MODULAR JOINTS
SERIES 2000
OUR MISSION
THE PURSUIT OF A BETTER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description...................................................................................... 3
Characteristics and Components..................................................... 4
Table of Openings............................................................................ 6
Applications and Typical Details....................................................... 7
Special Applications........................................................................10
Fatigue Testing...............................................................................11
Installation.......................................................................................12
Achievements.................................................................................14
Quality Commitment......................................................................15
2
MODULAR JOINTS – SERIES 2000
A COMPLETE RANGE OF EXPANSION JOINTS FOR BRIDGES
AND OTHER STRUCTURE
Goodco Z-Tech expansion joints were developed to enable structures to move freely while ensuring the
deck’s watertightness. The joints are designed to accommodate movements caused by thermal expansion,
concrete creep and shrinkage, as well as movements caused by passing vehicles, such as rotation and
breaking. The technical solutions offered by Goodco Z-Tech will help maintain the flexibility of the structure
at all times.
MODULAR JOINTS
Series 2000 modular joints have proven their effectiveness in
hundreds of installations over the years. This joint system, which
ensures the continuity of the road surface while maintaining a
watertight seal during large structural movement (more than
100 mm), has been in use in Canada for more than 30 years.
Goodco Z-Tech has created modular joints that meet the most
recent internationally recognized standards and can adapt to extreme
operating conditions and complex geometries. Series 2000 modular
joints can be used on any type of bridge deck under construction
or rehabilitation and are easily adaptable to large skew. Additionally,
Goodco Z-Tech modular joints can be designed to withstand
movement caused by an earthquake without permanent damage.
When anticipated movement are smaller than 100 mm, the use
One of the six, 23-m long modular joints installed of Series 1000 or 1100 expansion joints is recommended.
on the Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge, located
between Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario.
FEATURES
• Locked-in strip seal
• Simple installation and replacement of strip seals
• Total watertightness
• Custom-designed anchoring system
• Resistance to snow removal equipment
• Protection against corrosion
• Easily replaceable components
Figure 1: Isometric view of an LG-3 joint
3
CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS
Series 2000 modular joints use a set of strip seals locked into centre beams and edge beams to allow for
greater deck movement than traditional joints.
The centre beams are fitted with welded stirrups, in which the support bars slide with the help of low-
friction sliding interfaces. Each support bar rests on sliding bearings inside support boxes, these boxes are
supported in the structure’s headers.
An equidistance system enables the openings between each module to remain equal during use. This
system ensures proper functioning and better durability of the joint, as the entire system undergoes
movement in a similar way.
WATERTIGHT STRIP SEAL
The extruded LS-5 strip seal, made of high-strength neoprene, locks into the centre beams and edge
beams to ensure that the system is completely watertight, even under harsh conditions with extensive use
of de-icing agents. Their shape allows for full closure between each centre beam. The strip seal is installed
using a water soluble lubricant and requires no adhesive to ensure watertightness.
Edge beam
When their length permits it, strip seals are Strip seal
typically shop-installed on modular joints
Centre beam
but they may also be installed or replaced
on site. Although these strip seals are highly Support box
durable, they may need to be replaced in
Support bar
the event of an accident. This can easily
Sliding surface
be done at any time on site, with no
need for concrete demolition or complete Stirrup
replacement of the joint.
Figure 2: Components of a modular joint
ANCHORING SYSTEM
As Series 2000 modular joints are custom designed for each project, design engineers have the option of
selecting or designing the anchoring system that best serves their needs for the desired application. You
will find in this brochure various types of anchoring systems designed to offer proper resistance and good
protection against damage caused by snow-plow blades.
4
CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS
MOVEMENT SEISMIC MOVEMENT
Series 2000 modular joints can accommodate Modular joints can be designed to accommodate
movements and rotations along the three major axes. transverse seismic movement and can even exceed
the maximum allowable service displacement in the
event of an earthquake. By using easily replaceable
components, the joints can be designed to be
resistant to significant seismic movement without
suffering permanent damage. This way, the bridge
can be opened to traffic immediately following an
earthquake. After the adjustment or replacement of
certain components, the joint will return to its original
watertightness and performance.
Figure 3: Movement and rotation permitted by a modular joint
Final assembly of a six-module joint after galvanizing
COMPONENTS
Figure 4: Centre beam Figure 5: Edge beam Figure 6: Alternative
edge beam
Figure 7: Support bar Figure 8: Alternative support bar Figure 9: LS-5 strip seal
5
TABLE OF OPENINGS
A modular joint’s maximum movement is dictated by the number of strip seals it has and the maximum
movement of each of those strip seals. The LS-5 strip seal permits a maximum allowable opening of
80 mm at serviceability limit states and full closure between the centre beams. Table 1 shows the
minimum and maximum openings and important dimensions for a Type LG modular joint, in accordance
with the CAN/CSA-S6 code. These dimensions may be larger depending on a project’s particular
conditions, such as a special anchoring system offering protection against snow-plow blades or an
earthquake-resistant modular joint. While the table of openings is limited to 10 strip seals, modular joints
with a greater number of strip seals are available. Please contact us for more information.
J
200 mm 200 mm
MIN. B1 B2 MIN.
100 mm
MIN.
Figure 10: Typical dimensions for a Type LG modular joint
J + 97
J + 80 (MTO)
TABLE 1
Typical movement and dimensions of Series 2000 modular joints, Type LG*
Minimum opening Maximum opening
Number of Support box Support box H
Type Total movement at SLS at SLS
strip seals (mobile side) B1 (fixed side) B2 Total height
Jmin Jmax**
mm mm mm mm mm mm
LG-2 2 160 81 241 330 145 323
LG-3 3 240 162 402 415 145 323
LG-4 4 320 243 563 495 145 323
LG-5 5 400 324 724 570 145 323
LG-6 6 480 405 885 650 145 346
LG-7 7 560 486 1 046 730 145 346
LG-8 8 640 567 1 207 815 145 346
LG-9 9 720 648 1 368 895 145 346
LG-10 10 800 729 1 529 970 145 346
* See the following page for openings allowed by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
** The maximum opening may be larger at the ultimate limit states (ULS).
These dimensions are based on standard details and are provided solely for information purposes. Bridge skew and seismic considerations may change
these values. Please contact our experts to determine the modular joint’s dimensions according to your project specifications.
6
APPLICATIONS
Joints are manufactured to match perfectly the structure’s profile, enabling surface water to remain on the
deck so that it can be directed toward the drainage systems designed for this purpose.
TYPE LG JOINT (MTQ)
The modular joints developed to meet the
MTQ’s requirements use plates to protect
against damage caused by snow-plow blades.
Figure 11: Type LG modular joint with snow-plow protection
plates (MTQ type)
TYPE LG JOINT (MTO)
The modular joints approved by the Ministry of
Transportation of Ontario (MTO) are equipped
with an epoxy injection system. The injection is
performed after the joint’s headers have been
concreted. It fills the voids under the angles
and seals cracks that may have developed
during concrete curing. This system may be
implemented for other types of Goodco Z-Tech Figure 12: Type LG modular joint with MTO type anchors and epoxy injection
system
modular joints.
Figure 13: Epoxy injection system under a modular joint
TABLE 2
Typical movement and dimensions of Series 2000 Type LG modular joints, in accordance with MTO requirements. Refer to Figure 10 for dimensions.
Minimum opening Maximum opening
Number of Support box Support box H
Type Total movement at SLS at SLS
strip seals (mobile side) B1 (fixed side) B2 Total height
Jmin* Jmax**
mm mm mm mm mm mm
LG-3 3 135 267 402 675 350 355
LG-4 4 180 383 563 760 350 355
LG-5 5 225 499 724 835 350 355
LG-6 6 270 615 885 915 350 380
LG-7 7 315 731 1 046 995 350 380
LG-8 8 360 847 1 207 1 075 350 380
* The minimum opening may be smaller at the ultimate limit states (ULS).
** The maximum opening may be larger at the ultimate limit states (ULS).
These dimensions are based on standard details and are provided solely for information purposes. Bridge skew and seismic considerations may change
these values. Please contact our experts to determine the modular joint’s dimensions according to your project specifications.
7
APPLICATIONS AND TYPICAL DETAILS
TROUGHS
The modular joints can be equipped with a
trough, providing a second watertightness
barrier. The trough can also help reduce
ambient noise from the passage of vehicles.
Figure 14: Modular joint with trough
ALTERNATIVE ANCHORING SYSTEM
Fusion-welded studs can also be used as a
concrete anchoring system.
Figure 15: Modular joint with anchoring studs
JOINT COVER PLATES
It may be important to cover the joint using
a plate in some applications, for example
at pedestrian crossings or to preserve the
continuity of sidewalks, curbs or concrete
barrier walls. In those situations, joint cover
plate systems can be added to the expansion Figure 16: Joint cover plates covering a barrier wall
joints. These plates are bolted down to allow for
the installation and replacement of strip seals.
Plates with non-skid patterns are available.
Figure 17: MTO type joint cover plates covering a sidewalk Figure 18: MTO type adjustable joint cover plates covering a sidewalk
8
APPLICATIONS AND TYPICAL DETAILS
CONNECTIONS
If the bridge’s geometry does not
allow for a modular joint to be
delivered in a single section, or if
the joint must be coordinated with
phase work, modular joints can be
provided in several sections that will
be spliced on site. In these cases, we
recommend installing temporary strip
seals at the shop to protect the joint’s
sliding and equidistance components,
unless effective protection is ensured
on the job site at all times. When the
work is finished and all sections of
the joint are installed, the full-length
permanent strip seals are installed.
The splice between two joint sections
has been specifically designed to be
resistant to repetitive loading cycles
Figure 19: Splice of a Series 2000 joint
that may cause fatigue failure.
The connection is made using a
combination of bolting and welding. Splice plates with A325 bolts and welding along the full thickness of the
top flanges help make a strong connection across the centre beams.
By other By other
(seal weld) (seal weld)
(16) 60˚ (10) 60˚
G G
Figure 20: Detail of welds (end view)
9
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
TYPE LX JOINT FOR REDUCED TYPE LR JOINT FOR REDUCED
HORIZONTAL SPACE VERTICAL SPACE
The symmetric Type LX joint is used when The Type LR joint is used when vertical space is
horizontal space is limited on both sides of the limited. It is ideal in cases of rehabilitation, where
joint. Movement is spread equally on each header the bridge deck is relatively thin.
by using a centre beam that is welded by a
complete penetration weld to the support bar.
Bolted
Welded connection connection
Figure 21: Type LX-6 modular joint with snow-plow protection plates Figure 22: Type LR-2 shallow modular joint
LATERAL SEISMIC MOVEMENT
When the structure may be subjected to lateral movements, as in the case of significant seismic movement,
the joint is designed with special features, including trapezoidal support boxes that allow for lateral movement
on both sides. Furthermore, the support bars can be extended to ensure continuity of the deck when the
seismic movement exceeds the 80 mm limit per strip seal (at ultimate limit state).
Modular joint in neutral position Modular joint subjected to
transverse movement
Figure 23: Modular joint with trapezoidal boxes
The geometric characteristics of a structure
may make adjustments necessary. A skew, an
orthotropic deck or ducts can all be taken into Modular joint with five strip seals and trapezoidal support boxes being
consideration in the design and fabrication of installed on the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge deck. This bridge crosses the
Goodco Z-Tech modular joints. Ottawa River and connects the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa.
Please contact us.
10
FATIGUE TESTING
Since modular joints withstand repeated wheel
loads during the passage of vehicles, they are
particularly prone to fatigue. The durability of
the components that are most susceptible to
fatigue failure has thus been studied based on our
experts’ experience and in accordance with current
international standards with several tests.
The fatigue resistance of the centre beam/support
bar assembly has been tested in accordance with
the recommendations of the National Cooperative
Test set-up at the ÉTS during fatigue testing in accordance
Highway Research Program’s Fatigue Design of with NCHRP-402
Modular Bridge Expansion Joints (NCHRP 402,
1997) and Section 14.5.6.9 of the 2007 AASHTO
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications by the École
de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) at the Université
du Québec à Montréal. This study concluded that
the fatigue resistance of the stirrups and other
welded components matches AASHTO’s Category
C details. Additional studies at fatigue and ultimate
limit states on the stirrups, equidistance system
and sliding interfaces have also been conducted
to verify long-term performance and optimize the
design of Goodco Z-Tech modular joints.
Instrumentation of the tested specimen
S-N curves for stirrup details
Stress Range (MPa)
Number of cycles
Figure 24: Fatigue curves with testing results
11
INSTALLATION
As the modular joint is comprised of several mobile pieces that must work together to ensure the bridge’s
continuity, its installation must be performed meticulously and in accordance with good industry practices.
We strongly recommend that installation be performed by our team of specialized technicians. They
conduct a full inspection of the joints before and after concreting in order to ensure the joint’s proper
functioning and watertightness.
The joint must be positioned in its block-out and aligned according to the bridge deck’s geometry. If the
joint is delivered in several sections, splice plates and seal welds ensure the joint’s structural continuity.
After the joint has been adjusted, the concrete can then be poured and construction on the bridge
can continue. After the concrete is poured, the full-length strip seals are installed, and water tests are
performed if required.
We recommend that a surveyor be on site when adjustments are made to the joint.
To view the detailed procedure for installing a modular joint, visit our website at
www.canambridges.com/jointsinstallation
12
INSTALLATION
The epoxy injection process, as required by
the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, helps
fill voids under the angles and seal cracks that
may have developed during concrete curing.
The injection is done before the water test.
The injection process is described in more
detail in our brochure on Series 1100 (Goodflex)
expansion joints. For more information on the
epoxy injection system, please also refer to
page 7 of this brochure.
To view the detailed procedure for installing
a joint with the epoxy injection system,
visit our website at
www.canambridges.com/jointsinstallation
13
ACHIEVEMENTS
-- Installation of an LX-14 modular joint in the orthotropic deck of a Goodco Z-Tech provided eight pot bearings, eight self-lubricating bronze
suspension bridge. spherical bearings (installed under the inclined legs) and two LG-3
modular joints for this bridge.
A. Murray Mackay Bridge – Halifax, NS Dominion Bridge – Lévis/Quebec City, QC
Goodco Z-Tech provided four LG-6 modular joints and two LG-4 modular Goodco Z-Tech provided 60 laminated elastomeric bearings, 4 laminated
joints for this bridge. elastomeric seismic isolators and 2 LG-5 modular joints during the
rehabilitation of this bridge.
Photo: Simon P.
Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge – Burlington/Hamilton, ON Macdonald-Cartier Bridge – Gatineau, QC/Ottawa, ON
18 LG-3 joints were provided during the construction of this bridge. Goodco Z-Tech provided single cell joints, an LG-4 joint, an LG-6 joint
and an LG-7 joint for this bridge.
Photo: John White
Serge-Marcil Bridge, Highway 30 – Laviolette Bridge – Trois-Rivières, QC
Les Cèdres/Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC
14
QUALITY COMMITMENT
--
QUALIFICATIONS
W59: Welded Steel Construction
(Metal Arc Welding)
W47.1, Division 1: Certification of
QUALITY CERTIFIED Companies for Fusion Welding
STEEL STRUCTURES
of Steel Structures
W186: Welding of Reinforcing Bars
in Reinforced Concrete Construction
Our team of engineering and technical drafting
professionals has in-depth knowledge of Our products are designed and manufactured using
3D software tools, such as SolidWorks and state-of-the-art equipment, handled by a skilled and
Tekla Xsteel. experienced team.
Engineering, Drafting CAD Manufacturing
Our stringent quality control process results Our teams of specialized technicians install strip seals
in products that meet our clients’ highest on the job site. We also offer a comprehensive joints
expectations. installation service.
Quality Control Installation
15
BUILDING BETTER BRIDGES
With more than 60 years of experience, Goodco Z-Tech is the leading Canadian
manufacturer of structural bearings and expansion joints. Supported by a highly skilled
and competent team who work with state-of-the-art equipment, Goodco Z-Tech designs
and fabricates a broad range of products for highway and railway bridges, and other
structures. Goodco Z-Tech works closely with Canam-Bridges, a North American leader
in the design, fabrication and construction of steel bridges.
450-786-1300
1-800-361-3510
© Canam Group Inc., 2016
canambridges.com
Printed in Canada
Updated 01/2017
Quebec Ontario
807 Marshall Street, Suite 100 1739 Drew Road
Laval, Quebec H7S 1J9 Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1J5
Canam-Bridges is a division of Canam Group Inc.
