A weathering steel elastomer joint for the connection between new and existing bridges. (15th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pauletta, Margherita; Battocchio, Enrico; Russo, Gaetano
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 105(2015:Dec. 15)
• Page Start: 264
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2015-12-15
• Subjects: Bridge joint -- Elastomer -- Weathering steel -- Bonding -- Corrosion -- Aging -- Tensile test -- Cohesion -- Adhesion; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.10.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: A new Weathering Steel Elastomer Joint (WSEJ) for bridges is investigated. Under corrosion and aging tests the WSEJ maintain acceptable performances. Cohesive failure guarantees the best WSEJ performances. Steel–elastomer bonding is the most influencing parameter for WSEJ. Rubber lobes protecting the bonding surfaces ensure WSEJ durability. Abstract: Mechanical behavior and durability of a new bridge Weathering Steel Elastomer Joint (WSEJ) is investigated. The strength and deformation performances of the joint are determined through an experimental campaign, in order to verify if this element might comply with design requirements. A number of 30 specimens is considered, comprising samples with three different types of steel components, namely weathering (Cor-Ten), stainless (Inox) and carbon (S355) steel, two different shape types of the connecting rubber and two types of specimen geometry. Neutral Salt Spray and Cyclic Corrosion tests, simulating the environmental effects on steel component, are performed to control the joint capacity of maintaining resistance characteristics during its lifecycle. Moreover, temperature tests are carried out to simulate aging of rubber. Intact, corroded or aged specimens are all subjected to tensile tests to determine their strength and corresponding deformation capacity. Comparisons of test results are performed between groups of specimens differing only for one characteristic (deterioration state, corrosion test performed, rubber shape and geometry).