joint field investigation by the Department and the Contractor will be conducted. The Department and Contractor may elect to have a forensic investigation conducted. The decision to undertake a forensic investigation, the scope of the investigation, and the selection of the party to conduct the investigation will be agreed to by the Department and the Contractor. All costs related to the forensic investigation will be shared proportionately between the Contractor and the Department based on the determined cause of the condition. During the warranty period, the Contractor will not be held responsible for distresses that are caused by factors unrelated to materials and workmanship. These include, but are not limited to, chemical and fuel spills, vehicle fires, snow plowing, and quality assurance testing such as coring. Other factors considered to be beyond the control of the Contractor that may contribute to distress will be considered by the Engineer on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of a written request from the Contractor.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 823 — BRIDGE JOINTS 800-133 Emergency Repairs. If the Department determines that emergency repairs are necessary for public safety, the Department or its agent may take repair action. Before emergency repairs, the Department will document the basis for the emergency action. In addition, the Department will preserve evidence of the defective condition. Non-Extension of Contract. This Provision shall not be construed as extending or otherwise affecting the claim process and statute of limitations applicable to this Contract.
Referenced in this section
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (Blue Book), 2022 (Aug 2025 compilation) Edition. Pages 494–502 of 951. View official source ↗