BRIDGE DECK JOINT CLOSURE
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1SECTION INCLUDES
A.Removal and closure of expansion joints in existing bridge decks and
parapets.
1.2RELATED SECTIONS
A.Section 03055: Portland Cement Concrete
B.Section 03152: Concrete Joint Control
C.Section 03211: Reinforcing Steel and Welded Wire
D.Section 03310: Structural Concrete
E.Section 03390: Concrete Curing
F.Section 09991: Cleaning and Repainting or Overcoating Structural Steel
1.3REFERENCES
A.ASTM A 653: Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-
Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process
B.ASTM C 307: Tensile Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortar, Grouts, and
Monolithic Surfacings
C.ASTM C 578: Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
D.ASTM C 579: Compressive Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortars,
Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer Concretes
E.ASTM C 1339: Flowability and Bearing Area of Chemical-Resistant
Polymer Machinery Grouts
F.ASTM D 4635: Plastic Films Made from Low-Density Polyethylene and
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for General Use and Packaging Applications
Bridge Deck Joint Closure
1.4DEFINITIONS Not Used
1.5SUBMITTALS
A.Manufacturer’s product data sheets for review.
1.Include recommended installation instructions for information.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1MATERIALS
A.Concrete
1.Deck and Approach Slab Concrete
a.Class AA(LSF) according to Section 03055
2.Other concrete
a.Class AA(AE) according to Section 03055
3.Do not use high early strength concrete, except as shown.
B.Reinforcing Steel
1.Coated reinforcing steel according to Section 03211
C.Doweled Anchors
1.Coated doweled anchors according to Section 03211
D.Galvanized Sheet Metal
1.16 gauge according to ASTM A 653
E.Rigid Plastic Foam – Type IX according to ASTM C 578.
F.Epoxy Grout
1.Provide a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi in 24 hours
and 5,000 psi in 28 days according to ASTM C 579.
2.Provide a minimum tensile strength of 2,000 psi according to
ASTM C 307.
3.Provide an effective bearing area of at least 95 percent according
to ASTM C 1339.
G.Joint Sealer (Structures) – Refer to Section 03152.
H.Backer Rod – Refer to Section 03152.
I.Bond Breaker Material
1.Low density polyethylene sheet according to ASTM D 4635.
a.Use 1/8 inch thick sheets.
Bridge Deck Joint Closure
J.Structural steel paint prime coat – Refer to Section 09991.
2.2EQUIPMENT
A.Jackhammers
1.90 lb class hand-operated jack hammer
2.45 lb class hand-operated jack hammer
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1PREPARATION
A.Debris Containment
1.Prevent debris from falling into water features and onto pedestrian
areas, traffic areas, and railroad tracks.
B.Mark the surface of the deck 6 inch away from the girder or abutment
diaphragms with marking paint to indicate zones requiring limited weight jackhammers.
3.2REMOVE CONCRETE
A.Concrete Saw Cuts
1.Saw cut concrete surface 1 inch deep along perimeter of concrete
removal area.
B.Use jackhammer method to remove existing concrete.
1.Use 90 lb class hand-operated jack hammers or smaller.
a.Use 45 lb class hand-operated jack hammer or smaller when
removing concrete within 6 inch of girders and diaphragms that are to remain.
2.Operate jack hammers at an angle greater than 45 degrees as
measured from the deck surface.
3.Modify the removal process if damage occurs to the top flanges
and diaphragms.
C.Remove existing joint armor steel and existing joint materials.
D.Protect existing electrical conduit from damage where encountered.
E.Remove loose or fractured concrete.
F.Clean existing concrete and steel surfaces.
1.Remove shear connectors as shown.
Bridge Deck Joint Closure
3.3REINFORCING STEEL
A.Existing Reinforcing Steel
1.Thoroughly clean reinforcing steel that will remain in place of
corrosion and adhering materials by abrasive blasting.
2.Remove and replace any reinforcing steel with 25 percent or
greater section loss.
a.Cut and remove deteriorated existing reinforcing steel bars.
b.Match the size of the new reinforcing steel bar to the existing
bar.
c.Provide lap lengths as shown.
B.New Reinforcing Steel and Doweled Anchors
1.Place reinforcing steel and doweled anchors after abrasive blasting
operations are complete.
3.4STRUCTURAL STEEL PREPARATION AND PAINT
A.Refer to Section 09991.
B.Prepare and paint top surface of steel elements shown per repainting
requirements.
C.Apply prime coat only
3.5PLACE CONCRETE
A.Use epoxy grout to create a smooth, flat, uniform surface on concrete
girders and diaphragms as shown.
1.Cure according to manufacturer’s installation instructions.
B.Provide saturated surface dry (SSD) condition to existing concrete
surfaces before placing concrete.
C.Form, place, and finish concrete according to Section 03310.
D.Cure concrete according to the requirements for cast-in-place concrete
closure pours in bridge decks and approach slabs in Section 03390.
END OF SECTION
Bridge Deck Joint Closure
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Source: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 990–993 of 1,331.
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