Abstract: A bridging device for a construction joint between a first construction part and a second construction part with several lamellae and at least one hydraulic control device for controlling the gap width between the lamellae. The hydraulic control device has double-acting hydraulic cylinders each with a movable piston and a piston rod arranged on the piston, each hydraulic cylinder being arranged on a lamella. Each piston rod is connected to a different lamella, wherein the piston defines a first working volume and a second working volume of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder. The invention is wherein the hydraulic control device comprises at least three double-acting hydraulic cylinders connected to each other by a hydraulic connection whereby the first working volume of each hydraulic cylinder is hydraulically connected to the second working volume of another hydraulic cylinder so as to form a hydraulic loop between the at least three hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: An expansion joint system includes: a core; and a layer of an elastomer disposed on the core. The core and the layer of elastomer disposed thereon form an elongated section, the elongated section configured to be oriented vertically between substantially coplanar substrates. The expansion joint system further includes a termination section located at one end of the elongated section and comprising a flared end forming an angle with the elongated section and configured to direct fluid and/or particles and/or solvents away from the expansion joint system.

Abstract: Novel dowel structures and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a unitary dowel structure is formed from a plurality of laminates. In certain embodiments, a first dowel laminate may be placed substantially above or below one or more other dowel laminates. At least one laminate may include a first material that is substantially devoid in another laminate. Upon being in communication, the laminates may form a unitary dowel structure having a first end and a second end that are configured to flex in a vertical direction without breaking to transfer stress loads from a concrete slab in communication with the first end of the unitary dowel structure and a concrete slab in communication with the second end of the unitary dowel structure.

Abstract: A tapered load plate transfers loads across a joint between adjacent concrete floor slabs. The top and bottom surfaces may taper from approximately 4 inches wide to a narrow substantially pointed end over a length of approximately 12 inches. The tapered load plate accommodates differential shrinkage of cast-in-place concrete slabs. The tapered load plate may comprise a main plate and at least one extension. When adjacent slabs move away from each other, the narrow end of the tapered load plate moves out of the void that it created in the slab thus allowing the slabs to move relative to one another in a direction parallel to the joint. Tapered load plates may be assembled into a load-plate basket with the direction of the taper alternating from one tapered load plate to the next to account for off-center saw cuts.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by formwork. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by interference-type connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the interference-type connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-expansion joint bridge which eliminates an expansion joint structure from an upper structure thereof, and includes a plurality of slidable steel plates to cover a space between girders or floor slabs expanding and contracting on piers and asphalt concrete pavement on the steel plates, so that expansion and contraction of the girders occurring on the piers is prevented from affecting the pavement, thereby ensuring smooth travel of vehicles thereon. The anti-expansion joint bridge includes a pair of expandable/contractible girders separated from each other while constituting an upper structure of the bridge, a plurality of sliding plates overlapping each other on the girders while covering a gap between the girders, and an ascon part covering the pair of girders together with the sliding plates.

Abstract: A tapered load plate transfers loads across a joint between adjacent concrete floor slabs. The top and bottom surfaces may taper from approximately 4 inches wide to a narrow substantially pointed end over a length of approximately 12 inches. The tapered load plate accommodates differential shrinkage of cast-in-place concrete slabs. When adjacent slabs move away from each other, the narrow end of the tapered load plate moves out of the void that it created in the slab thus allowing the slabs to move relative to one another in a direction parallel to the joint. Tapered load plates may be assembled into a load-plate basket with the direction of the taper alternating from one tapered load plate to the next to account for off-center saw cuts. A tapered load plate and an end cap may be used to provide load transfer across an expansion joint.

Abstract: A tapered load plate transfers loads across a joint between adjacent concrete floor slabs. The top and bottom surfaces may taper from approximately 4 inches wide to a narrow substantially pointed end over a length of approximately 12 inches. The tapered load plate accommodates differential shrinkage of cast-in-place concrete slabs. When adjacent slabs move away from each other, the narrow end of the tapered load plate moves out of the void that it created in the slab thus allowing the slabs to move relative to one another in a direction parallel to the joint. Tapered load plates may be assembled into a load-plate basket with the direction of the taper alternating from one tapered load plate to the next to account for off-center saw cuts. A tapered load plate and an end cap may be used to provide load transfer across an expansion joint.

Abstract: An improved pocket-sized book capable of one-handed manipulation. The book has informational pages among which a user may navigate by using only the hand holding the book. The book has finger slots for receiving the fingers of a user and a thumb restraint for securing the thumb and thumb mass to prevent both from interfering with either the turning of the pages or the user's view of the information printed thereon. By placing his or her finger on one of the tabs and providing an upward rotational force on the book, a user is able to open the book to the desired section and view the information printed on the pages therein. A guard attached to the side of the book blocks the lateral movement of the pages so that the pages do not become askew.

Abstract: A disc dowel system is interposed between adjacent first and second concrete pours defining a pour joint therebetween. The disc dowel system comprises a positioner bracket, a pocket former and an orthogonally shaped dowel plate. The positioner bracket has a vertically disposed base flange and a horizontally disposed plate portion extending therefrom. The base flange is rigidly attachable to a concrete form. The pocket former has a horizontally extending interior compartment with an open, generally straight side and a compartment perimeter. The straight side is aligned with the pour joint. The pocket former is positioned within the first pour by the positioner bracket. The dowel plate has an orthogonal shape with an embedded portion and a slidable portion.

Abstract: An expansion joint is provided for joining adjacent sections of a structure. The expansion joint includes a first generally planar member that is configured to allow sliding of a first portion of at least one section of a structure thereon. Second and third generally planar members are configured to allow sliding of a second portion of at least one section of the structure thereon. The second and third members are substantially co-planar with each other and are substantially parallel to the first member. The second and third members are vertically spaced-apart from the first member. An expansion device is interposed between the second and third members. The expansion device accommodates expansion and contraction due to thermal effects of the second and third members and maintains horizontal alignment. Each surface panel may be removed independently for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A vibration resistant expansion joint is provided. The expansion joint includes a sustaining pedestal (1) which is formed from two L-shaped members (111 and 112). A plurality of shim assemblies (12), each containing a bifurcated tooth-like shim (121), are pivotally joined to the sustaining pedestal (1). Additionally provided is a foundation (3) formed of two L-shaped side members, each side member having a slide surface (33, 34) formed along a bottom edge thereof. A stepped bench unit (2), formed of a pair of benches, is slidably mounted on foundation (3).

Abstract: A dilation joint adjustably interconnecting the structural edges of a bridge opening. The dilation joint includes two continuity metallic plates in a transit plane, connected to the structural edges of the opening and to lower structural elements in such a way that a recess is formed on each side of the opening, each recess formed between one of the metallic plates and its corresponding lower structural element. A support structure spans the opening, supported by both structural edges. The support structure is slidably received in a first one of the recesses, and it slidably supports a deformable transit plane, which is slidably received in the other of the recesses.

Abstract: An architectural joint system is disclosed, which incorporates a slidably supported arched cover plate to span the open space between two relatively movable structural units. The edge margins of the arched cover plate are slidably received in housings, mounted at the adjacent corners of the structural units. The housing assemblies are formed of base members and cover members assembled to define a narrow gap for the reception of a thin cover plate, and an enclosure for receiving the edges of the plate. The cover members are uniquely designed to have an outwardly and upwardly convergent taper, extending over a substantial distance of at least about two times the thickness of the cover member. The arched plate is of a shallow, upwardly convex contour, closely conforming to the long convergent taper of the cover member.

Abstract: An expansion joint (14) includes a preformed resilient center section (16), which is preferably formed of epoxy modified urethane, having reinforcing members (18) bonded along opposite edges thereof in order to provide a better bond width the adhesive bedding compound (19) and onto the respective structural members (10, 12) while minimizing overall joint with an suspectability to damage and/or cohesive failure. The preformed resilient center section (16) and the recesses of the structural members (10, 12) in which it is received are preferably offset from the gap (24) in an asymmetrical configuration.

Abstract: An expansion joint for covered floor panels such as concrete slabs, as well as wall and ceiling panels, has a thickness equal to a covering material on the panels and is surface mounted. An expansion joint member having hingeable lateral sections bridges across substantially abutting panels at a gap which may vary laterally, longitudinally or in elevation. A U-shaped body portion incorporating the hingeable lateral sections has a width greater than a maximum width of the gap, and fasteners adjacent one side of the gap for affixing the body portion to the panel at an attachment side of the joint. The body portion bridges across the gap and carries a strip of the covering material. The lateral section opposite from the attached lateral section may rotate downwardly at the hinge, to rest freely on the surface of the panel on an opposite side of the gap. Wing members on the hinged lateral sections extend laterally outwardly at a height equal to the thickness of the covering material side.

Abstract: An expansion joint seal for sealing the gap between adjacent deck members of a bridge, for example, includes a strip of elastomeric material having an expansion portion and side marginal portions. According to one aspect of the invention, the expansion portion is reinforced with one-way fabric. According to another aspect of the invention, the side marginal portions are reinforced with two-way fabric. According to a third aspect of the invention, prefabricated bed plate assemblies are provided with mounting members on which an expansion joint seal can be mounted, the bed plate assemblies being capable of being readily secured to the edges of the adjacent deck members.

Abstract: A sliding closure for a roadway expansion joint crossing has on the first part of the roadway (1) a sliding face (5) with a curved segment (7) and an adjoining level segment (8) running parallel to the driving surface (4). Resting flatly on this sliding face is a sliding plate (10) of elastomeric material and of uniform thickness. The sliding plate (10) is bolted onto the second part of the roadway (2) and bridges with a level section (12) a gap (11) between the first and second parts of the roadway (1, 2). In the level section (12), the sliding plate (10) is reinforced by a flexurally rigid steel plate (14). In the section resting on the curved segment (7), the reinforcement of the sliding plate (10) consists of a thin, flexible plate (15). Fastened on the first part of the roadway (1) is a tongue plate (32), which overlaps the sliding plate.

Abstract: A joint bridging arrangement comprises a bridging unit having a central portion, side parts, and anchoring units adjoining the longitudinal sides of the side parts. The side parts are pivotably connected to the central portion for movement about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridging arrangement. Cleats or legs of the side part and anchoring unit are interengaged and relatively slidable at an acute angle relative to the upper side of the center part. The upper-most surface of the bridging unit includes a portion having a wedge shaped cross section corresponding to the acute angle so that the transition from the bridging to the anchoring units, and hence to the structural parts bridged by the joint is essentially stepless.

Abstract: A system for attaching a bridge deck panel to a bridge structure which allows the panel to expand in lengthwise and sidewise directions independent of a bridge deck support structure. Brackets attached to members of a bridge deck support structure have undercuts on opposing ends which accommodate flanges on the bridge deck panel. Portions of the bracket overlying the undercut and flange prevent the deck panel from being separated from the deck support structure, but do not prevent the deck panel from lengthwise movement independent of the bridge structure due to temperature changes. To enable the panel to move in a sidewise direction, a space is provided between the outermost edge of the deck panel flange and the length of the undercut.

Abstract: An improved continuous pavement process for a bridge surface comprises the steps of arraying a plurality of bridging metals in a hollow space provided between adjacent floor slabs of a bridge. Each of the plurality of bridging metals comprises a generally U-shaped member, which extends in the direction of a longitudinal bridge axis with its tip end opened and includes pieces being bent 180.degree. and extending outside from the upper edges of the base portions of the respective side pieces thereof so as to form an inverse U-shaped cross-section jointly with the corresponding side piece, in such manner that a side piece of the generally U-shaped member of one of adjacent bridging metals may loosely and movably fit in the inverse U-shaped cross-section of the other bridging metal.

Abstract: A composite expansion joint assembly having a pair of edge members, a plurality of elongated resiliently yieldable sealing elements, rigid structural members interposed between adjacent sealing elements and laterally spaced support bars for the structural members. Equalizing springs acting directly upon the structural members independently of the support bars are compressed by movement of the structural members away from each other and from the edge members as the sealing members open, providing equalizing forces to maintain equidistant spacing between the structural members whether they are laterally slidable on the support bars in a single support bar system or are fixed to the support bars in a multiple support bar system.