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ACI 504R-90

(Reapproved 1997)

Guide to Sealing Joints in Concrete


Reported by ACI Committee 504*

Guy S. Puccio T. Michael Jackson


Chairman Secretary
Milton D. Anderson Charles S. Gloyd Peter Marko
Bert E. Colley Arthur Hockman Joseph A. McElroy
John P. Cook George Horeczko Leroy T. Ohler
Robert V. Costello Vincent Kazakavich Chris Seibel. Jr.
Edward R. Fyfe Oswin Keifer, Jr. Peter Smith
Frank D. Gaus Frank Klemm Stewart C. Watson
Joseph F. Lamond

*The Committee wishes to recognize the important contribution of the current


chairman, Sherwood Spells, to the development of this guide.

Most joints, and some cracks in concrete structures, require sealing Chapter 2-How joint sealants function, p. 504R-4
against the adverse effects of environmental and service conditions. 2.1-Basic function of sealants
This report is a guide to better understanding of the properties of joint 2.2-Classification of sealants
sealants and to where and how they are used in present practice. 2.3-Behavior of sealants in butt joints
Described and illustrated are: The functioning of joint sealants; re- 2.4-Malfunction of sealants
quired properties, available materials and applicable specifications for 2.5-Behavior of sealants in lap joints
field-molded sealants and preformed sealants such as waterstops, gas- 2.6-Effect of temperature
kets, or compression seals; determination of joint movements, widths, 2.7-Shape factor in field-molded sealants
and depths; outline details of joints and sealants used in general struc- 2.8-Function of bond breakers and backup materials
tures, fluid containers, and pavements; methods and equipment for seal- 2.9-Function of fillers in expansion joints
ant installation including preparatory work; performance of sealants; 2.10-Function of primers
and methods of repairing defective work or maintenance resealing. Fi-
nally, improvements needed to insure better joint sealing in the future Chapter 3-Sealant materials, p. 504R-12
are indicated. 3.1-General
New developments in field-molded and preformed sealants and their 3.2-Required properties of joint sealants
use are described together with means of measuring joint movements. 3.3-Available materials
Appendix C provides a list of specifications and their sources. 3.4-Field-molded sealants
3.5-Preformed seals
Keywords: bridge decks: bridges (structures); buildings; compression seals; con-
crete construction; concrete dams; concrete panels; concrete pavements; concrete
pipes; concrete slabs; concretes; construction joints; control joints; cracking (frac- Chapter 4-Joint movement and design,
turing); gaskets; isolation joints; joint fillers; joint scalers; joints (junctions); lin- p. 504R-25
ings; mastics; parting agents; precast concrete; reinforced concrete; repairs; sea- 4.1-Discussion
lers; specifications; tanks (containers); thermoplastic resins; thermosetting resins; 4.2-Determination of joint movements and locations
walls.
4.3-Selection of butt joint widths for field-molded sealants
4.4-Selection of butt joint shape for field-molded sealants
4.5-Selection of size of compression seals for butt joints
CONTENTS 4.6-Limitations on butt joint widths and movements for various
types of sealants
Chapter 1-General, p. 504R-2 4.7-Lap joint sealant thickness
1.1-Background 4.8-Shape and size of rigid waterstops
1.2-Purpose 4.9-Shape and size of flexible waterstops
1.3-Why joints are required 4.10-Shape and size of gaskets and miscellaneous seals
1.4-Why sealing is needed 4.11-Measurement of joint movements
1.5-Joint design as part of overall structural design
1.6-Types of joints and their function
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1.7-Joint configurations
Chapter 5-Joint details, p. 504R-31
5.1-Introduction
5.2-Structures
5.3-Slabs on grade, highway, and airports
5.4-Construction and installation considerations

ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and Commen-


taries are intended for guidance in designing, planning. executing, or
inspecting construction, and in preparing specifications. Reference
to these documents shall not be made in the Project Documents. If
items found in these documents are desired to be part of the Project
Documents, they should be incorporated directly into the Project

504R-1
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Chapter 6-Installation of sealants, p. 504R-31 Chapter 8-Sealing in the future and concluding
6.1-Introduction remarks, p. 504R-37
6.2-Joint construction with sealing in mind 8.l-What is now possible
6.3-Preparation of joint surfaces 8.2-Advancements still needed
6.4-Inspection of readiness to seal
6.5-Priming, installation of backup materials and bond breakers
6.6-Installation of field-molded sealants, hot applied
6.7-Installation of field-molded sealants, cold applied Chapter 9-References, p. 504R-37
6.8-Installation of compression seals
6.9-Installation of preassembled devices
6.10-Installation of waterstops
6.11-Installation of gaskets
Appendix A-Laymans glossary for joint
6.12-Installation of fillers sealant terms, p. 504R-38
6.13-Neatness and cleanup
6.14-Safety precautions

Appendix B-Key to symbols used in figures,


Chapter 7-Performance, repair, and p. 504R-40
maintenance of sealants, p. 504R-36
7.l-Poor performance
7.2-Repairs of concrete defects and replacement of sealants
7.3-Normal maintenance Appendix C-Sources of specifications, p. 504R-41

CHAPTER l-GENERAL 1.3-Why joints are required


1.1-Background Concrete normally undergoes small changes in dimen-
This report is an update of the committee report originally sions as a result of exposure to the environment or by the im-
issued in 1970 and revised in 1977.1 position or maintenance of loads. The effect may be perma-
Nearly every concrete structure has joints (or cracks) that nent contractions due to, for example: initial drying,
must be sealed to insure its integrity and serviceability. It is a shrinkage, and irreversible creep. Other effects are cyclical
common experience that satisfactory sealing is not always and depend on service conditions such as environmental dif-
achieved. The sealant used, or its poor installation, usually ferences in humidity and temperature or the application of
receives the blame, whereas often there have been deficien- loads and may result in either expansions or contractions. In
cies in the location or the design of the joint that would have addition, abnormal volume changes, usually permanent ex-
made it impossible for any sealant to have done a good job. pansions, may occur in the concrete due to sulfate attack, al-
kali-aggregate reactions, and certain aggregates, and other
1.2-Purpose causes.
The purpose of this guide is to show that by combining the The results of these changes are movements, both perma-
right type of sealant with proper joint design for a particular nent and transient, of the extremities of concrete structural
application and then carefully installing it, there is every units. If, for any reason, contraction movements are exces-
prospect of successfully sealing the joint and keeping it sively restrained, cracking may occur within the unit. The re-
sealed. This report is a guide to what can be done rather than straint of expansion movement may result in distortion and
a standard practice, because in most instances there is more cracking within the unit or crushing of its end and the trans-
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than one choice available. Without specific knowledge of the mission of unanticipated forces to abutting units. In most
structure, its design, service use, environment, and eco- concrete structures these effects are objectionable from a
nomic constraints, it is impossible to prescribe a best joint structural viewpoint. One of the means of minimizing them is
design or a best sealant. The information contained in to provide joints at which movement can be accommodated
this guide is, however, based on current practices and experi- without loss of integrity of the structure.
ence judged sound by the committee and used by one or more There may be other reasons for providing joints in concrete
of the many reputable organizations consulted during its structures. In many buildings the concrete serves to support
compilation. It should therefore be useful in making an en- or frame curtainwalls, cladding, doors, windows, partitions,
lightened choice of a suitable joint sealing system and to in- mechanical and other services. To prevent development of
sure that it is then properly detailed, specified, installed, and distress in these sections it is often necessary for them to
maintained. move to a limited extent independently of overall expansions,
No attempt has been made to reference the voluminous lit- contractions and deflections occurring in the concrete. Joints
erature except for those papers necessary to an understanding may also be required to facilitate construction without serv-
of the subject background. The present state of the art of joint ing any structural purpose.
sealing and identification of needed research may be found in
the proceedings of the 1st and 2nd World Congresses on Joint 1.4-Why sealing is needed
Sealing and Bearing Systems held in 1981 and 1986.2~3 A The introduction of joints creates openings which must
glossary of terms that may not be generally familiar is pro- usually be sealed in order to prevent passage of gases, liquids
vided in the appendix. or other unwanted substances into or through the openings.
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In buildings, to protect the occupants and the contents, it is trying to keep joints sealed indicate that joint movements
important to prevent intrusion of wind and rain. In tanks, may vary widely from those postulated by theory alone.
most canals, pipes and dams, joints must be sealed to prevent There are probably as many typical details of joints in
the contents from being lost. existence as there are structures incorporating them. Faced
Moreover, in most structures exposed to the weather the with the problem of illustrating, from the viewpoint of how
concrete itself must be protected against the possibility of they can be sealed, the various types of joints and their uses,
damage from freezing and thawing, wetting and drying, it appeared best to present them in schematic form in Chapter
leaching or erosion caused by any concentrated or excessive 5 to bring out the principles involved for each of the three
influx of water at joints. Foreign solid matter, including ice, major groups of application to concrete:
must be prevented from collecting in open joints; otherwise, 1. Structures not under fluid pressure (most buildings,
the joints cannot close freely later. Should this happen, high bridges, storage bins, retaining walls, etc.).
stresses may be generated and damage to the concrete may 2. Containers subject to fluid pressure (dams, reservoirs,
occur. tanks, canal linings, pipe lines, etc.).
In industrial floors the concrete at the edges of joints often 3. Pavements (highways and airfield).
needs the protection of a filler or sealant between armored From both the structural and sealant viewpoint, irrespec-
faces capable of preventing damage from impact of concen- tive of design detail and end use, all the joints may be classi-
trated loads such as steel-wheeled traffic. fied according to their principal function and configuration.
In recent years, concern over the spread of flames, smoke
and toxic fumes has made the fire resistance of joint sealing 1.6-Types of joints and their function
systems a consideration, especially in high-rise buildings. 1.6.1 Contraction (control) joints-These are purposely
The specific function of sealants is to prevent the intrusion made planes of weakness designed to regulate cracking that
of liquids (sometimes under pressure), solids or gases, and to might otherwise occur due to the unavoidable, often unpre-
protect the concrete against damage. In certain applications dictable, contraction of concrete structural units. They are
secondary functions are to improve thermal and acoustical appropriate only where the net result of the contraction and
installations, damp vibrations or prevent unwanted matter any subsequent expansion during service is such that the
from collecting in crevices. Sealants must often perform units abutting are always shorter than at the time the concrete
their prime function, while subject to repeated contractions was placed. They are frequently used to divide large, rela-
and expansions as the joint opens and closes and while ex- tively thin structuralunits, for example, pavements, floors,
posed to heat, cold, moisture, sunlight, and sometimes, ag- canal linings, retaining and other walls into smaller panels.
gressive chemicals. As discussed in Chapters 2, 3 and 6, Contraction joints in structures are often called control joints
these conditions impose special requirements on the proper- because they are intended to control crack location.
ties of the materials and the method of installation. Contraction joints may form a complete break, dividing
In most concrete structures all concrete-to-concrete joints the original concrete unit into two or more units. Where the
(contraction, expansion and construction), and the periphery joint is not wide, some continuity may be maintained by ag-
of openings left for other purposes require sealing. One ex- gregate interlock. Where greater continuity is required with-
ception is contraction joints (and cracks) that have very nar- out restricting freedom to open and close, dowels, and in cer-
row openings, for example, those in certain short plain slab tain cases steps or keyways, may be used. Where restriction
or reinforced pavement designs. Other exceptions are certain of the joint opening is required for structural stability, appro-
construction joints, for example, monolithic joints not sub- priate tie bars or continuation of the reinforcing steel across
ject to fluid pressure or joints between precast units used ei- the joint may be provided.
ther internally or externally with intentional open draining The necessary plane of weakness may be formed either by
joints. partly or fully reducing the concrete cross section. This may
be done by installing thin metallic, plastic or wooden strips
when the concrete is placed or by sawing the concrete soon
1.5-Joint design as part of overall structural after it has hardened.
design
In recent years it has become increasingly recognized that 1.6.2 Expansion (isolation) joints-These are designed to
there is more to providing an effective seal at a joint than prevent the crushing and distortion (including displacement,
merely filling the as constructed gap with an impervious buckling and warping) of the abutting concrete structural
material. The functioning of the sealant, described in Chap- units that might otherwise occur due to the compressive
ter 2, depends as much on the movement to be accommo- forces that may be developed by expansion, applied loads or
dated at the joint and on the shape of the joint, as on the phys- differential movements arising from the configuration of the
ical properties of the sealant. Joint design, which broadly structure or its settlement. They are frequently used to isolate
covers the interrelationship of these factors, is discussed in walls from floors or roofs; columns from floors or cladding;
some detail in Chapter 4 since it should be an important, pavement slabs and decks from bridge abutments or piers;
sometimes governing, consideration in the design of most and in other locations where restraint or transmission of sec-
concrete structures. It is considered beyond the scope of this ondary forces is not desired. Many designers consider it good
guide on sealing joints to venture into the whole field of vol- practice to place such joints where walls or slabs change di-
ume change in concrete and the structural considerations that rection as in L-, T-, Y- and U-shaped structures and where
determine the location and movement of joints. It is, how- different cross sections develop. Expansion joints in struc-
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intended to isolate structural units that behave in different 1.7-Joint configurations


ways. In the schematic joint details for various types of concrete
Expansion joints are made by providing a space for the full structures shown in Chapter 5, two basic configurations oc-
cross section between abutting structural units when the con- cur from the standpoint of the functioning of the sealant.
crete is placed through the use of filler strips of the required These are known as butt joints and lap joints.
thickness, bulkheading or by leaving a gap when precast In butt joints, the structural units being joined abut each
units are positioned. Provision for continuity or for restrict- other and any movement is largely at right angles to the plan
ing undesired lateral displacement may be made by incorpo- of the joint. In lap joints, the units being joined override each
rating dowels, steps or keyways. other and any relative movement is one of sliding. Butt joints,
1.6.3 Construction joints-These are joints made at the and these include most stepped joints, are by far the most
surfaces created before and after interruptions in the place- common. Lap joints may occur in certain sliding joints (see
ment of concrete or through the positioning of precast units. Section 1.6.4), between precast units or panels in curtain-
Locations are usually predetermined by agreement between walls, and at the junctions of these and of cladding and glaz-
the design professional and the contractor, so as to limit the ing with their concrete or other framing. As explained in
work that can be done at one time to a convenient size with Chapter 2, the difference in the mode of the relative move-
the least impairment of the finished structure, though they ment between structural units at butt joints and lap joints, in
may also be necessitated by unforeseen interruptions in con- part, controls the functioning of the sealant. In many of the-
creting operations. Depending on the structural design they applications of concern to this guide, pure lap joints do not
may be required to function later as expansion or contraction occur, and the functioning of the lap joint is in practice a com-
joints having the features already described, or they may be bination of butt and lap joint action.
required to be monolithic; that is, with the second placement From the viewpoint of the sealant, two sealing systems
soundly bonded to the first to maintain complete structural should be recognized. First, there are open surface joints, as
integrity. Construction joints may run horizontally or ver- in pavements and buildings in which the joint sealant is ex-
ticall y depending on the placing sequence required by the de- posed to outside conditions on at least one face. Second,
sign of the structure. there are joints, as in containers, dams, and pipe lines, in
1.6.4 Combined and special purpose joints-Construc- which the primary line of defense against the passage of
tion joints (see Section 1.6.3) at which the concrete in the water is a sealant such as a waterstop or gasket buried deeper
second placement is intentionally separated from that in the in the joint. The functioning and type of sealant material that
preceding placement by a bond-breaking membrane, but is suitable and the method of installation are affected by these
without space to accommodate expansion of the abutting considerations.

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units, also function as contraction joints (see Section 1.6.1). In conclusion, two terms should be mentioned since they
Similarly, construction joints in which a filler displaced, or a are in wide, though imprecise use. Irrespective of their type
gap is otherwise formed by bulkheading or the positioning of or configuration, joints are often spoken of as working
precast units, function as expansion joints (see Section joints where significant movement occurs and as nonwork-
1.6.2). Conversely, expansion joints are often convenient for ing joints where movement does not occur or is negligible.
forming nonmonolithic construction joints. Expansion joints
automatically function as contraction joints, though the con-
verse is only true to an amount limited to any gap created by
initial shrinkage. CHAPTER 2-HOW JOINT SEALANTS
Hinge joints are joints that permit hinge action (rotation) FUNCTION
but at which the separation of the abutting units is limited by 2.1-Basic function of sealants
tie bars or the continuation of reinforcing steel across joints. To function properly, a sealant must deform in response to
This term has wide usage in, but is not restricted to, pave- opening or closing joint movements without any other
ments where longitudinal joints function in this manner to change that would adversely affect its ability to maintain the
overcome warping effects while resisting deflections due to seal. The sealant material behaves in both elastic and plastic
wheel loads or settlement of the subgrade. In structures, manners. The type and amount of each depends on: the
hinge joints are often referred to as articulated joints. movement and rate of movement occurring; installation and
Sliding joints may be required where one unit of a structure service temperatures; and the physical properties of the seal-
must move in a plane at right angles to the plane of another ant material concerned, which in service is either a solid or an
unit, for example, in certain reservoirs where the walls are extremely viscous liquid.
permitted to move independently of the floor or roof slab.
These joints are usually made with a bond-breaking material 2.2-Classification of sealants
such as a bituminous compound, paper or felt that also facili- Sealants may be classified into two main groups. These are
tates sliding. as follows:
1.6.5 Cracks-Although joints are placed in concrete so 1. Field-molded sealants that are applied in liquid or semi:
that cracks do not occur elsewhere, it is extremely difficult to liquid form, and are thus formed into the required shape
prevent occasional cracks between joints. As far as sealing is within the mold provided at the joint opening.
concerned, cracks may be regarded as contraction joints of 2. Performed sealants that are functionally preshaped, usu-
irregular line and form, Treatment of cracks is considered in ally at the manufacturers plant, resulting in a minimum of
Section 7.2.2. site fabrication necessary for their installation.

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2.3-Behavior of sealants in butt joints 2.6-Effect of temperature


As a sealed butt joint opens and closes, one of three func- Changes in temperature between that at installation and the
tional conditions of stress can exist. These are: maximum and minimum experienced in service affect seal-
1. The sealant is always in tension. Some waterstops [Fig. 1 ant behavior. This is explained by reference to Fig. 5.
(2A)] function to a large degree in this way though com- The service range of temperature that affects the sealant is
pressive forces may be present at their sealing faces and an- not the same as the ambient air temperature range. It is the
chorage areas. actual temperature of the units being joined by the sealant
2. The sealant is always in compression. This principle, as that govern the magnitude of joint movements that must be
illustrated in Fig. 1 (1A, B, C), is the one on which compres- accommodated by the sealant. By absorption and transfer of
sion seals and gaskets are based. heat from the sun and loss due to radiation, etc., depending
3. The sealant is cyclically in tension or compression. on the location, exposure, and materials being joined, the dif-
Most field-molded and certain preformed sealants work in ference between service range of temperature and the range
this way. The behavior of a field-molded sealant is illustrated of ambient air temperature can be considerable.
in Fig. 2 (1A, B , C) and an example of a preformed tension- For the purpose of this guide, the service range or tem-
compression seal is shown in Fig. 9 (4). peratures has been assumed to vary from -20 to + 130 F (-29
A sealant that is always in tension presupposes that the to + 54 C) for a total range of 150 F (83C). In very hot or cold
sealant was installed when the joint was in its fully closed climates or where the joint is between concrete and another
position so that thereafter, as the joint opens and closes, the material that absorbs or loses heat more readily than con-
sealant is always extended. This is only possible with pre- crete, the maximum and minimum values may be greater.
formed sealants such as waterstops which are buried in the This is particularly true in building walls, roofs and in pave-
freshly mixed concrete and have mechanical end anchors. ments. On the other hand, inside a temperature-controlled
Field-molded sealants cannot be used this way and the mag- building or in structures below ground the range of service
nitude of the tension effects shown in Fig. 2 (1B) would likely temperatures can be quite small. This applies also to con-
lead to failure as the joint opened in service. Most sealing tainers below water line. However, where part of a container
systems used in open surface joints are therefore designed to is permanently out of the water, or is exposed by frequent
function under either sealant in compression or a condition of dewatering, the effects of a wider range of temperatures must
cyclically in compression and tension to take best advantage be taken into account.
of the properties of the available sealant materials and permit The rate of movement due to temperature change for short
ease of installation. periods (ie: an hr, a day) is quite as important as the total
movement over a year. Sealants generally perform better, that
is, respond to and follow joint opening and closing when this
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2.4-Malfunctions of sealants
movement occurs at a slow and uniform rate. Unfortunately,
Malfunction of a sealant under conditions of stress consists
joints in structures rarely behave this way; where restraint is
of a tensile failure within the sealant or its connection to the
present, sufficient force to cause movement must be gener-
joint face. These are known as cohesive and adhesive
ated before any movement occurs. When movement is inhib-
failures, respectively.
ited due to frictional forces, it is likely to occur with a sudden
In the case of preformed sealants that are intended to be
jerk that might rupture a brittle sealant. Flexibility in the seal-
always in compression, malfunctioning usually results in
ant over a wide range of temperatures is therefore important,
failure to generate sufficient contact pressure with the joint
particularly at low temperatures where undue hardening or
faces. This leads to the defects shown in Fig. 3 (1). This fig-
loss of elasticity occurs with many materials that would oth-
ure also shows defects in water stops. Splits, punctures or
erwise be suitable as sealants. Generally all materials per-
leakage at the anchorage may also occur with strip (gland)
form better at higher temperatures, though with certain ther-
seals.
moplastics softening may lead to problems of sag, flow and
Malfunctioning of a field-molded sealant, intended to
indentation.
function cyclically in tension or compression, may develop
Furthermore, in structures having a considerable number
with repetitive cycles of stress reversal or under sustained
of similar joints in series, for example, retaining walls, canal
stress at constant deformation. The resulting failure will then
linings and pavements, it might be expected that an equal
be shown as one of the defects illustrated in Fig. 4.
share of the total movement might take place at each joint.
Where secondary movements occur in either or both direc-
However, one joint in the series may initially take more
tions at right angles to the main movement, including impact
movement than others and therefore the sealant should be
at joints under traffic, shear forces occur across the sealants.
able to handle the worst combination.
The depth (and width) of the sealant required to accommo-
These considerations are discussed in detail in Chapter 4.
date the primary movement can more than provide any shear
resistance required.
2.7-Shape factor in field-molded sealants
Field-molded sealants should be 100 percent solids (or
2.5 Behavior of sealants in lap joints semi-solids) at service temperatures and as shown in Fig. 2,
The sealant as illustrated in Fig. 2 (2A, B , C) is always in they alter their shape but not their volume as the joint opens
shear as the joint opens and closes. Tension and compression and closes. These strains in the sealant and hence the ad-
effects may, however, be added in the modified type of lap hesive and cohesive stresses developed are a critical function
joint2003;
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The behavior of these preformed sealants depends on a combina-
tion of their elastic and plastic properties acting under sustained
compression.

01 COMPRESSION
AND GASKETS
SEALS

(A) AS INSTALLED (B) JOINT OPEN (C) JOINT CLOSED

(i) Sealant is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Always in compression Always in compression


and
Sealant must: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change its shape as its width changes (Note 1)

- O u t w a r d pressure on faces
(ii) Material requirements for good performance: maintains the sealing action

(A) (B) (C)


(a) Good contact (bond (d) Rubber-like properties (e) Low compression set
not needed) (f) Webs should not weld
(b) Correct size (g) Should not extrude
(c) Suitable configuration from the joint
Also required (see Section 3.1) (1) Impermeability (3) Recovery (7) Nonembrittlement (8) Not deteriorate

(iii) Deficiencies in (b) (d) (e) (f) predisposes to loss of contact pressure. See Fig. 3 @ for consequences

Note 1
Compression seals in working joints require to be compartmentalized or foldable
to meet this criterion, gaskets in nonworking joints may not.

02. WATERSTOPS
These seals are normally in tension during their working range.
(A) WORKING JOINT JOINT OPEN (B) NONWORKING
AS INSTALLED TO WATER JOINT

1 1
Labyrinth ribs to anchor
and form long path seal;
--
Center bulb or fold facilitates
normal joint movements
Asphalt coating may be __-A
needed to assist seal and
or prevent bond at one end.
Dumbbell end to anchor -
and form cork-in-a-bottle
seal.

(ii) Material (A) (i) Flexible materials with properties similar to (B) (i) Rigid noncorrosive materials
requirements aabove suitable, some ductility and
flexibility may be desirable
(ii) Rigid flat plates also used where movement is
comparitively small (otherwise sliding end or (ii) Flexible materials may be
fold needed to permit movement). Must resist convenient but not essential
deformation due to fluid pressure. High dur-
ability since replacement not practical

(iii) Deficiencies lead to failures shown in Fig. 3 0

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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-7

The behavior of field-molded sealants in service depends upon a combination of their elastic and plastic properties. Elas-
tomeric sealants should behave largely elastically to regain after deformation their original width and shape, that is full
strain recovery (no permanent set) is desirable. However due to plastic behavior some set, flow, and stress relaxation occurs.
The extent of its effect depends on the properties of the particular materials used and conditions such as temperature,
repetition and rapidity of cycles of stress reversal and duration of deformation at constant strain. Largely plastic behavior,
that is, returns to original shape by flow, is only acceptable for sealants used in joints with small and relatively slow
movements.

O1 IN BUTT JOINTS
(A) AS INSTALLED (B) JOINT OPEN (C) JOINT CLOSED

(i) Sealant is: . . . . . . . . . . Sometimes in tension and sometimes in compression


and
Sealant should: . . . . . . . . Change its shape without changing its volume

Cohesive (tensile) stress in sealant 1 1 1 Compressive stress in


Adhesive (bond) stress at interfaceJ 1 1 sealant
Peeling stress at edge A 1
Tensile stress in face material-

(ii) Material requirements for good performance:

(A) (B) (C)


(a) Ease of installation (e) High ultimate strength (g) Resistance to flow and
(b) Good bond to faces in rubberlike materials stress relaxation
(c) Homogeneity (f) Low elastic modulus (h) Low compression set
(d) Low shrinkage in rubberlike materials
(g) Resistance to flow and
stress relaxation
Also required (see Section 3.1) (1) Impermeability (3) Recovery (6) Resist flow (7) Not harden
(8) Not deteriorate

(iii) Deficiencies in (b) (c) (f) predispose towards adhesion failure


(c) (d) (e) predispose towards cohesive failure See Fig. 4 for
(h) (3) (6) predispose towards permanent deformation consequences
(g) (3) (6) predispose towards flow and stress relaxation
(a) (7) (8) accelerate failures due to above causes

O2 IN LAP JOINTS
(A) AS INSTALLED (B) JOINT OPEN (C) JOINT CLOSED
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

(i) Sealant is: . . . . . . . . . Always in shear(Note ) Always in shear (Note 1)

(ii) Material Requirements: These are generally similar to those above for butt joints. Same materials used (see
Chapter 3) with thickness of sealant (distance between the overlapping faces) equal to 2 times the deformation
of sealant in shear (which is the joint movement) depending on installation temperature (See Fig. 5).
Note 1 : If, as lap joint opens or closes, units move closer together or farther apart in plane at right angles to
main movement then compression or tension of the sealant will also occur. This combination of
movements is common in many applications to buildings (see Fig. 8). Where both types of movement
are expected, the combined movement should be considered to determine the thickness of sealant.
required in the joint design.

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504R-8

WATER AND DEBRIS


PENETRATES

@ Compression
Seal Defects:

O
A Seal too small (@ Seal lost ability to recover

Seal is out of compression in


cold weather

UNFOLDS AND STANDS TRAFFIC


OUT WHEN JOINT OPENS TEARS SEAL

CONCRETE SPALLS

FILLER PUSHES UP

O
C Folded or twisted at (@ Over compressed and extruded
installation at expansion joints

Failure noticed in hot weather

@(i) Use wider seal @ Install seal straight, lubricate joint faces and
Improve (ii) Form or saw cut joint with shoulder also to prevent breaks avoid stretching
Performance by: support seal
(iii) Avoid stretching during installation O
D Usually occurs in pavements with mixed
system of expansion-contraction joints,
@ Use seal with better properties to provide avoid this design
low temperature recovery and avoid (ii) Form or saw groove wider
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

compression set (iii) Leave air gap on top of filler

02
Waterstop
Defects : @J Contamination of surface prevents
bond to concrete

Complete break due


to poor or no splice

@ Over extended at joint - may split O


B Honeycomb concrete areas permit leakage

Improve 00
A i Selecting size suitable for joint
movement
@ @ @ (i) Proper installation and concreting
practices
Performance by: (ii) Avoid rigid anchored flat types (ii) Since replacement is usually not
possible try grouting or secondary
sealant as remedial measure

COPYRIGHT 2003; ACI International (American Concrete Institute) 3 Fig. 3 -Defects in preformed
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-9

WATER AND DEBRIS CAN


0 Defects NOW PENETRATE
Gainly /
Associated with
Elastic
Behavior

@Too deep compared to @ Overextended; may lead 0 Peeling at points of


width. Bonded at bottom to fatigue failure stress concentration
such as edges
WATER AND DEBRIS CAN NOW PENETRATE

(@ Adhesion (bond to @ Cohesion (internal @ Impact spall if concrete


joint face) failure rupture) failure is weak

Improve (ii) Use of bond breaker and/or H


(i) m -Better shape factor
Performance m backup materials
to reduce strains to those
by - sealant can withstand

(iii) Closer joint spacings to reduce (iv) Select better sealant


individual movements

(v) a Clean faces and prime (vi) @ S aw rather than form


armor edges
(vii) Improvements (i) to extend life of sealant. Eventual failure must be expected
due to combinations of , viscous flow, stress relaxation, permanent set etc.,
with repetitive cycles of stress reversals (Seem below) _
0Mainly
Defects
Unsightly elephant ears run Also staining and
Associated with down vertical joints. Tracked damage due to
Non Elastic by traffic - exudation of volatiles
4

-w
Behavior
I

@ Debris inclusion can lead to spalling, loss of @ Extrusion or blistering @ Extrusion of


sealant material, change in properties of sealant filler
Improve
Performance
by - 0 @ and OI
(i) Select sealant that will resist intrusion (i) Use better shape factor
(ii) Routine cleanup of debris (ii) Closer joint spacings
(iii) Indentation by spiked heels, etc. (iii) Avoid mixed expansion contraction joint
requires (i) pavement designs so as to equalize movement
(iv) Avoid trapping air and moisture at
installation
(v) Select better sealant and more compressible
filler and do not overfill joints or set filler too
high

O3 Defects
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Mainly (i)
Associated with
Flow and Stress
Relaxation

0 (i) sags or (ii) humpsafter extension or (iii) necks after compression as direction of movement
reverses

Little improvement possible if best sealant is being used. Support may help somewhat.

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504R-10 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

Hypothetical cases showing the effect of installation temperatures in relation to the range of service temperatures,
assuming the joint width at mean temperature equals the total joint movement between fully open and fully closed
positions. (for simplicity of analysis only temperature effects shown)
O1 SEALANT INSTALLED AT MEAN TEMPERATURE

(A) INSTALLATION AT MEAN (B) JOINT OPEN AT (C) JOINT CLOSED AT


TEMPERATURES 55 F (13 C) -20 F (-29 C) 130 F (54 C)
> I /2 wI<
__ 1 __
112 w
&I I+ *I

Sealant must extend or compress by 50 percent in service.

@ SEALANT INSTALLED AT LOW TEMPERATURE

(A) INSTALLATION AT MINIMUM (B) JOINT HALF CLOSED (C) JOINT CLOSED AT
TEMPERATURES -20 F (-29 C) AT 55 F (13 C) 130 F (54 C)

Sealant must compress by 66.66 percent in service.


Probability of Permanent Deformation or Extrusion. 50 percent more sealant needed.

@ SEALANT INSTALLED AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

(A) INSTALLATION AT MAXIMUM (B) JOINT HALF OPEN (C) JOINT OPEN AT
TEMPERATURE 130 F (54 C) AT 55 F (13 C) -20 F (-29 C)
L2w,I L 3w ,I

Sealant must extend by 200 percent in service.


Adhesion, cohesion, or peeling failure certain.

CONCLUSION: The closer the installation temperature is to the mean annual temperature the less will be the strain
in the sealant in service and the better it will perform in butt joints. Taking into account practical considerations
(see Chapter 4 and 6) an installation temperature range of from 40 to 90 F (4 to 32 C) is acceptable for most
applications.
Note: (i) Though not illustrated similar considerations govern the selection of the size of compression seals
(see Section 4.5). Failure in case (3) above would however be by loss of contact with joint faces when
seal passes out of compression.
(ii) Maximum deformation of a sealant in lap joints is also governed by installation temperature. Sealant
thickness not less than joint movement acceptable for all temperatures (see Fig, 2.2) may be reduced
to % provided installation temperature is between 40 and 90 F (4 and 32 C) (movement approximately
M each way).

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Fig. 5-Effect of temperature on field-molded sealants
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-11

Cases showing the effect of shape on the maximum strains S which occur on the parabolic exposed surface of
elastomeric sealants. Sealant assumed to be installed at mean joint width so that /2 change of width of sealant will
be extension and % compression.
BUTT JOINTS
O
.1 JOINT DEPTH TO WIDTH RATIO 2: 1

(A) AS INSTALLED (B) JOINT OPEN (C) JOINT CLOSED


MEAN WIDTH

l+w+l
Units of Sealant
Required: 4

S=0

S = 250%
O2 JOINT DEPTH TO WIDTH RATIO 1: 1
W
v
Units of Sealant
Required: 2 d=w
*
s^=o^

O3 JOINT DEPTH TO WIDTH RATIO 1: 2

Units of Sealant
Required: 1
S=32% S=20%

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
CONCLUSION: Increasing the width and reducing the depth generally reduces strains and hence improves per-
formance of field molded sealants. At the same time less sealant is required. Shape Factor is less important
in mastic sealants since plastic not elastic behavior dominates.

@ PURPOSE OF BOND BREAKER AND BACK UP: In joints open on one face only the back face of the sealant
must not adhere to the bottom of the sealant reservoir so that the sealant is free to assume the desired shape.
See (A) below. Control of depth of sealant is achieved as shown in (B) where the joint is formed or sawn
initially deeper than the required depth to width ratio. (Bi) and (Bii) present cases as to desirable shape of
backup.

(A) FUNCTION OF (B) FUNCTION OF (Bi) CURRENT PRACTICE


BOND BREAKER BACKUP MATERIAL

-
SHAPE AND
BACKUP LIMITS
GREATER BOND
SEALANT DEPTH
FACE ASSUMED
AND CONTROLS
TO REDUCE
SHAPE
ADHESIVE
STRESSES

SEALANT CAN NOW ADDITIONAL BENEFIT PREFORMED ROUND ROD


FREELY ASSUME IS TO SUPPORT SEALANT OR TUBE BACKUP
PARABOLIC SURFACE AND PREVENT SAG
ON THE BOTTOM AS
WELL AS TOP (Bii) While Detail (Bi) is widely accepted and
used, some recent research suggests (B)
may be better since, if backup material
presents flat face to sealant, peeling stresses
at corners are reduced.

Fig. 6-Shape factor and strains


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504R-12 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT
extensibility is a function of the shape of the mold in which it cles, reduction in bubble formation, and reduction in the ab-
was installed as well as the physical properties of the mate- sorption of oils by the concrete.
rial. A mathematical analysis of sealant deformation was
made by Tons ,4 whose laboratory measurements showed that
the exposed surfaces of an elastically deformed sealant as-
sume a parabolic shape until close to rupture. Tons concluded CHAPTER 3-SEALANT MATERIALS
that total extensibility is increased directly with width and in- 3.1-General
versely with the depth of the sealant in the joint. From Tonss This chapter deals with the functional properties of sealing
data and that of Schutz,5 Fig. 6 (lA, B, C, 2A, B, C, 3A, B, and accessory materials. Because of their physical limita-
C) has been prepared to illustrate the critical importance (and tions many materials only perform well in joints of small ini-
economy) of using a good shape factor especially with ther- tial width and subsequent movement. The configuration of
mosetting, chemically curing field-molded sealants. Shape the joint, the process by which it is constructed (formed) and
factor pertains to the ratio between the width of a sealant and access for installation of the sealant also impose restrictions
its thickness (depth) determined by experience and lab tests. on the types of material that may be suitable for a particular
It must be remembered that while selections of shape fac- application.
tor are essentially based on accommodating cohesive stresses In service, environmental conditions often dictate addi-
in the sealant, at the time of placement an adequate area must tional performance requirements beyond those needed to ac-
be provided at the joint face to accommodate adhesive (bond) commodate movements alone.
stresses. For this reason, experience has indicated a prefer- Selection of the most appropriate materials for a particular
ence in certain applications, such as in concrete pavements, application is not a simple matter in view of all the variables
for a minimum 3:2 (depth to width) shape factor rather than involved. Once an understanding is gained of the basic prop-
the theoretically more desirable ratio (shown in Fig. 6) of 1:1 erties of materials required, then available materials can be
or l:2 in order to achieve a better service performance. classified and related to their suitability in various types of
joints. This information is conveniently displayed in a series
2.8-Function of bond breakers and backup of tables and is cross referenced in later figures which illus-
materials trate the details of various joint applications in concrete
Bond breakers and backup materials are used, as illus- structures.
trated in Fig. 6 (4A, B), to achieve the desired shape factor in This chapter discusses field molded sealing materials used
field-molded sealants. The principal material requirement for where one surface of the finished joint is open to permit the
a bond breaker is that it should not adhere to the sealant. sealing operation. Sealants used for these applications are
Important secondary benefits of a backup material are that it listed in Table 1. The joint design for an expansion (isolation)
supports the sealant and helps resist indentation, sag and al- joint may consist of a filler strip below the area where the
lows a sealant to take advantage of maximum extension. sealant will be placed, bond breaker material to separate the
These may often be important considerations when selecting sealant from an adhering substrate, and backup materials to
the appropriate type and shape of preformed backup mate- support the material from sagging. These appurtenant mate-
rial. The backup material must also be compressible without rials are listed in Table 2. Preformed materials used in joints
extruding the sealant and must recover to maintain contact open on at least one surface, materials used as water stops and
with the joint faces when the joint is open. gaskets are listed in Table 3.
Table 4 shows some of the current uses to which the vari-
2.9-Function of fillers in expansion joints ous sealants are put, and consideration of storage and han-
Fillers are used in expansion joints to assist in making the dling for installation. In cross-referencing types of materials
joint and to provide room for the inward movement of the the Roman numeral system is used in Tables 1 and 4 and in
abutting concrete units as they expand. Additionally they Fig. 7 to 12. Individual field-molded sealant materials are let-
may be required to provide support for the sealant or limit its tered A, B , C, and so on, as in Table 1. Individual preformed
depth in the same manner that backup materials do. These sealant materials are identified by numbers given in Table 3.
requirements are usually met by preformed materials that can Appendix C lists various specifications and sources of cur-
be compressed without significant extrusion and preferably rent specifications.
recover their original width when compression ceases. Stiff-
ness to maintain alignment during concrete placement and 3.2-Required properties of joint sealants
resistance to deterioration due to moisture and other service For satisfactory performance a sealant must:
conditions are also usually required. 1. Be an impermeable material.
2. Deform to accommodate the movement and rate of
2.10-Function of primers movement occurring at the joint.
Laboratory and field experience indicates that priming 3. Sufficiently retain its original properties and shape if
joint faces is essential for certain field-molded sealants and subjected to cyclical deformations.
can generally improve their bond strength and hence exten- 4. Adhere to concrete. This means that for all sealants; ex-
sibility, especially at low temperatures. Depending on the cept those preformed sealants that exert a force against the
sealant and condition of the sealant-to-joint interface, the im- concrete surfaces or are mechanically interlocked with an an-
provement in adhesion may result from one or more of the chorage, the sealant must bond to the concrete surfaces
following: sealing and penetration of the concrete pores, pre- andnot fail in adhesion (lose its bond to the concrete) nor peel
coating of the concrete pores, precoating of the dust parti- at corners or other local areas of high stress (see Fig. 4).
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-13

TABLE 1-MATERIALS USED FOR JOINT SEALING


GROUP FIELD-MOLDED I PREFORMED

TYPE I MASTIC THERMOPLASTICS I THERMOSETTING COMPRESSION


II HOT APPLIED 1
III COLD APPLIED 1 IV C H E M I C A L L Y CURING VSOLVENT RELEASE VI SEAL
Composition (A) Drying O i l s (F) Asphalts (K) Rubber Asphalts (N) Polysulfide (T) Neoprene Neoprene
(B) Non-drying Oils (G) Rubber Asphalts (L) VInyIs (0) Polysulfide Coal Tar (U) Butadlene rubber
(C) Low Melt. Point (H) Pitches (M) Acrylics (P) Polyurethane Styrene
Asphalt (I) Coal Tars (K) Contalns 70.80% (0) Polyurethane Coal Tar (V) Chlorosul-
(D) Polybutenes (J) Rubber Coal Tars sol ids (R) Silicones fonated
(E) Polyisobutylenes All contain 100% (L) (M) Contain 75. (S) Epoxy Polyethylene
or combination of D & E solids 90% solids (N),(R) contain 95-100% sollds (T) (V) contain
All used with fillers, (W) Hot applied PVC All contain solvent, (O),(Q),(S) contain 90-100% 80-90% solids
all contain 100% solids, coal tar (K) may be an emulsion solids (U) contains
except D & E which may (60-70% solids). (P) contains 75-100% solids 85-90% solids
contain solvent. (X) Modified (N),(P),(R) may be either one (R) Silicones
Butyl Rubber or two component system
(O),(Q), (S) two component
system.

Colours (A) (B) Varied Black only (K) Black only (N) (R) (S) Varied (T) LImited Black. Exposed
(C) Black only (L) (M) Varied (0) (PI LImited (V) Varied surfaces may be
(D) (E) LImIted (Q) Black only treated to give
varied colours

Setting Release of solvent . . . . .

Curing
Or

Aging and Moderate


Weathering Low (W) High resistance Moderate High H igh High
Resistance to weather

Increase in (S)
Hardness in High High to Moderate H igh (N) (O) (P) (Q) (R) Moderate
Hgh 1 High; Low
Relation to (W) No hardness
(1) Age

or (2) Low temp High High to Moderate High (S) H igh Low
(W) No hardness (N) (0) (PI (Q) (R) L o w

Recovery Low Moderate Low (N) (0) Moderate Low High


(W) High (P) (Q) (R) High
(S) Low

Resistance to Low Moderate Moderate (P) (0) (R) (S) ~~~,,,,, 1 Moderate High
Wear (N) (0)

Resistance to
Identation Low Low at High Low at high High Low High
and Intrusion of temperatures temperatures
Solids (W) High

ShrInkage after H igh Varies High Low High None


Installation I (W) None I
Resistance to High except to (F) (G) High except (K) High except to (N) (P) Low to solvents Low to solvents, High
Chemicals solvents and fuels to solvents and fuels solvents and fuels fuels, oxidizing fuels and oxldlzlng
(H) (I) (J) High a n d (L) (M) High except acids a c id s
fuel resistant to alkalis and (O) (Q) Low to solvents
(W) High oxldlzlng acids but moderate fuel
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

resistance
(R) Low to alkalis
(S) High

Modulus at (R) (0) (P) (Q) L o w


100% Not applicable Low Low (R) High and Low Moderate
Elongation (S) Not applicable

Allowable Must be compressed


+
- 5%
Extension and +3% &7% _+25% except (S) less 27% at all times to 45-
(W) +25% extension
Compression + 100% some (R) 85% of its original
5 0 % width

Other (A) (B) (D) (E) Due to softening in hot (K) Usable i n (N) (P) (R) (S) (U) (V) Non-
Properties Non-staining weather usable only in inclined joints Non-stalning staining
(D) (E) Pick up dirt, horizontal joints (V) Good vapour
use in concealed (W) No flow at elevated and dust sealer
location only. temperatures

Unit first cost (A) (B) (C) very low (F) (G) (H) (I) (K) Very low (0) (Q) (R) High (T) (U) (V) L o w (3) High
(D) (E) Low (J) Very low (L) Low (N) (P) (R) (S)
(W) Medium (Ml High Very High

5. Not internally rupture or pull apart within itself (that is, 8. Not be adversely affected by aging, weathering or other
fail in cohesion) (see Fig. 4). service factors for a reasonable service life under the range of
6. Resist flow due to gravity (or fluid pressure) or un- temperatures and other environmental conditions that occur
acceptable softening at higher service temperatures. (see Fig. 7 to 12).
7. Not harden or become unacceptably brittle at lower In addition, depending on the specific service conditions,
service temperatures. the sealant may be required to resist one or more of the fol-
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504R-14 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

TABLE 2-PREFORMED MATERIALS USED FOR FILLERS AND AS BACKUP WITH


FIELD MOLDED SEALANTS

USES AND GOVERNING PROPERTIES INSTALLATION


COMPOSITION AND TYPE I
(1) Natural rubber Expansion joint filler. Readily High pliability may cause instal-
(a) Sponge compressible and good recovery. lation problems. Weight of plastic
(b) Solid Closed cell. Non-absorptive. Solid concrete may precompress it. In
rubber may function as filler but construction joints attach to first
primarily intend as gasket, see placement with adhesive.
Table 3(8).

(12) Neoprene or Butyl Sponge Backup Compressed into joint with hand
tubes Where resilience required in tools.
large joints. Check for com-
patibility with sealant as to
staining.
1. I
(13) Neoprene or Butyl Sponge Backup Compressed into
rods Used in narrower joints, e.g. con- tools or roller.
traction joints in canal linings and
coverslabs and pavements. Check
for compatibility with sealant as
I to staining.
I
(14) Expanded polyethylene poly- (a) Expansion joint fillers. Readily Must be rigidly supported for full
urethane and polyvinyl chloride compressible, good recovery, length during concreting.
polypropylene flexible foams Non-absorptive.

I (b) Backup
Compatible with most sealants
Compressed into joint with hand
tools.

(15) Expanded polyethylene, poly- Expansion joint filler. Useful to Support in place during concreting.
urethane and polystyrene form a gap but after significant In construction joints attach to

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
rigid foams compression will not recover. first placement. Sometimes removed
after concreting where no
longer needed.

(16) Bituminous or Resin Expansion joint filler. Readily Support in place during concreting,
I m p r e g n a t e d corkboard compressible and resilient. Not or attach to preceding placement.
compatible and must be isolated Boards easily damaged by careless

(17) Bentonite or Dehydrated Filler with self-sealing properties. Cork available in moisture-proof
Cork Absorption of water after instal- liners that require removal before
lation causes material to swell. installation. Bentonite in powder
Cork can be compressed. Bentonite form, loose or within cardboard
incompressible. liners.

(18) Wood Cedar, Redwood, Expansion joint filler, has been Rigid and easily held in alignment
Pine, Chipboard, Untreated widely used in the past. Swells during concreting.
Fibreboard when water is absorbed. Not as
compressible as other fillers and
less recovery. Natural woods
should be knot-free.

(19) Bituminous impregnated Expansion joint filler. Widely Reasonably rigid to hold alignment
fiberboard used. Resilient cane fibre used. during concreting or placed against
Has moderate recovery after com- preceding placement.
pression. Should not be com-
I pressed more than 50 percent or bitumen
extruded which may damage sealant.

(20) Metal or Plastic (a) Expansion joint filler. Hollow com- Installed as for wood or fibreboard
pressible thin gauge box. Used materials.
only in special applications.

(b) Backup, Foil, inert to sealants, Crumple and place in joint.


but shape irregular.

(21) Glass Fibre, Mineral wool (a) Expansion joint filler. Made in Installed as for wood or fibreboard
board form by impregnating with materials.
bitumen or resins. Easily com-
pressed.

(b) Backup. Inert without impreg- In mat form or packed loose


nation so as not to damage material or yarn.
sealant.

(22) Oakum, Jute, Manila yarn The traditional material for Packed in joint to required depth
and rope, and Piping Uphols- packing joints before installing
tery cord sealant. Where used as backup
should be untreated with oils, etc.

(23) Portland Cement Used at joints in precast units and Bed (mortar)
Grout or Mortar pipes to fill the remaining gap Inject (grout)
when no movement is expected
and sometimes behind waterstops.

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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-15

TABLE 3-PREFORMED MATERIALS USED FOR COMPRESSION SEALS, STRIP


SEA L S , T E N S IO N -C O M P R ESSED SEALS, WATERSTOPS, GASKETS, AND
MISCELLANEOUS SEALING PURPOSES

COMPOSITION AND TYPE PROPERTIES SIGNIFICANT AVAILABLE IN USES


TO APPLICATION

(1) Butyl - Conventional I High resistance to water, vapour 1 Beads, Rods, tubes, flat 1 Waterstops, Combined crack
Rubber Cured and weathering. Low permanent sheets, tapes and purpose- inducer and seal, Pressure
set and modulus of elasticity form- made shapes. sensitive dust and water seal-
ulations possible, giving high co- ing tapes for glazing and
hesion and recovery. Tough. curtain walls.
Colour - Black, can be painted.

(2) Butyl - Raw, Polymer High resistance to water, vapour Beads, tapes, gaskets, Glazing seals, lap seams in
modified with resins and and weathering. Good adhesion to grommets. metal cladding. Curtain wall
plasticisers metals, glass, plastics. Moldable panels.
into place but resists displacement,
tough and cohesive. Colour -
Black, can be painted.
I I
(3) Neoprene - Conventional High resistance to oil, water, Beads, rods, tubes, flat- Waterstops, Glazing seals,
Rubber cured vapour and weathering. Low sheets, tapes, purpose-made Insulation and Isolation of service
permanent set. Colour - shapes. Either solid or open lines. Tension-Compression seals.
basically black but other surface or closed cell sponges. Compression Seals. Gaskets, Strip
colours can be incorporated. Gland Seals.

(4) PVC High water, vapour, but only Beads, rods, tubes, flat Waterstops, Gaskets, Com-
Polyvinylchloride moderate chemical resistance. sheets, tapes, gaskets, bined crack inducer and seal.
Thermoplastic, Low permanent set and modulus of purpose-made shapes
Extrusions or Moldings elasticity formulations possible,
giving high cohesion and recovery.
Tough. Can be softened by heating
for splicing. Colour - Pigmented
black, brown, green, etc.

(5) Polyisobutylene High water, vapour resistance. Beads, tapes, grommets, Gaskets, Glazing Seals,
Non curing High flexibility at low temperature gaskets. Curtain wall panels,
Flows under pressure, surface Acoustical partitions.

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
pressure sensitive, high adhesion,
Sometimes used with butyl com-
pounds to control degree of cure.
Colour - Black, grey, white
I I I
(6)a S B R (Styrene High water resistance, NBR has Beads, rods, flat sheets Waterstops, Gaskets for pipes
Butadiene Rubber) high oil resistance. tapes, gaskets, grommets, Insulation and Isolation of
purpose-made shapes. Service Lines
(6)b N B R (Nitrile Either solid or cellular
Butadiene Rubber) sponges.
Polyisoprene - poly-
diene - Conventional
Rubber cure

(7) a Polyurethane, Foam Low recovery at low temperature, . flat sheets (strips)
Rods Gaskets, Compression Seals
impregnated with poly- can be installed in damp joints, open cell sponges
butylene Colour - Variety EVA closed cell
(7) b Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

(8) a Natural Rubber - cured High water resistance but deter- Purpose-made shapes. Waterstops, Gasket for pipes.
(vulcanized) iorates when exposed to air and Strip-Gland Seals
sun. Low resistance to oils and Tension-Compression
(8) b EPDM solvents. Now largely superseded Compression Seals
(8) c Silicones by synthetic materials, Colour
black
-I
(9) Metals For waterstops: Flat and preshaped strips, (a) (b) Waterstops
(a) Copper (a) Ductile and Flexible, but work Lead also molten or yarn. (c) Protection for joint edges in
(b) Steel (stainless) hardens under flexing and floors.
(c) Lead fractures. (d) Panel dividers in floor toppings
(d) Bronze (b) Rigid must be V or U corr-
gated to accommodate any
movement and anchored.
(c) Deforms readily but inelastic
to deformation under movement. -
I Beads, rods, flatsheets As alternative to hot or cold
(10) Rubber Asphalts Natural Rubber 8, Butyl 1, or
Neoprene 3 digested in asphalt. (strips) applied Rubber asphalts
High viscosity, some elasticity. (IIG IIIK),Gasket for (IIG IIK), Gasket for
Moldable into place. I
pipes.
.
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TABLE 4-USES OF FIELD MOLDED AND PREFORMED SEALANTS* g*
$,
s I
/
TYPE OF APPLICATION FIELD-MOLDED PREFORMED
THERMOPLASTIC THERMOSETTING
. VI COMPRESSION
I MASTICS II HOT APPLIED 1 Ill COLD APPLIED IV CHEMICAL CURE1 V SOLVENT RELEASE STRIP SEAL VII WATERSTOPS I
. 1
Structures not Caulking and Glazing ABDE LM 1NPRS T UV 38 12
under fluid Precast Panels ABDE M NPR T V 38 1 2 10
pressure: e.g., Walls(Verticai joints) ABDE ~NPR T V 378 10
buildings, bridges Roof Deck (Horiz. joints) FGW NOPQR T V 378 10
storage bins, General Floors NOPQR 38 149d
retaining walls Industrial Floors GHW K N P Q R 38 139c
Floors with oil & solvents HIJW NOQRS 38
Services 36 11
I
Note 3 Bridges GW NOQR 378 1 0 3Note2
Containers Canal Linings C GW K 0 R+ 38 14
subject to Precast Pipes 134568 10
fluid pressure: Tanks & Monolithic Pipe 134689a9b 10
e.g., water containing Swimming Pools
or excluding Dams
structures Walls & floors with water outside 3 Note 2
Note 3

Pavements Walkways
Highway
Airport
Areas with fuel spillage

Grouting nonworking cracks


I I I K I S I I I I I 23
Suitable in None or very small Contraction ABCDE FGHIJ KLM NOPQRS TUV 38 134689a9b 1345678 1 2 9c 9d
above applications small > joints FGHIJ KLM NOPQR TUV 38 134689a9b 7
where joint large Expansion NOPQR 38 34
movement is: very large 1 joints 38 3 Note 2
Note 4

Storage Life: Limited (1) Over 1 year (0) A B C D E(o) F G H I J(o) I K L M(o) NOPQRS(l) T(o) U V(1) 3 7(c) 8(c) 1 -9(o) 1 -8(o) 1 -11(o)
Emulsions are damaged by freezing I I I I
Installation: Knife or Trowel (k) A B(k)(g)(p) I
F G H J (h) K L(g)(k)(p) NOPQRS T U V(k)(g)(p) 3(i) 8(i) 1 - 9(pp) 1 - 8(pp) 1 2 3 4 9d lO(pp)
Insert (i), Heat 81 pour (h) C(k)(g) (WI (h) M(g) preheat (m)(k)(g)(p) 9c(i) (h)
Mix if two component (ml, Note 5 D E(g)(p) to 100 F(40 C) 11(P)
Hand Gun (g), Pressure Gun (p)
Preposition (pp)

NOTES TO TABLE 4

Note 1 - Table 4 is only a general guide. Before deciding on a particular material for a specific -
Note 5 Pot life (time material still usable after mix ing) is limited and correct proportioning
application all circumstances, in particular the joint movement to be expected and a suitable joint mixing is critical with two component materials.
design (Chapter 4) and joint detail (Chapter 5) must be considered.
Note 6 - Field-Molded Sealants Furnished as follows:
Note 2* - 3 refers to Tension-Compression described in 3.6.
Liquid in Drums, cans or cartridges ABDER
Note 3 - Certain sealants contain substances toxic to potable water or foodstuffs. Check local or Liquid in Drums CKW
national restrictions that govern use in areas exposed to these. Liquid in Drums or cans OQ
Liquid in Cans PS
t
Note 4 - Certain materials are equally suitable for both vertical and horizontal joints. Others are Liquid in Cans or cartridges LNTUV
not and while they may stay in place in horizontal joints they would sag or flow out of vertical joints Liquid in Cartridges M
in hot weather. Asphalt and rubber-asphalt materials are examples of these. Some materials are available Solid in Cakes for Melting FGHIJ
in two grades. One known as nonsag or gun grade is thixotropic and is suitable for vertical joints. The for preformed Materials see Table 3
other known as self-levelling or pour grade is intended for use in horizontal joints.

*Identifying numbers and letters are found in Tables 1 and 3.


+ With primer.

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-17

EXPOSURE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT


JOINT TYPE
BUTT Exterior Walls and Roof: rain, sun, wind, low and high temperatures
Interior Walls, Columns and Floors: dry, room temperature; traffic-light or spiked heels

Direction of exposure in sketches =


SEALANTS: TABLE 4; FIELD-MOLDED TYPE IV COMPRESSION SEALS TYPE VI3 ONLY
GASKETS VIII: 1 3 4 5 6 7
-

O
1 Expansion
Construction
Combined

@ May be
horizontal
or vertical
B As far as sealant
0
is concerned this
is a butt not a lap
joint
O
C Where units
abut at right
angles
@ Cases @@@ ,
can be sealed on
both sides if
required

FILLER SEAL IF
REQUIRED

(i) Do not carry water-


i proofing over joint
unless it is extensible
(ii) Insulate roof to reduce
joint movement
O
D Floor to
0 Roofs O
F Isolation joint for
Wall columns from floor

0 Contraction
Construction
Combined

SANDBLAST IST
FOR BOND I

OA May be horizontal O
C Between precast
A Horizontal
I

or vertical @ units- preformed


In floors and roofs gasket (i) buried B Vertical as 2@but
8
may be bonded and or (ii) may be at
omit bond breaker
tied. surface and preferably include
waterstop I
O
3 Contraction
I
-----_ -_.- - _ _-- - _ - -
Monolith O B Cases 1 B COO O O
D above used as Contraction Joints with filler omitted.
Mortar bedding or grout often, used between precast units as rigid filler

(i) For large move- (ii) Where seepage may occur due to slight
ments improve back pressure, steel plates and angles or
shape factor and mortar plugs are sometimes used on top
use bond breaker of seal to hold it in the joint.
Extra Tips Or better still:
for Better
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Performance WITH BACK


AS REQUIR
(iii) Use waterstops across joint as shown in
Figure 11.

Fig. 7-Joints for structures; concrete to concrete


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504R-18 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

EXPOSURE AND SERVICE CONDITIONS

JOINT TYPE Exterior: Rain, sun, wind, low and high temperatures. Nonconcrete materials may be at higher or
Butt Joints Sometimes lower temperatures than concrete and move differentially.
Combined with Lap Interior: Dry moderate temperature
Features Appearence and color of sealant important
I I IIII~ :
Direction of exposure in sketches = -
l/l-)
SEALANTS:TABLE 4 FIELD-MOLDED GENERAL CAULKING NO MOVEMENT TYPE I A-H-D-E. SOME
MOVEMENT TYPE II LM; TYPE V T-U-V- CAULKING AND SEALING LARGER MOVEMENTS; TYPE IV
N-P-R-S COMPRESSION SEALS VI 3 GASKETS VIII 1 34567 MISCELLANLOUS IX TAPFS ALL AS APPROPRIATE

0 & @ Often (1) Parapet


Combined Sealed
Vertical
Connection
4 Between
Sections

I t
I ONE STAGE JOINTS
0

3A DIRECT TO CONCRETE
O
B WITH FRAME

OOI C WALL PANEL


ALTERNATIVES FOR @

(iii) Vertical
Joint
(I) Speed (II) (irculdr
purpow hckup
gaket and wpport (I) llorl/ontJl
rod often used Joint

O 2 TWO STAGE JOINTS

O
D WINDOW

Air
Seal

O E WALL PANEL
(Ill) Horizontal
Joint

(II) Vertiul
Joint

Weep Rain
Barrier

O
D TWO STAGE
WINDOW JOINTS
O
E TWO STAGE
WALL PANEL JOINTS
O
C ONE STAGE
WALL PANEL JOINTS

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Fig. 8 -Joints for buildings; special purposes


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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-19

JOINT TYPE EXPOSURE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT


USUALLY BUTT Exterior: rain, sun, wind, low and high temperatures salt traffic, rubber
tires, sand and debris, and possible fuel and oil droppings.
-I-
+I I--, Direction of exposure in sketches =
Usually Expansion Sealants: TABLE 4, FIELD-MOLDED TYPE IIG (VERY SMALL MOVEMENTS ONLY). TYPE IV N 0 Q
Construction Com- COMPRESSION SEALS VI 3,8 (SMALL TO VERY LARGE MOVEMENTS IX 3 TENSION
bined COMPRESSION SEAL. STRIP SEALS VI 3,8.

Concrete Riding Surface Saw and seat groove Steel cover plate

O
1

Field molded sealant for


small spans, and move-
ments generally less
than 3/4 in. (19 mm). A For better
0
performance,
Ai Additional
O treatment for or
O
Aii Seal at the
O
B Sealed sliding
cover plate joint
Surface
or
O
asphalt-
surfaced decks Bi Sealant may be
under cover plate.
Bleeder holes

O
2 Shoulder to
support seal Concrete
Retain seal by
imechanical
Iinterlocking
Preformed single unit end dam ,
compression seals for and blockout.
small spans, and move-
ments less than 2 in.
O sion
ASingle unit compres- Better-, B O
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

(50 mm). seal Note, armored joint faces and anchorage

O 3 O
B Strip (gland) seal may fold:
(i) Upwards A (must not protrude)
Preformed strip (gland) a ( i i ) Downwards -7
seals for small to medi- and may be anchored to joint faces by:
um spans, and move- (i) Clamping Down or (ii) Up
All devices accomodate movement
ments up to 4 in.
by one or more folds or flexing of
(100 mm).
a waterstop. Steel armoring and
anchoring of various designs are
needed, depending on (B). Some or (iii) Horizontally or (iv) Press Fit
devices may be nosed or bedded in
elastomeric concrete, e.g., right-
hand side B iv.

0 Preformed tension-
4
Groove Bridging plate Total movement accomodated by one or more grooves and
deformation of elastomer. Embedded or surface bridging
compression seals for
plates required for wider joints.
small to large spans and
movements up to 13 in.
(330 mm).

O 5 Separation beams carry


traffic and retain seals
Preformed compression or strip (gland) seals, used in as
many modules as needed in series to accomodate total
Preformed compression movement. Mechanical devices of various designs are
or strip (gland) seal mod- used in conjunction with the supports to equalize move-
ular systems for large ment between units and reduce impact and friction forces.
spans and movements up
to 48 in. (1220 mm).

Note: (i) Traffic impact can cause serious damage unless joint faces are armoured and assemblies and devices securely
anchored and embedded (see 2 B and 3 B iv).
(ii) Any leakage can lead to serious deterioration of substructure, carry seals through curblines.
(iii) Longitudinal joints and skewed transverse joints induce extra strain in sealant from out-of-plane
movements.
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Fig. 9-Joints for bridge decks
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504R-20 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

EXPOSURE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT


JOINT TYPE
USUALLY BUTT Below Water: wet, small temperature range, various hydrostatic pressures flow.
Above Water and Dewatering: rain, sun, wind, low and high temperatures.
Exterior Below Grade: ground water sulfates, organic matter, soil infiltration:
water, but may be other fluids or gases.
Direction of exposure in sketches = unless otherwise shown
-1 I-- SEALANTS: TABLE 4, FIELD MOLDED TYPE IC, IllK (SMALL MOVEMENTS) IVN, VI 3,
(LARGER MOVEMENTS) VII 1 3 4 5 6 AND 8.

@ Lining and wall joints


for low heads

Contraction or
construction,
combined transverse
or longitudinal
@ For heads @ A improved @ Corn- @ Insert @ Swelling
up to 15 for heads pression (Crack Bentonite cuts
ft. over 15 ft. Seals inducer) off water flow
sealant

AR KEYWAYS MAY BE INCORPORATED

O
2 Lining and wall joints
for higher heads
including dams .
.
.
xi
Waterstop is primary \t
GROUT INJECTED
sealant, other sealant TO FILL

O
CONTRACTION \
for inside or outside GAP IN DAMS
@ Expansion Joint B Contraction joint- C Replaceable
face sometimes used.
vertical, horizontal Waterstop
constructed as
Figure 8 @

O
3 Pipes, culverts, siphons, CEMENT
MORTAR REINFORCED
BITUMINOUS
HOT APPLIED
joints for low heads.

For Precast Units


@@O

~~l~df~~~~~~ads
@ for higher pressures.

Monolithic pipe joints


use @ @ , omit bond
breaker
@ Mortar bedding-no
sealant
@ Grouted spigot and
socket - sealed inside
O
C Bituminous hot
applied-sealed outside
--
CEMENT MORTAR
REINFORCED

O
4 Pipes and syphons with @

I .*. *:.* I
heads up to 125 ft. (38m)
STEEL BAND
..I.

@@ Commonly used
Itl I-d,, Itl
for lower heads T II II II
@ Rubber gaskets @ Rubber gaskets
(i) may or may not have compressed by compressed between
steel bell ring external circum- pipe and internal
(ii) gap between spigot ferencial steel band steel ring, which may
and socket may be have asbestos cement
mortared or grouted liner
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Fig. 10- Joints for containers; canal linings, walls, dams, pipes, culverts, syphons
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-21

EXPOSURE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT


JOINT TYPE
BUTT Below Water: wet small temperature range, hydrostatic pressure, no flow.
Above Water and During Dewatering: rain, sun, wind, low and high temperatures.
Exterior Below Grade: ground water, sulfates, organic matter, soil infiltration.
Contents usually water but may be other fluids or gases.
Appearance and color of sealant im ortant in swimming pools.
I IRll
Direction of exposure in sketches = unless otherwise shown.
111
SEALANTS: TABLE 4
WATERSTOPS: 1 3 4 6 8 9A 9B AND OTHER SECONDARY SEALANTS

O1 Joints in Walls
O
A Walls: Contraction
as Fig. lo,@@
O
B Walls: Monolithic @ Expansion as
Fig.10 m
without grouting or this detail
but with sealing which has
groove on internal greater resis-
face. with waterstop tance to
and often keyway. pressures.

Wall free to move Wall fixed, floor can move


either
O 2 Joints between walls.
floors and roofs
MONOLITHIC
CONSTRUCTION
@ and @ will also work
the other way to keep
water out. They are then
used in building basement
retaining walls, tunnels,
secondary sealant on outside
where possible
1 BASE
I 1 SLAB

O
A Wall to floor O
B Wall to floor

O
E Fillers and backup
materials used in the
applications in Fig. 10
This is a and 11 should be water
lap joint

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
resistant and additionally
sealant they should support the
in shear
sealant against the
fluid pressure

@ Wall to roof for @ @ Wall to roof for B above O


above

O
3 Joints in floors Treat as for slabs on grade Fig.12 but include waterstop at middepth or bottom
(where base plate shown).

O
4 How to install @ Split forms O
B Nail-on unfold @ Nail-on labyrinth
waterstops
EXPANSION JOINT

Depending on type,
three methods used
in vertical joints

For horizontal 2ND


joints embed /z
way vertically in
lower lift

s f or containers; tanks, reservoirs,


Fig. 11-Joints
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swimming pools; waterstops
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504R-22 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

EXPOSURE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT


JOINT TYPE Rain, sun, low and high temperatures (except inside floors); salt (highways, walkways); oil,
INVARIABLY BUTT fuel, organic deicers (airports, etc.); solvents, acid, oil (industrial floors); curling (outside
exposure); traffic, rubber tires, steel wheels (industrial floors); spiked heels (floors and
walkways); sand and debris.

Direction of exposure in sketches =


SEALANTS: TABLE 4: FIELD-MOLDED TYPES II AND IV (FUEL RESISTANT IF NEEDED). COMPRESSION
SEALS VI 3 ONLY

Construction steps:
@ Expansion
(1) Preposition filler
(2) Place concrete
(3) Form or saw sealant reservoir
(4) Seal
OULDER

3A Better - @ Step improves shape


factor.
O
Bii With addition of back-up.
Less sealant used

O
Bi Bond breaker also used

@ or better @
suitable for compression
seal

Construction steps:

( 1)Form, tool or saw f/4 depth


to induce crack
O
2 Contraction
(2) Enlarge sealant reservoir if
needed
(3) Seal

O
A Better --+ O
B Better - O
Bi or - OOBii
B is also suitable
Better shape factor. Even better, shape for compression
Base plate prevents factor due to use of seals no back-up
subgrade infiltration back-up. Less sealant
needed
CRACK INDUCER
STRIP OR TAPE
Construction steps:

_. .. lrPtiELl:l
Bulkhead for

I 5
transverse joints (A)
Form keyway (B) or
induce crack (Bi) for
longitudinal joint
@ Construction Form or saw sealant
Transverse @ Longitudinal or @ Longitudinal with reservoir
@ (4) Seal
O
with keyway crack inducer
Ai If filler is
positioned against @ and @ also known
1st placement this as hinge (warping)
will serve as joints
expansion joint

(i) Base plate (or stabilized base) will prevent infiltration of solids from
beneath, return base plate up, or sealant down, outside slab edges to
keep out shoulder material.
Extra Tips for (ii) Seal between pavement and paved shoulder or drainage gutter.
Good
Performance (iii) For industrial floors armor faces, protect sealant with steel plate (similar)
to Fig. 9 @ @ or (@
(iv) Sealant usually installed slightly below level of pavement surface to avoid
contact with traffic. In airports flush installation may be required as an
operational safety requirement.

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Fig. 1 2 - J o i n t s for slabs on grade;


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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-23

lowing: intrusion of foreign material, wear, indentation, usually without chemical change. They are generally black,
pickup by traffic, fire or attack by chemicals present. Further are listed in Table 1, Type II, and include: (F) asphalts, (G)
requirements may be that the sealant has a specific color, re- rubber asphalts, (H) pitches, (I) coal tars, and (J) rubber coal
sists change of color or is nonstaining to the substrate. tars. They are useable over an extension-compression range
Finally, the sealant must not deteriorate when stored for a of + 5 percent. This limit is directly influenced by service
reasonable time prior to use, it must be relatively easy to han- temperatures and aging characteristics of specific materials.
dle and install, and be free of substances harmful to the user Though initially cheaper than some of the other sealants,
and concrete or other material that it may abut (see Section their effective life is, in practice, shorter. They tend to lose
6.14). In certain locations regulations may restrict the use of elasticity and plasticity with age, to accept rather than reject
sealants which contain solvents deemed to be pollutants. foreign materials, and extrude from joints that close tightly or
that have been overfilled. Physical properties may be ad-
3.3-Available materials versely affected by overheating during installation (see Sec-
No one material has the perfect properties necessary to tion 6.6).
fully meet each and every application. It therefore is a matter Those with an asphaltic base are softened by hydrocar-
of selecting a material that is economically and physically ac- bons, such as oil, gasoline, or jet fuel spillage. Tar-based ma-
ceptable for each application. terials are fuel and oil resistant and are preferred for service
For many years oil based mastics or bituminous com- stations, refueling and vehicle parking areas, airfield aprons
pounds and metallic materials were the only sealants avail- and holding pads.
able. For many applications these traditional materials did The use of sealant types F, G, H, I and J are restricted to
not perform well and in recent years there has been active de- horizontal joints because they would run out of vertical joints
velopment of many types of elastomeric sealants whose during installation or subsequently in warm weather. They
behavior is largely elastic rather than plastic and which are have been widely used in pavement joints, but they are tend-
flexible rather than rigid at normal service temperatures. ing to be superseded by chemically curing thermosetting
Elastomeric materials are available as field molded and pre- field-molded sealants or compression seals. They are also
formed sealants. Though initially more expensive, pre- used in building roof decks and containers.
formed sealants may be cheaper in the long run because they Polyvinylchloride coal tars listed in Table 1, Type II (W)
usually have a longer service life. have the following enhanced characteristics and properties:
Furthermore, as will be seen, they can seal joints at which 1. Do not flow at elevated service temperatures;
considerable movements occur that otherwise could not pos- 2. Are resilient;
sibly be sealed by the traditional field-molded materials. This 3. Have good resistance to weathering and aging;
has opened up new engineering and architectural pos- 4. Are resistant to jet fuels or other similarly aggressive
sibilities to the designer of concrete structures. chemicals;
No attempt has been made in this guide to list or discuss 5. The allowable extension and compression is up to + 25
every attribute of every sealant. Discussion is limited to those percent;
features considered important to the designer, specifier and 6. Unit cost is medium.
user so that he can make a suitable choice. Polyvinylchloride coal tar sealants are being used in pave-
ment and canal liner joints as illustrated in Fig. 12 and 10,
3.4-Field-molded sealants respectively.
3.4.1 Mastics-Mastics are composed of a viscous liquid 3.4.3 Thermoplastics -Cold-applied solvent or emulsion
rendered immobile by the addition of fibers and fillers. They type-These materials are set either by the release of sol-
do not usually harden, set or cure after application, but in- vents or the breaking of emulsions on exposure to air. Some-
stead form a skin on the surface exposed to the atmosphere. times they are heated to a temperature not exceeding 120 F
Mastics listed in Table 1, Type 1, are (A) or (B) drying or non- (49 C) to facilitate application but usually they are handled at
drying oils (including oleoresinous compounds), (C) low- ambient temperature. Release of solvent or water can cause
melting point asphalts, (D) Polybutenes, (E) Polyisobutylene shrinkage and increased hardness with a resulting reduction
or combinations of these materials. With any of these, a wide in permissible joint movement and in serviceability. Products
variety of fillers is used, including fibrous talc or finely di- listed in Table 1, Type III: (K) rubber asphalts, (L) vinyl, (M)
vided calcareous or siliceous materials. The functional ex- acrylics and (X) modified butyl rubbers are available in a va-
tension-compression range for these materials is approx- riety of colors. Their maximum extension-compression
imately + 3 percent. range is + 7 percent. Heat softening and cold hardening may,
They may be used where only very small joint movements however, reduce this figure.
are anticipated and economy of first cost outweighs that of These materials are restricted in use to joints with small
maintenance or replacement. With aging, most mastics tend movements. Rubber asphalts listed in Table 1, Type III (K)
to harden in increasing depth as oxidation and loss of vol- are used in canal linings, tanks, and fillers for cracks. Type
atiles proceeds, thus reducing their serviceability. Poly- III (L) vinyl, (M) acrylics and (X) modified butyl rubbers are
butene and polyisobutylene mastics have a somewhat longer mainly used in buildings for caulking and glazing.
service life than do the other mastics. The main use of mas- 3.4.4 Thermosetting, chemically curing-Sealants in this
tics is in caulking and glazing in buildings. class are either one or two component systems which cure by
3.4.2 Thermoplastics, hot applied-These are materials chemical reaction to a solid state from the liquid form in
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

which
COPYRIGHT 2003; ACI become soft on
International (American heating
Concrete and stiff to hard on cooling
Institute) 3 which
Document they
provided are
by IHS applied.
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polysulfide, (O) polysulfide coal tar, (P) polyurethane, (Q) volatile materials should not be used with thermosetting
polyurethane coal tar, (R) silicone, (P) urethane and (S) ep- chemical curing field-molded sealants, since they may mi-
oxy-based materials. The properties that make them suitable grate to, and/or be absorbed at, joint interfaces, impairing
as sealants for a wide range of uses are their resistance to adhesion.
weathering and ozone, flexibility and resilience at both high
and low temperatures, and inertness to a wide range of chem- 3.5 Preformed seals
icals, including, for some, solvents and fuels. In addition, Tables 3 and 4 cover preformed sealants for two applica-
the abrasion and indentation resistance of urethane sealants is tions, distinguished by how they are installed in the work and
above average. Thermosetting, chemically curing sealants their subsequent accessibility.
have an expansion-compression range of up to: silicones Traditionally, preformed sealants have been subdivided
+ 100/-50 percent; polyurethanes 25 percent; polysulfides 25 into two classes; rigid and flexible. Most rigid preformed
percent; epoxy-based materials less than 25 percent. sealants are metallic; examples are metal waterstops and
Silicone sealants remain more flexible over a wider tem- flashing. Flexible preformed sealants are usually made from
perature range than other field-molded liquid sealants. natural or synthetic rubbers, polyvinyl chloride and like ma-
If substrate conditions are clean and otherwise suitable, terials, and are used for waterstops, gaskets and mis-
then thermosetting, chemically curing sealants can stand cellaneous sealing purposes. Preformed equivalents of cer-
greater movements than other field-molded sealants and gen- tain materials, e.g., rubber asphalts, usually categorized as
erally have a much greater service life. field molded, are available as a convenience to handling and
3.4.5 Thermosetting solvent release-Another class of installation.
thermosetting sealants are those which cure by the release of In recent times, however, a new and very important use of
solvent. Listed in Table 1, Type V are (V) chlorosulfonated preformed sealants has been in the form of strip (gland) seals
polyethylene, (U) butadiene styrene and (R) silicone mate- (see Section 3.5.4). Flexible seals which can be installed in
rials. Their performance characteristics generally resemble joints open on at least one surface after the main concreting
those of thermoplastic cold applied solvent release materials operations are complete and may be replaced in service, if
(see KSection 3.4.3). They are, however, less sensitive to necessary.
variations in temperature once they have setup on exposure 3.5.1 Rigid waterstops and miscellaneous seals-Rigid
to the atmosphere. They are mainly used as sealants for joints waterstops are made of steel, copper and occasionally of
in buildings, where both horizontal and vertical joints have lead.The stiffness of steel waterstops may lead to cracking in
small movements. Their cost is somewhat less than that of the adjacent concrete. Steel waterstops are primarily used in
other elastomeric sealants and their service life is considered dams and other heavy construction projects. Stainless steels
adequate. may be desirable in particularly corrosive environments. An-
3.4.6 Accessory materials nealing of steel, after welding, is sometimes required for im-
3.4.6.1 Primers-Where primers are required, a suit- proving its flexibility at the weldment.
able priming material compatible with the sealant is usually Copper waterstops are used in dams and general construc-
suppled along with it. In the case of hot-poured field-molded tion; they are highly resistant to corrosion, but must be han-
sealants, these are usually high viscosity bitumens or tars cut dled with care to avoid damage. For this reason and cost,
back with solvent. To overcome damp surfaces, wetting flexible waterstops are often used instead.
agents may be included in primer formulations, or materials 3.5.2 Flexible waterstops-The types of materials suit-
may be used that preferentially wet such surfaces, such as able and in use as flexible waterstops are shown in Table 3.
polyamide-cured coal tar-epoxies. Butyl, neoprene and natural rubbers have good extensibility
3.4.6.2 Bond breakers-Many backup materials do not and resistance to water or chemicals and may be formulated
adhere to sealants and thus, where these are used, no separate to give good recovery and fatigue resistance. Polyvinyl chlo-
bond breaker is needed. Polyethylene tape, coated papers ride (often called PVC) compounds are, however, probably
and metal foils are often used where a separate bond breaker now the most widely used. While it is not quite as elastic as
is needed. the rubbers, and it recovers more slowly from deformation
3.4.6.3 Backup materials-These materials serve to and is susceptible to oils, grades with sufficient flexibility
limit the depth of the sealant; displacement by traffic and (especially important at low temperatures) can be formu-
fluid pressure; facilitate tooling and shaping; and may serve lated. PVC has the great advantage of being thermoplastic
as a bond breaker to prevent the sealant from bonding to the and hence it can easily be spliced on the job or special config-
back of the joint. Suitable preformed materials are listed in urations made for joint intersections.
Table 2. In selecting a backup material, it is advisable to fol- Flexible waterstops, as shown in Table 4, are widely used
low the recommendations of the sealant manufacturer to in- as the primary sealing system in dams, tanks, monolithic
sure compatability. pipe lines, flood walls, swimming pools, etc., to keep the
The backup material should preferably be compressible water in, and in buildings below the grade or in earth-retain-
within itself so that the sealant is not forced out as the joint ing walls to keep the water out.
closes and it should recover as the joint opens. Care must be 3.5.3 Gaskets and miscellaneous seals-Gaskets and ma-
taken to select the correct width and shape of material so that terial in the form of a thick ribbon (tape) are sealants widely
after installation it is compressed approximately 50 percent. used with glazing and for precast concrete panels in curtain
Stretching, twisting or braiding of tube or rod stock should be walls. Gaskets are also extensively used at joints between
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

avoided. Backup materials and fillers containing bitumen or precast pipes and where mechanical joints are needed in serv-
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-25

ice lines. Suitable materials are listed in Table 3 and uses in sion capability, it is preferable that it not be used in tension.
Table 4. The sealing action is obtained either because the 3.5.8 Tension-compression seal systems-Compared to
sealant is compressed between the joint faces (gaskets) or be- other preformed sealant materials, tension-compression seal
cause the surface of the sealant, as in the case of poly- systems are composed of relatively massive, molded, block
isobutylene, is pressure sensitive and thus adheres. style elastomeric material, commonly neoprene or EPDM, in
3.5.4 Strip (gland) seals-These sealing systems are es- which a metal bridging plate may be incorporated, either at
sentially exposed flexible waterstops and are finding wide use its surface or embedded within.
in bridge expansion joints, either in single units [see Fig. 9 The elastomeric element is anchored to both joint faces
(3)] or in series in modular systems [see Fig. 9 (5)]. and movement is accommodated by a combination of grooves
Neoprene, natural rubber and EPDM (ethylene proplene and shear deformation of the elastomeric component as illus-
diene monomer) natural rubber are the main materials cur- trated in Fig. 9(4). When this system is used in bridge deck
rently being used and, as illustrated in Fig. 9 (3), the seals are expansion joints, the elastomeric element must be tough and
anchored at the ends and configured so that they are permitted abrasion resistant against direct traffic loads or wear.
to fold or flex as the joint opens and closes.
3.5.5 Compression seals-Preformed compression seals
are compartmentalized and extruded, to the required config- CHAPTER 4-JOINT MOVEMENT

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
uration, from elastomeric compounds, most commonly neo- AND DESIGN
prene and EPDM. For effective sealing, sufficient contact 4.1-Discussion
pressure must be maintained at the joint face. This requires The location and width of joints that require sealing can
that the seal is always in some degree of compression. This is only be specified with the following consideration in mind:
accomplished by internal webs, which fold and flex to ac- Is there a sealant available which will take the anticipated
commodate movement, yet keep the side faces of the seal in movement, and what shape factor (or in the case of pre-
contact with the joint faces. To obtain these characteristics, formed sealants - size) is required? If the first answer is no,
good resistance to compression set (that is, the material must then the joint system for the structure must be designed to
recover to its original size and shape sufficiently when re- reduce the movement at the joints. Sealing systems currently
leased) is required. available can accommodate (at increasing costs) movements
To facilitate installation of compression seals, lubricants to about 48 in. (1220 mm). With due forethought it should
are used. For machine installation, additives to make the lu- therefore be possible to design and specify a suitable sealed
bricant thixotropic (increased fluidity during agitation) have joint for almost any type of concrete structure.
been found necessary. Special lubricant adhesives, which
both prime and bond, have been formulated for use where im- 4.2-Determination of joint movements and
proved seal to joint face contact is required. locations
Compression seals are effective joint sealants over a wide The anticipated length changes within the structure must
range of temperatures in almost all applications. Seals may be determined and translated into joint locations and move-
be used individually, or as components for modular systems ments that not only fit the structural design and maintain the
[see Fig. 9 (5)]. integrity between the individual structural units, but which
3.5.6 Flexible foam (impregnated)-Another type of pre- also take into account the fact that each type of sealant cur-
formed compression seal is polybutylene-impregnated foam rently available imposes specific limitations on both the
(usually a flexible open cell polyurethane). This material has shape of joint that can be sealed and the movement that can be
found limited application in structures such as buildings and accommodated. It should be remembered that the sources
bridges, but its recovery at low temperature is too slow to fol- and nature of the movement, both long and short term, can be
low joint movements, and when highly compressed the im- very complex in other than simple structures (see Section
pregnant exudes and stains the concrete. This generally lim- 2.4) and that experience and judgement play a big part in de-
its applications to joints where less than + 10 percent signing joints that function satisfactorily. A more complete
extension-compression occurs at low temperature or + 20 discussion of this is beyond the scope of this guide except to
percent where the temperature is above 50 F (10 C). The ma- draw attention to the following simple facts, which if over-
terial often must be bonded to the joint faces. looked result in poor joint sealant performance.
3.5.7 Flexible foam (nonimpregnated)-One type of seal- 1. The movement of the end of a unit depends on its effec-
ant which is in this category is a crosslinked, closed cell eth- tive length, that is, on the length of the part of the unit that is
ylene vinyl acetate expanded foam material which exhibits free to move in the direction of the joint.
good chemical resistance properties to most mild nonoxidiz- 2. Except where a positive anchor is a feature of the de-
ing acids and alkalines. It is usually custom cut to fit any sign, experience shows that the preferred safe assumption is
shape or size joint required. The material is heat-welded in that a joint between two units may be called upon to take the
sheets and cut to lengths desired. Heat welding may be ac- total movement of both units.
complished on the job site, to either fabricate lengths or make 3. The temperatures of the materials being joined may vary
alterations, with a PTFE-coated iron. from the ambient condition, affecting joint movements.
An adhesive compatible with ethylene vinyl acetate is used 4. Where units to be joined are of dissimilar materials they
to bond the sealant to the joint face. Based upon manufac- may not be at the same surface temperature (see Section 2.4)
turers literature, the allowable movement should be less than and the appropriate coefficient for each material must be used
50 percent of the nominal width. Although it has some ten- in calculating its contribution to the joint movement.
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the difference between the width of the joint at the time the
sealant is installed and the width of the joint at its maximum
opening. The temperature difference between that at installa-
tion and that at maximum opening is the main contribution to
the extension of the sealant; but any residual drying
shrinkage or creep of the concrete that has yet to occur, and
shrinkage in the sealant as it sets or cures, will also impose
additional extension on the sealant.
When the suitability of a new joint sealant is first being
considered and a precise determination of the dimensions of
the sealant reservoir are required, the approach using Fig. 13
from Schutz5 may be followed. This figure relates the max-
imum allowable strain in a sealant to an assumed joint width
and various shape factors. First, the maximum allowable
strain for the sealant under consideration must be determined
by testing at a specified temperature. Next, a likely approx-
imation to the joint width is assumed and the computed linear
PROBLEM : I extension that the sealant would undergo between the as-in-
A S S U M E W i - 1.0 IN.(254mm)
COMPUTED EXPANSION =0.5 IN.(l2 7mm),(50%)
stalled width and the width at maximum opening of the joint
MAXIMUM STRAIN FROM LAB TESTS= 60% is calculated.
FROM CURVES d =, The various curves then permit the computed extension
Wi
and shape factor to be interrelated so that the maximum al-

oim
0 50
dMAx= I x 1.0: I I N C H (25.4 mm)

100
COMPUTED LINEAR EXPANSION - P E R C E N T
150
lowable strain will not be exceeded. More than one solution
is usually possible and where the upper limits of the curves
are approached, a wider assumed joint width should be tried.
Note. (i) t/ dmux is less than A in. (12.7 mm.) sealant may, with age lose extensibility.
In practice, to allow for unforeseen circumstances, a safety
Redesign joint system. factor of four should be applied in using this chart.
(ii) sealant free to assume parabolic shape on both faces.
(iii) factor of safety of 4 should be used in applying this chart
This detailed procedure is simplified for practical use by
(iv) figure from Schutz (7). the aid of the percentage extension-compression shown in
Fig. 13 -Selection of dimensions for field-molded sealants Table 1 for each type of field-molded sealant. This figure has
in butt joints been derived by considering the maximum allowable strains
for materials of each type and then applying the suggested
safety factor. The percentage extension-compression of the
5. Where knowledge exists of actual movements that have
sealant is the percentage increase or decrease in the as-in-
occurred in similar situations, these should be considered in
stalled width of the sealant that can be safely accommodated
the design to supplement those indicated by theory alone.
as the joint subsequently opens and closes. The width of the
6. Allowance must be made for the practical tolerances
joint to be formed, which becomes the sealant mold and thus
that can be achieved in constructing joint openings or in cast-
determines the as-installed sealant width, can then be ob-
ing and positioning precast units. tained by simple calculation so that in service the permissible
7. In butt joints the movement to which the sealant can extension-compression range is not exceeded. This calcula-
properly respond is that at right angles to the plane of the joint
tion should, of course, take into account (a) the anticipated
faces. Shearing movements in the plane of the joint faces
temperature at the time of forming the joint, (b) the tem-
must be taken into account where they are large by com- perature at sealant installation, (c) any additional joint open-
parison, for example where very large skews (over 30 deg) or ing which will be caused by initial drying shrinkage of the
deflections occur.
abutting concrete units, and (d) the extremes of service tem-
8. The width of the joint sealant reservoir must always be perature.
greater than the movement that can occur at the joint. When the joint width is designed, a precise installation
9. When viewing a structure the joints, either sealed or un- temperature cannot usually be known or specified; otherwise,
sealed, tend to stand out. It is therefore desirable to locate
an intolerable restriction would be placed on the installation
and construct them as a purposeful feature of the architectural operation. All that can be done is to specify installation
design or to hide them by structural or architectural details. within a general temperature range. This can be done easily
by insuring that for the worst installation temperatures the
4.3-Selection of butt joint widths for seal will still function as anticipated (for extension the top of
field-molded sealants the range is used, and for compression the bottom of the
The selection of the width (and depth) for field-molded range). A practical range of installation temperatures taking
sealants to accommodate the computed movement in a joint into account this and other factors, such as moisture conden-
is based on the maximum strain allowable in the sealant. This sation at low temperatures and reduced working life at high
occurs in the outer fibers, usually when the sealant is ex- temperatures, has been determined to be from 40 to 90 F (4 to
tended (see Sections 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5) though in some cases 32 C). This is generally because the tension case as the joint
maximum strain may occur while the sealant is compressed.
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
opens with fall of temperature is the more critical to sealant
TheACIpart
COPYRIGHT 2003; of the
International totalConcrete
(American movement
Institute) 3 which extends the sealant is Documentbehavior (see
provided by IHS Fig. 2 Corporation/2110503105,
Licensee=Fluor and 5). Joint sealantsUser=, installed at the low
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-27

end of this range may be expected to perform best. A warning when the pressure on the seal reaches 35 psi. Higher pres-
note should be included on the plans that, if sealing must take sures tend to accelerate pressure decay. Pressure decay is the
place, for any reason, at temperatures above or below the failure of the elastomeric seal to regain its original shape thus
specified range, then a wider than specified joint may have to losing its sealing pressure when the joint opens.
be formed, or changes in the type of sealant or shape factor to The allowable movement of compartmentalized compres-
secure greater extensibility may be needed. sion seals is thus approximately 35 to 40 percent of the un-
Detailed calculations for selection of the joint width for compressed seal width. The allowable movement for impreg-
sealants with an expansion-compression range of + 25 per- nated foams (see Sections 3.5.6 and 3.5.7) is less, being of
cent (which is the most common range for the widely used the order of 10 percent.
class of thermosetting-chemical curing sealants) can be dis- The critical condition for maintaining a positive contact
pensed with by the use of Fig. 14. This has been prepared pressure is when the joint is fully open at low temperature
using the previous procedures to cover the range of service since compression set or lack of low temperature recovery
temperatures of -20 to + 130 F (-29 to + 54 F) and other con- may adversely affect sealant performance. The principle of
ditions specified in this guide. size selection is similar to that for field-molded sealants in
Similar charts can be prepared for other sealants and con- that original uncompressed width of seal is that required to
ditions. In addition, most sealant manufacturers publish aids maintain the seal within the specified compression range,
in the form of charts or tables for the proper selection of joint taking into account the installation temperature, width of nor-
widths to suit their products. mal opening and the expected movement. A detailed method
Where a reasonable joint width (see Section 4.6) cannot be for doing this has been described by Koz10v.~ A simplified
determined by the previous considerations, nor those that fol- chart applicable to the conditions specified in this guide is
low in Section 4.4 as to sealant depth, the proposed joint shown in Fig. 15, and for specific products, charts of seal
layout for the structure must be redesigned to accommodate sizes for various applications are available from the
movements tolerable to the sealant. suppliers.

4.4-Selection of butt joint shape for 4.6-Limitations on butt joint widths and
field-molded sealants movements for various types of sealants
When a suitable joint width has been established (see Sec- The applicability of various sealants to joints of different
tion 4.3). the appropriate depth for the sealant reservoir must movements in different types of structures is summarized in
be determined so that the sealant has a good shape (see Sec- general terms in Table 4 and illustrated in Fig. 7 to 12.
tion 2.7). Fig. 13 can be used for this purpose. Curves for Field-molded sealants generally require a minimum joint
depth-to-width ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 are shown on width of % in. (6 mm) to provide an adequate reserve against
this chart. Any depth-to-width ratio may be used provided loss of material due to extrusion (see Fig. 4) or to accommo-
that at the computed extension or compression expected in date unexpected service conditions.
the sealant the maximum allowable strain is not exceeded. The upper limit of joint width and permissible movement
The benefits in both better performance and economy of ma- varies with the type of material used. Mastic, thermoplastic
terial by using the smallest possible depth-to-width ratio have and solvent-release thermosetting sealants may be used in
already been pointed out (see Section 2.7 and Fig. 6). The joints up to 1% in. (40 mm) wide with a permissible move-
chosen depth should generally not, however, be less than / ment not exceeding ti in. (6 mm). Chemically curing ther-
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

in. (12.7 mm); otherwise, with aging sealant performance mosetting materials have been used in joints up to 4 in. (100
may be adversely affected. The depth of sealant is controlled mm) wide with movements in the order of 2 in. (50 mm),
by using a suitable backup material as described in Sections though it is more usual to confine them to joints of half that
2.8, 3.4, 6.3 and 6.5. To obtain full benefit of a well-de- size to insure good performance and economy in materials.
signed shape factor a bond breaker must be used behind the In wide joints increasing care with sealant installation is nec-
sealant (see Section 2.8, 3.4. 6.2 and 6.5). essary and where subject to traffic, protection of the upper
surface against damage with a steel plate or other means is
4.5-Selection of size of compression seals for required.
butt joints Turning to preformed sealants, single unit compression
A positive contact pressure must be exerted against the seals are available in widths up to 6 in. (150 mm) permitting
joint faces at all times for compression seals to function prop- joints with movements of about 2% in. (63 mm) to be sealed.
erly. The development of suitable seal configurations to The smallest compression seal available can be installed in a
achieve this, while following the principles explained by tiin. (3.2 mm) wide joint, where the movement will be neg-
Dreher,6 has been largely based on the results of trial and er- ligible. By placing compression seals or strip (gland) seals in
ror, laboratory and field experiments in both America and Eu- modular series [Fig. 9(5)], movements of up to 48 in. (1220
rope. Compartmentalized compression seals (see Section mm), as in the longest suspension bridges, have been accom-
3.5.5) must remain compressed approximately 15 percent (at modated. Tension-compression seal systems have been used
85 percent of nominal width) at maximum joint opening to to accommodate movements of 13 in. (330 mm).
maintain sufficient contact pressure for sealing and to resist
displacement, and generally not compressed more than 50 4.7-Lap joint sealant thickness
percent (50 percent of nominal width) at maximum closing to As mentioned in Section 2.5, shear governs sealant behav-
prevent overcompression. This limit of compressibility has ior in lap joints and its magnitude is related to both the move-
been
COPYRIGHT established
2003; ACI by the
International (American producers
Concrete Institute) 3 and users to be at a point ment provided
Document that occurs and theCorporation/2110503105,
by IHS Licensee=Fluor thickness of the User=,sealant between the
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HlOlM 1NIOf WnWlNl
lww) Nll V 1NlOf JO lN3W3AOW

ACI COMMITTEE REPORT


I

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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two faces. It is usually considered that for installations made In view of the many variables involved, it is impossible to
at normal temperatures of 40 to 90 F (4 to 32 C) the thickness specify a standard procedure for the observation and assem-
of the sealant should be at least one half the anticipated move- bly of data on joint movements, the causative factors and
ment and where higher or lower temperatures prevail at in- sealant behavior. However, it is important that both the short
stallation, the thickness of the sealant should be equal to the term rates of movement over a matter of hours or days and the
anticipated movement. Where there will be no movement, long term extremes of movements over the annual environ-
the sealant thickness can be as little as /s in. (3.2 mm). How- mental cycle together with any permanent changes in inter-
ever, in assembling concrete units a minimum thickness of / facial joint distance are established.
in. (6.4 mm) is desirable to compensate for casting toler- 4.11.1 Means of measuring joint movements-Hand
ances or any irregularities in the faces. gages, either a simple vernier caliper or reference bar with a
dial gage, may be used to measure the distance between refer-
4.8-Shape and size of rigid waterstops ence plugs set on each side of the joint. While this system is
Metal waterstops may be either flat stock or folded in Z or simple it only provides a discontinuous record and requires
M cross-sectional shapes. The choice depends on the move- an operator to make each reading. To overcome these disad-
ment at the joint. End anchored flat shapes permit little or no vantages a scratch gage may be employed. These gages have
movement without inducing excessive stresses in the embed- a scratch probe fixed to one side of the joint opening and a
ded portion of the waterstop. Coating one end with asphalt to plate or a hand or power rotated disc attached to the other
permit sliding yet maintain some sealing compatibility may side. The trace of the movement over the movement cycle is

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
not be entirely satisfactory because leaks may eventually oc- then measured. The next stage of sophistication is to use an
cur. The Z cross section can accommodate slight movements electronic gage. Usually this is a transducer (or LVDT for
and the M cross section greater movements. greater precision at a greater cost) to measure the movement
which is then recorded continuously or intermittently on a
4.9-Shape and size of flexible waterstops strip chart or digitally for later analysis.
For certain applications, flat shapes may be used but the In most structures the measured movement of concern to
traditional shape for flexible waterstops has a dumbbell con- sealant performance is horizontal (across the plane of the
figuration at each end intended to serve both as an anchor joint). In skewed joints, lateral movement (along the plane of
and, by pulling it inwards towards the joint as it opens, it acts the joint) may also need to be measured or calculated since a
as a cork in a bottle type of seal. This seal is not too effec- skew introduces shear in the sealant. Vertical movements (at
tive at small openings and the material is in considerable ten- right angles to the plane of the joint) can be measured by fast
sion at wider joint openings. To overcome these problems, response transducers where, as in pavements, moving loads
quite elaborate shapes have been developed in recent years. cross the joint. Measurement of other dynamic effects such
Numerous ribs at the end now provide better anchoring and as vehicle braking, impact and noise generation require spe-
sealing, and O or U bulbs at the joint gap permit considerable cialized instruments.
joint movements to be accommodated without unduly Absolute measurements of the relative positions of struc-
stretching the material. Manufacturers may be helpful with tural members can be made using standard survey practice
recommendations. techniques against a reference datum clear of the structure.
For easier installation, both rubber and PVC waterstops are 4.11.2 Corresponding measurements of temperature and
often specified in thicknesses greater than that required for moisture content-Corresponding data on the thermal and
their function as sealants. moisture dependent behavior of abutting structural units are
needed to fully interpret joint movement measurements. Re-
4.10-Shape and size of gaskets and sponse to ambient temperature change and solar radiation is
miscellaneous seals much greater and faster than that due to seasonal changes in
Seals used for concrete pipes or building components are moisture content in the concrete. Since moisture content is
usually sized and shaped to suit the joint configuration in- difficult to measure and is unlikely to significantly affect the
cluding the irregularity of the surfaces being joined. Since overall findings, it is often ignored.
the movement is small, the width of the sealant may not be Where a continuous record is needed, ambient, surface or
the primary consideration. Square, rectangular, trapezoidal, internal temperatures are easy to measure by thermocouples
O-ring and H, U and W purposely made shapes, some with and record on a strip chart or digitally for analysis. It must be
ribs, flanges and serrations, are used depending on the ap- remembered that, while surface temperature changes induce
plication and how they can be installed. Pressure sensitive warping and curling fairly rapidly in thin sections, the inter-
tapes of suitable widths are used as auxiliary materials to nal temperatures of a structural unit control its overall dimen-
make window and door frames or panels weathertight. sions and hence the end movements at joints. Especially in
massive concrete sections there is a considerable time lag be-
4.11-Measurement of joint movements tween change in external and internal temperatures. This
A better understanding of in-service joint movements in all must be taken into account in determining any corre-
types of concrete structures is needed in order to confirm the spondence between temperature and movement measure-
theories and laboratory experiments upon which the design ments. In massive sections or where the structural configura-
prediction of joint widths and sealant performance are based. tion is complex or where differential heating because of sun
The factors which influence the movement of joints and the and shade is significant it may be prudent also to measure
functional performance of sealants are discussed in Chapters heat flow and solar radiation. Notwithstanding all these cau-
COPYRIGHT12003;
andACI2International
and the(American
preceding part of
Concrete Institute) 3 Chapter 4. tions,provided
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-31

ambient shade temperature should accompany any single certain uses, for example dams, a second waterstop may be
measurement of joint width. used some distance behind the first as an additional line of
insurance against premature failure.
4.11.3 Survey of joint sealantperformance-In addition to Many of the details shown in Fig. 10 and 11 also serve
the measurement of movements and the factors that cause equally well for keeping water which is outside the structure
these movements, it is important to note the condition of the from passing through the joint to the inside face. The exclu-
installed sealant, joint hardware and abutting concrete as part sion of water from basements, subways and tunnels are exam-
of any overall appraisal of joint performance. ples of this application. Tunnel applications are discussed in
greater detail in ACI 504.lR.

5.3-Slabs on grade, highway, and airports


CHAPTER 5-JOINT DETAILS Slabs on grade are shown in Fig. 12. These may be outside
5.1-Introduction as on highways, parking garages and airports, or they may be
Fig. 7 through 12 illustrate the application of joint sealants within a building or container with the modifications indi-
to a wide variety of design configurations which occur in con- cated in the figures specific to these applications.
crete construction (for a key to symbols see Appendix A). Many highway authorities are specifying short contraction
The details shown are representative of current practice and joint spacings in both plain and reinforced concrete pave-
cover most standard variations, although other variations in ments; some are using a random spacing averaging between
use may not be shown. These details are presented in outline 15 and 20 ft (4.57 and 6.10 m) in plain pavements for which
form, omitting for the sake of clarity structural details such as the repeating series 13, 18, 19, 12 ft (4.0, 5.5, 5.8, 3.7 m) is
reinforcing steel, dowels, etc., not directly relevant to the popular; some are also skewing joints at 2 ft in 12 ft (0.61 m in
sealing of the joint. The location of a joint is indicated only 3.66 m). While the objectives are reducing intermediate slab
where this is significant to delineate the type of joint and seal- cracking and improving ride and load transfer, such designs
ant that may be suitable. As stated in Sections 1.5 and 4.2, the place less demand on the sealant because of the smaller
location and spacing of joints for particular applications is movement that occurs at each joint. Fuller information on the
beyond the scope of this guide. Similarly, sealant reservoirs design and construction of joints in concrete pavements will
(grooves) and expansion or contraction gaps are not dimen- be found in the reports of ACI Committee 325.
sioned as to width or depth because differing sealants have a
wide range of performance capabilities. The required config- 5.4-Construction and installation
uration should be determined as outlined in Chapter 4 and/or considerations
may be obtained from suppliers literature. The practical aspects of constructing the joint and sealing
Exposure and environmental service conditions are shown it must be kept in mind when its details are being designed.
for each group of applications, since this is an important con- The general construction steps for any expansion, contrac-
sideration in selecting a suitable sealant. tion and construction joints are stated in Fig. 12. The method
Often, alternatives exist for a particular application. of making monolithic construction joints is outlined in Fig. 7
Therefore no endorsement is intended for selecting one detail (3). Fig. 9 (2B) shows the blockout required where later in-
over another, or choosing one sealant rather than another. The stallation of expansion joint devices is planned. The position-
guide does endorse and promote those standard design fea- ing of waterstops is shown in Fig. 11 (4) and further discus-
tures documented throughout the guide (e.g., improving the sion on their installation and that of sealants in general
shape factor of field-molded sealants) that will insure the best follows in Chapter 6. It must be remembered that a joint de-
possible performance of any given seal or sealant. tail that makes it unnecessarily difficult to install the sealant
is a poor one likely to lead to premature failure.
5.2-Structures
Fig. 7 and 8 cover applications to structures in general and
buildings in particular, where sealing against significant fluid
pressure is not a consideration. Where ground water must be CHAPTER 6-INSTALLATION OF SEALANTS
excluded, as for example in basements or earth-retaining 6.1-Introduction
walls, reference should also be made to Fig. 11 since addi- The most appropriate technique for installing (applying) a
tional sealing using waterstops may be indicated. Since the joint sealant depends on the material, the width, shape, in-
appearance of sealed joints in many buildings is important, clination, and accessibility of the joint and on whether it is a
additional architectural treatment not shown in the figures, small or large project. Each step in the construction and prep-
for example, V-ing of joint edges may be required. aration of the joint to receive the sealant and for its installa-
Bridge deck joints are treated separately in Fig. 9, since tion requires careful workmanship and thorough inspection
large movements and special sealing problems are often in- to avoid initial defects that may be costly and time consuming
volved. Joint details suitable for bridge substructures gener- to correct.
ally follow those in Fig. 7, or where water pressure is in- The specification for the work should state how the se-
volved those shown in Fig. 11. lected sealant is to be installed and any special features re-
Containers of all types are covered in Fig. 10 and 11. Ex- quired in the construction or preparation of the joint to re-
cept where the head is small, the use of waterstops in in ceive it. Before the containers of sealant are opened, their
place construction or gaskets under compression for precast labels should be checked to make sure that the right sealant
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

COPYRIGHTpipes
2003; ACIis almost(American
International essential
Concreteif the 3contents are to be kept in. In
Institute) hasprovided
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specification and the manufacturers instructions for installa- mulated to displace water from contact faces. Not withstand-
tion. Any discrepancy should be referred to the architect or ing, better results will be achieved if sealant installation is
engineer before work commences. done in the dry.
The most auspicious time for installing field-molded seal-
ants, if the construction schedule permits, is on dry days 6.4-Inspection of readiness to seal
when the temperature is close to the annual mean. Compres- Inspection of each joint to insure it is sufficiently clean and
sion seals, especially the large ones, are easiest to install on dry is essential prior to placing backup materials, priming or
cold days. However, a satisfactory job can and usually must sealant installation. It is also wise to check the joint width
be done in less than ideal conditions provided the effects of and temperature (preferably that of the concrete rather than
this are compensated for in the design of the joint. the ambient) against assumptions made in the joint design.
Sealant storage and installation requirements are summa- Restrictions on joint width and temperature at the time of
rized for each material in Table 4. These operations are dis- sealant installation should be shown on the plans. In the ab-
cussed in greater detail as follows. sence of these, installations at above 90 F (32 C) or below 40
F (4 C) should generally be avoided. Installation at tem-
6.2-Joint construction with sealing in mind peratures above or below these values may lead to various dif-
Some of the defects resulting from improper concrete joint ficulties. Extra strains may be induced on field-molded seal-
construction are shown in Fig. 16. These and others can be ants (see Section 4.3). Problems may arise due to shortened
avoided by the following: working life at higher temperatures or moisture condensation
1. Saw or form the joint to the required (and uniform) and frost at lower ones. In the case of compression seals, it is
depth, width and location shown on the plans. Manufacture harder to properly install them in tight joints or the lubricant
precast units to close tolerances and position them carefully. may be too fluid or viscous.
2. Align the joint with any connecting joints to avoid
blockage to free movement. 6.5-Priming, installation of backup materials and
3. Judge the time of sawing to avoid edge spalling or bond breakers
plucked aggregate (too early) or random cracks (too late). Where priming is required with the selected field-molded
4. Correctly position dowels and other joint hardware, fill- sealant the necessary primer is usually supplied with the seal-
ers, waterstops and bulkheads, and rigidly support them to ant and can be applied by brush or spray. (As a general rule
avoid displacement during concreting. priming is required for all porous surfaces such as concrete,
5. Remove any temporary material or filler used to form wood, and possibly plastics if thermosetting, chemical cur-
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

the sealant reservoir by raking out or rotary cutting to the ing field-molded sealants are to adhere satisfactorily). Brush-
specified depth. ing can be tedious and unless excess material is properly
6. Keep curing compound and other materials from con- brushed out to insure a uniform film over the whole joint face,
taminating joint faces. Apply supplemental curing where the adhesion failures may result. For horizontal joints on larger
original curing is broken by construction operations before projects, spray applicators may be more appropriate. Most
the joint edges and faces have fully cured. primers require time to dry out before the sealant is installed.
Failure to permit this action may lead to adhesion failure or
6.3-Preparation of joint surfaces exudation of the primer.
Joint faces must be clean and free of defects that would im- Backup materials and/or bond breakers require position-
pair bond with field-molded sealants or prevent uniform con- ing, usually by hand method, before the sealant is installed.
tact of preformed sealants. Removal of contaminants may re- They must be set at the correct depth avoiding twisting or
quire washing out of debris left by sawing and wire brushing contamination of the cleaned joint faces.
or routing and sand blasting. Though sand blasting is more
expensive, it is more likely to succeed and therefore is war- 6.6-Installation of field-molded sealants,
ranted where relatively expensive thermosetting, chemical hot applied
curing field-molded sealants are used. As noted in Table 4, certain joint sealants are melted and
Solvents intended to remove oil, etc., usually have the op- applied hot in the field. These hot-poured compounds are
posite effect and carry the contaminants further into the pores usually comprised of bituminous materials (either asphalt or
of the concrete. Solvents are, however, distinctly useful in tar) and may or may not contain rubber or other elastomeric
cleaning nonporous surfaces such as glass or metal frames. substances. Each has a manufacturers recommended pour
Defects in the joint faces such as loose aggregate, embedded point as well as a safe heating temperature which should not
foreign material and spalls in the case of compression seals or be exceeded. The safe heating temperature usually is 20 F (11
blockages to free movement require repair (see Section C) above the recommended pour temperature. Subjecting
7.2.1). Final cleanup to remove dust is usually required. This sealants to temperatures above the safe heating limit results in
is essential where a good bond must be developed with chem- a breakdown or setting up of the compound which precludes
ically curing thermosetting field-molded sealants. Final good field performance as well as longevity.
cleanup can be done by a brush, but the use of oil-free com- These materials are usually heated in double-boiler type
pressed air or vacuum cleaner is more likely to be successful. melting kettles equipped with a suitable agitation system in
As a general rule, joint faces must also be dry since the the sealant melting chamber, a positive, pressure delivery
sealant has to bond with the concrete. Exceptions are claimed and recirculation system and a recording thermometer. The
by sealant manufacturers. They include neoprene compres- inner tank should be oil-jacketed and the temperature of the
sion2003;
COPYRIGHT seals and emulsion
ACI International and Institute)
(American Concrete certain 3 elastomeric sealants for- high flash
Document providedpoint heat transfer
by IHS Licensee=Fluor oil shouldUser=,
Corporation/2110503105, be thermostatically
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-33

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`--- Note in examples A B C D E F G movement will occur at the crack and not at the
intended joint. Therefore, the crack rather than the joint should be sealed if repairs (which
would be desirable) are not undertaken to correct the underlying cause.

Random cracks
associated with
expansion joint
-possible causes

INITIAL CRACK

PLUG OF CONCRETE
BETWEEN SEALANT
AND FILLER

@ Sealant reservoir (groove) @ Filler displaced during @ Sealant reservoir


not formed or sawn deep concreting narrower than filler
enough (or off center)
And also for short cracks and spalls Fig. 3 @ @ and Fig. 4 @@@

Random cracks

--k
in plan-possible
MAYBE
causes SOME
DISTANCE
APART

01 RECTION
OF SAWING.

SLAB EDGE
1 v

O
D Crack follows @(i) Crack ran ahead @
of sawing to
Sealant reservoir
(groove) or crack
O
G Joints at intersection
were not lined up.
and/or crosses
slab edge due inducer not deep Crack occurs to
to late cutting enough to form complete omitted
(ii) Infiltration of plane of weakness continuity
joint late after incompressible at desired joint
crack had already material from location
formed shoulder

Other Defects

Joint opening not formed @ Edge spalled when groove


(or sawn) with uniform former was removed or during
width (or depth). While sawing. Inadequate bearing for
movement is the same compression seal or poor shape
sealant has varying shape factor for field molded sealants

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Fig. 16-Defects in joint construction
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controlled. Earlier models of melters were of the gravity-feed contact with the joint faces, to remove any trapped air or
type and some required the use of separate pouring devices. voids, to consolidate the material, and to provide a neat, uni-
These are preferably oil-jacketed also, but all suitable units form appearance. At the joint faces the exposed face of the
were insulated. The newer melting kettles equipped with sealant should usually match the level of the edge of the con-
pressure discharge through hoses, wands and nozzles should crete. An exception is in areas subject to traffic where self-
have the application lines insulated. leveling sealants are used. In this case the surface should be
Hot-poured materials are normally suitable for installation left slightly low.
in horizontal joints only. They can be placed in vertical joints It must be remembered that two-component sealants in
but adequate dams are necessary to prevent the sealant from particular have a limited working (pot) life, especially on hot
flowing to the bottom before it cools and sets. Horizontal days. Once the accelerator is mixed in, the curing reaction
joints should be underfilled to slightly below the pavement starts, therefore the batch size should be limited to what can
surface. be used within the pot life of the material.

6.7-Installation of field-molded sealants, 6.8-Installation of compression seals


cold applied Compression seals require a uniform joint width along the
Except for extremely short joints or in touch up work, cold whole length with straight, smooth, spall-free, properly
applied sealants are usually extruded under pressure from a cleaned joint faces to permit proper installation and to pro-
nozzle whose orifice may be sized and shaped to mold the vide uniform contact. It is advantageous to remove sharp ar-
required bead of sealant to suit the joint opening. The sim- rises at the joint edge or to form or saw the joint with a slight
plest piece of equipment for this purpose is the familiar hand rounded or V-edge.
operated caulking gun. The sealant is either supplied pre- A neoprene-based or other lubricant (which may have ad-
packaged in cartridges to suit the gun, or the chamber or car- hesive properties for most applications) is applied in a bead to
tridges are loaded on the job from bulk containers as re- the upper edge of each joint face to facilitate installation of
quired, or in the case of two-component sealants, they are the seal. The lubricant is fluid at normal temperatures and is
filled with the compound after mixing. Depending on the size usually applied by a hand-pressure applicator. Where ma-
of the project, more sophisticated pressure application equip- chine installation of the sealant is used for pavement joints,
ment is available including models where two-component this unit may also be designed to apply the lubricant, which
materials are brought by individual lines to the nozzle where then generally should be a thixotropic formulation. The lu-
they are intimately and continuously mixed in a small cham- bricant must be applied immediately ahead of inserting the
ber immediately prior to extrusion. Pumps, compressed air seal so that it does not prematurely dry out.
or gas may be used to supply the necessary pressure for For installation either by hand roller or with the machine,
extrusion. the seal is positioned vertically over the joint opening and
With two-component sealing, full and intimate mixing is then, by pressing down and forward, it is forced into the
essential if the material is to cure out with uniform proper- opening. The seal must not be twisted, folded over on itself
ties. Little can be done with patches of sealant that do not or stretched during this operation. A small permissably
harden except to remove and replace them with properly amount of stretching, up to 5 percent, may occur as the seal is
mixed material. Small quantities of two component sealants forced in. The seal must not be willfully stretched (thus re-
can be mixed with a broad bladed putty knife. However, for ducing its cross section) to make installation easier and the
any significant quantity of material, mechanical mixing is re- seal length go further. Near zero stretch can be achieved with

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
quired. For small batches hand held electric drills with pad- both hand and automatic machine installation which may be
dle blades can be used. Large batches need purposely made desirable since the seal will not be under tension along its
mixing machines. length nor reduced in effective width.
Frequently, it is convenient to premix sealants at a location It is important to install the seal at the specified depth. In
remote from the job site. To prevent curing until it is time to highway pavements, this is usually slightly below the surface
use them, sealants may be frozen at -40 F (-40 C) or below to keep it out of contact with traffic. The seal should be in-
and held in storage. In some urban areas frozen premixed car- stalled in as long a continuous piece as possible. If field
tridges are available from sealant suppliers. On the job, car- splices cannot be avoided they should be made in the least
tridges are thawed out for about 30 min at a temperature of 70 critical location as far as maintaining a sealed joint is con-
F (21 C) (additional heating to hasten thawing may be detri- cerned. Usually the seal is spliced simply by butting it
mental and should not be used). against the next length with some lubricant adhesive. How-
Application of a sealant to fill a joint reservoir requires a ever, more sophisticated means are available and may be war-
skilled operator. The gun nozzle must be controlled at an an- ranted where it is important that a splice should not part.
gle (about 45 deg) and moved steadily along the joint so that a Where a compression seal is to be installed between pre-
uniform bead is applied without dragging, tearing or leaving cast units, it may be attached to the face of one and com-
unfilled spaces. A skilled applicator will be seen to push the pressed as the adjacent unit is positioned.
bead rather than draw it with the gun leading. In large joints, The polybutylene impregnated foam type of compression
several runs may be needed, building up the sealants in seal is precompressed and inserted in the joint opening. To
roughly triangular wedges at each run. achieve a good bond, the joint faces may first require priming
For nonsag sealants, when the joint has been filled with the with an epoxy adhesive. Other cellular foams such as eth-
required amount of material it is tooled to insure intimate
COPYRIGHT 2003; ACI International (American Concrete Institute) 3
ylene vinyl acetate are installed in a similar fashion.
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6.9-Installation of preassembled devices mold under heat and pressure until cured (vulcanized). An
Placing large seals 4 in. (100 mm) and over in bridge and alternative is to use premolded splicing sleeves into whose
other large movement joints presents special problems. opposite sides the cemented ends of the waterstop are
Firstly, these seals are not particularly easy to handle and inserted.
they cannot be bent or formed to suit an abrupt change of di-
rection. Secondly, they require considerable force to com-
6.11-Installation of gaskets
press them as they are pushed and levered into the opening,
Gaskets are either positioned in the joint opening or are
especially if it is a warm day and the joint is partly closed
prepositioned because they are attached to one of the units to
beyond its mid-range. For this reason (and because the seal
be joined, for example, on the spigot end of the pipe. Posi-
must be sized to the joint opening), there is merit in joint de-
tioning the unit in place closes the joint on the gasket which,
vices which are installed as a complete unit prior to concret-
under pressure, then forms the seal.
ing with the seal precompressed or preset to the required
width. The joint is activated after the concrete has set by re-
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

leasing the ties connecting the joint faces. Strip (gland) seals 6.12-Installation of fillers
and modular systems designed to accommodate large move- Most compressible fillers in expansion joints are installed
ments are similarly supplied precompressed or preset, ready ahead of the concreting operation in the required location and
for installation and subsequent activation. position, and held either by the bulkhead if it is a construction
Tension compression devices as used in bridge decks (see joint, or by some rigid device at other expansion joint loca-
Fig. 9) require setting flush with the pavement surface. Ex- tions until the concrete has been placed and set. Problems of
cept where a subsequent bituminous surfacing is to be laid, the type illustrated in Fig. 16 have often occurred because due
this requires a recess in the concrete surface on each side of care and attention has not been given to making sure fillers
the joint. Provision for the holddown bolts required for the are accurately positioned and/or are not displaced.
mechanical anchoring of the device can be made either by
pre-setting inserts using a template when the concrete is 6.13-Neatness and cleanup
placed, or subsequently by drilling and installing the anchors Nothing esthetically looks worse on a new structure than a
after the concrete is set. sloppy job of joint sealing in which the sealant is uneven or is
In cases where the anchorage units are preattached to the adhering to everything except the joint faces. Careful work-
edge elements (strip seals and armored type systems) the ex- manship such as uniform depth of installation, proper tooling
pansion joint is set to line and grade and then the concrete is and lack of spilled or excess material on surfaces adjacent to
placed. the joint are all signs of a good, conscientious job.
A very neat joint can be obtained with field-molded seal-
6.10-Installation of waterstops ants if strips of masking tape are first placed on each side of
Three methods of positioning waterstops in vertical joints the joint opening. These can be later removed carrying any
are shown in Fig. 11 (4). Of these, placing between split excess sealant with them. Proper cleaning of equipment and
forms is still the most common, though nail-on types may be tools immediately after their use ceases, for even a short pe-
more convenient and economical. In horizontal joints, water- riod, will avoid contamination of the work or delays due to
stops are usually embedded halfway into the first lift. In all hardened sealant on their surfaces. The instructions on the
instances, the waterstop should be securely held in position containers of cold applied sealants usually list suitable sol-
so that it will not be displaced during concreting, and care is vents for this purpose. Unused hot applied sealants must not
required in placing and consolidating the concrete so that no be allowed to set up in heating vessels and applicator equip-
voids or honeycombing occurs adjacent to the waterstops to ment.
prejudice its sealing ability. Contamination of the waterstop
surfaces, for example, by form coatings, should be avoided.
While rubber and polyvinyl chloride waterstops are not sus- 6.14-Safety precautions
ceptible to damage during normal handling or concreting op- There are certain hazards in using joint sealants. They can
erations, thin metal waterstops are easily bent or torn and be minimized, however, by taking simple precautions. Spe-
therefore require special care. cific warnings are stated on the containers together with ac-
Waterstops may need splicing at intersections, abrupt tion or antidote in case of accident. In addition, material
changes of direction or to form long continuous lengths. It is safety data sheets (MSDS) are required by law and should be
often convenient to order prefabricated junction pieces from available for all products. Users of joint materials should ex-
the manufacturer so that these can be joined to the main run pect to receive MSDS with the best information regarding the
by simple butt splices in the field. Polyvinyl chloride water- use of the particular material they will be handling.
stops can be spliced by trimming their ends to the required 1. Hot-applied materials can cause serious bums or a fire
matching shape and then butt-welding them together by soft- may be set if flammable materials are spilled. Excessive
ening under heat and pressing them together until cool. Since breathing of fumes or skin contact with coal tar compounds
excess heat or an open flame would char the material and de- may cause irritation.
stroy its resilience, thermostatically controlled electric heat- 2. Cold-applied materials (other than emulsions) and
ing tools should be used. Rubber waterstops can be joined by primers may contain flammable solvents. Containers should
mitering the ends to mate and, after cleaning and roughen- be kept closed and away from flames. Working areas must be
ing,
COPYRIGHT 2003;cementing them Concrete
ACI International (American together. They
Institute) 3 must then be held in a well provided
Document ventilated.
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3. Toxic chemicals may be present in many elastomeric Where the sealant has generally failed but has not come out
sealants. Skin, eye or internal contact must be avoided. Pro- of the sealing groove it can be removed using hand tools, or
tective gloves and sometimes masks and goggles are re- on larger projects such as pavements, by routing or plowing
quired. Lunch pails should not be opened until the operator with suitable tools. Alternatively, especially where widening
has cleaned up. is required to improve the shape factor, the sealant reservoir
4. Sealants containing poisonous chemicals, for example, can be enlarged by sawing.
lead dioxide, may not be appropriate in joints open to potable After proper preparation to insure clean joint faces and ad-
water or food processing areas. ditional measures designed to improve sealant performance
5. Most liquid sealants are highly sensitive to liquid oxy- such as the improvement of shape factor, provision of backup
gen (LOX) creating a serious safety problem. The chemicals material, and possible selection of a better type of sealant, the
in sealants are in a state such that they can easily react with joint may be resealed as described earlier.
oxygen to promote explosion and/or toxic gases. Special ma- Minor edge spalls to concrete joint faces may be repaired
terials have been developed for exposure to LOX; however, with suitable repair materials, an essential operation if a com-
they are usually not durable and a service life of 12 months pression seal is being used. Otherwise most repairs to correct
duration is as long as the user/owner should anticipate before defects in the original construction of the joint involve major,
replacement. Loss of bond may result in a safety hazard by exacting and often expensive work. The reason for the failure
allowing infiltration of LOX where otherwise inert materials must be identified and, depending on the cause, continuity
will become highly reactive due to contamination. must be restored in the joint system either by the removal of
6. Since many joint sealants are combustible organic ma- whatever is blocking the free working of the joint or by cut-
terials, attention should be given to their effect on the fire re- ting out the whole joint and rebuilding it.
sistance of the structure. 7.2.2 At cracks-Where cracks have occurred because of
7. Solvents used in clean up or released during curing may a nonworking or absent joint, or because of unanticipated de-
be restricted by some jurisdictions since they are deemed to formation of the structure, they can be routed out and sealed
be atmospheric pollutants even though nonhazardous. with a suitable field-molded sealant to prevent damage to the
structure. ACI Committee 224 has done considerable work in
this area and their information regarding repairing of cracks
would be of significant help. (See ACI 224.1R). An addi-
CHAPTER 7-PERFORMANCE, REPAIR, tional problem occurs where water is flowing through the
AND MAINTENANCE OF SEALANTS crack and the upstream face cannot be reached for sealing.
7.1-Poor performance Before sealing can be successfully undertaken, the water
Much experience of poor sealant performance and result- flow must be stopped. If the source of water cannot be cut off
ing damage to a wide variety of structures exists. Concern by dewatering, then depending on the circumstances one of
with problems arising from the use of low grade asphalts and the many alternatives such as cutting back the crack deeper
asphaltic sealants spurred the development and introduction and plugging with a quick setting or dry-pack mortar or ce-
of higher class sealants, both field-molded and preformed. ment, chemical or epoxy resin grouting may be tried. Exter-
Failures have continued to occur, however, often within days nal plates are sometimes bolted to the concrete, or keyed
and weeks of installation rather than months or years, for five grooves are filled with mortar to hold the sealant in case water
main reasons: pressure redevelops as the joint moves. Successful execution
1. Design of the joint geometry was insufficient to accom- of any of these operations usually requires specialized knowl-
modate the movement. edge, experience and workmanship.
2. Unanticipated service conditions resulted in greater
joint movements than those allowed for when the joint design
and type of sealant were determined. 7.3-Normal maintenance
3. The wrong type of sealant for the particular conditions Few exposed sealants have a life as long as that of the struc-
was selected, often on the false grounds of economy in first ture whose joints they are intended to seal. Fortunately, bur-
cost. ied sealants such as waterstops and gaskets have a long life
4. New sealants have sometimes been initially over- because they are not exposed to weathering and other deterio-
promoted and used before their limitations were docu- rating influences.
mented. Most field-molded or preformed sealants will, however,
5. Poor workmanship occurred during joint construction require renewal sooner or later if an effective seal is to be
and preparation to receive the sealant or sealant installation. maintained and deterioration of the structure is to be avoided.
Some of the common problems with joints are shown in The time at which this becomes necessary is determined by
Fig. 3, 4 and 16, together with advice as to how these defects service conditions, by the type of material used and whether
may be avoided in future work. any defects of the kind already enumerated were built in at the
time of the original sealing.
7.2-Repairs of concrete defects and The opportunity should be taken when inspections are
replacement of sealants being made for other purposes, or in the case of buildings
7.2.l At joints-Minor touch-up of small gaps and soft or when the facade is cleaned, to establish the condition of
hard spots in field-molded sealants can usually be made with sealed joints and whether resealing is required immediately
the same sealant. However, where the failure is extensive it is or is likely to be required in the near future. Far too often, in
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
usually
COPYRIGHT 2003; necessary
ACI International toConcrete
(American remove the
Institute) 3 sealant and replace it. theprovided
Document past,by resealing has
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JOINT SEALANTS 504R-37

of knowledge that it was needed or failure to budget ahead, 2. The materials available for use as joint sealants. The
with inevitable costly consequences. challenge is to achieve good performance in a wide variety of
Sealant renewal follows closely the methods listed under joints that are wet and dirty when the sealant is installed.
the repair of defects (see Section 7.2). When renewal is 3. The methods by which sealants may be installed so that
needed prematurely, consideration must be given to improv- human error is avoided as far as possible.
ing the sealing system from that originally used, otherwise 4. Techniques for resealing leaking joints and cracks.
money will be wasted since failure may soon recur. Ways of 8.2.3 Spreading the word-Public authorities and sealant
evaluating this have already been described. manufacturers and suppliers have been the source of copious
technical data and advice that has greatly benefitted the art of
joint design and sealing. However, many of the current seal-
ant problems will continue unless improvements are made in
disseminating and applying available knowledge and upgrad-
ing skills. For example, improvements are required in:
CHAPTER 8-SEALING IN THE FUTURE 1. Making designers more aware of the importance of joint
AND CONCLUDING REMARKS design and the selection of suitable sealants.
8.1-What is now possible 2. Providing clear instructions on the plans, in the specifi-
The cost of providing well-sealed joints by using the best cations and on the sealant containers so that the workers on
available sealants, carefully installed in joints of the correct the job can understand and implement what is required.
type, size and location, is usually only a small fraction of the 3. Educating and training at all levels of responsibility so
total cost of a concrete structure. The available sealants and that joint sealing is no longer regarded as a necessary evil to
knowledge of the criteria for joint sealing are now adequate be left to the last moment for the low man of the scaffold.
to insure success in at least 9 out of 10 situations; there is no 8.2.4 Future codes, standards, recommended practices
justification for poor sealing practices when the very integrity and specifications-Appropriate criteria should be included
and service life of a structure may be at stake. in the contract documents for joints in concrete structures (lo-
cation, type, movement determination, width, shape, sealant

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
8.2-Advancements still needed selection and installation criteria).
8.2.1 Since joint sealing is done in a wide variety of en-
vironments with a large array of differing sealant materials
under conditions less than optimum their performance is usu-
CHAPTER 9-REFERENCES
ally less than perfect. The satisfactory working life of seal- 1. ACI Committee 504, Revisions to Guide to Joint Sealants for Con-
ants still requires improvement in that we can expect as low as crete Structures, ACI JOURNAL , Proceedings V. 74, No. 6, June 1977, pp.
one year of performance to generally five years of perform- 238-254.
ance for most sealants. Modern structures are being designed 2. Joint Sealing & Bearing Systems for Concrete Structures, SP-70,
to minimize maintenance and designers are looking for high American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1981, 2006 pp.
3. Joint Sealing & Bearing Systems for Concrete Structures, SP-94,
performance sealants with life cycles of 10 to 20 years. American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1986, 1553 pp.
It takes several years after the time of initial installation to 4. Tons, Egons, A Theoretical Approach to Design of a Road Joint
evaluate the performance of a particular sealant. After several Seal, Bulletin No. 229, Highway Research Board, 1959, pp. 20-44.
years have passed, the long term performance and ca- 5. Schutz, Raymond J.,, Shape Factor in Joint Design, Civil Engineer-
pabilities of a sealant become evident for a given type of joint ing-ASCE, V. 32, No. 10, Oct. 1962, pp. 32-36.
6. Dreher, Donald, A Structural Approach to Sealing Joints in Con-
or application. Obviously some sealants perform better than crete, Highway Research Record No. 80, Highway Research Board, 1965,
others. As a result, manufacturers are constantly improving a pp. 57-73.
particular sealants ability to perform. Thus this manual must 7. Kozlov, George S., Preformed Elastomeric Bridge Joint Sealers,
be constantly updated to provide the latest information. Highway Research Record No. 200, Highway Research Board, 1967, pp.
8.2.2 Research and development work is still required to 36-52.
8. Panek, Julian R., and Cook, John P., Construction Sealants and Ad-
improve: hesives, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1984.
1. Knowledge of the movements which actually occur in 9. Klosowski, Jerome M., Sealants in Construction, Marcel Dekker,
every type of concrete structure. Inc., New York.

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504R-38 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A-LAYMANS GLOSSARY FOR Conventional rubber cure-See vulcanization.


JOINT SEALANT TERMS Copolymer-Large molecule resulting from simul-
taneous polymerization of different monomers; more
commonly, the compound consisting of such molecules.
This glossary is based on the terminology used or Cross linked-Molecules of a polymer that are joined
proposed by ASTM and ISO committees or common side by side as well as end to end.
trade parlance. The definitions are not definitive and Cure-To set up or harden through change in the
are prepared for the purpose of understanding this physical properties of a plastic, resin or polymer by
guide only. chemical reaction.
Accelerator*- A compounding ingredient used in Curing agent-Catalyst or hardener.
small amounts with a curing agent to increase the speed Diluent* - L i q u i d which lowers viscosity and in-
of vulcanization and/or enhance the physical properties creases the bulk but is not necessarily a solvent for
of the vulcanizate. the solid ingredients; a thinner.
Adhesion-The state in which two surfaces are held Drier* -Chemical which promotes oxidation or
together by interfacial forces. drying.
Adhesive-A substance having the capability of main- Effective length-The length of that section of a
taining surface attachment by interfacial forces be- structural unit which is free to move toward or away
tween two or more surfaces. from a joint.
Anti-foaming agent-Product which greatly increases Elastomer-Macromolecular material that returns

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
the surface tension, thereby reducing the tendency to rapidly to approximately the initial dimensions and
foam during mixing or application. shape after substantial deformation by a weak stress
Antioxidant-Compounding ingredient used to retard and release of the stress.
deterioration caused by oxidation. Elastomeric-Having the attributes of an elastomer.
Applied skin-A thin surface layer of elastomeric Emulsion*-Water system containing dispersed col-
material applied to a cellular product. loidal resin or liquid particles.
Backup-A compressible material used in the bottom Expansion-compression-The percentage increase and
of sealant reservoirs to reduce the depth of the sealant decrease in width from the installed width tolerable to
thus improving its shape factor. Also serves to support a sealant in service.
the sealant against sag or indentation. Extender* -An organic material (usually cheaper)
Bleeding*-Exudation with possible absorption by used as a replacement for a portion of the material
porous surfaces of a component of a sealant. required in a sealant compound.
Blister-A cavity or sac that deforms the surface of Extensibility* - T h e capacity of a sealant to be
a material. stretched in tension.
Blowing agent-Compounding ingredient used to pro- Field-molded sealant-A liquid or semi-solid mate-
duce gas by chemical and/or thermal action in manu- rial molded into the desired shape in the joint into
facture of hollow or cellular articles. which it is installed.
Bond breaker*-Material used to prevent a sealant Filler*-(a) Finely divided material compounded in
bonding undesirably to the bottom of a joint; or to sealant to give body. (b) Compressible, preformed ma-
facilitate independent movement between two units terial used between the faces of an expansion joint to
that would otherwise behave monolithically. form or maintain the space between them.
Bond face-That part of the joint face to which a Gasket-A deformable material clamped between es-
field-molded sealant is bonded. sentially stationary faces to prevent the passage of
Butt joint*-A joint in which the structural units matter through an opening or joint.
being joined abut each other so that under movement Hardener*- Substance which enters into chemical
any sealant is in tension or compression between the combination with other substances to form a new,
joint faces. more solid material.
Catalyst * - S u b s t a n c e added in small quantities to Hardness-The property of resisting identation. Note:
promote reaction between two other substances while When hardness is expressed as a number, the number
itself remaining unchanged. has no quantitative meaning, except in terms of a par-
Cellular material-A generic term for material con- ticular test in which the size and shape of the indenter,
taining many cells (either open, closed, or both) dis- the indenting load, and other conditions of the test are
persed throughout the mass. specified.
Chemical cure-Curing (hardening) by chemical re- Hump-See sag. Sealant is, however, raised rather
actions usually involving the formation of cross linked than depressed.
polymers. Joint-The interstice between component parts or
Closed cell-A cell totally enclosed by its walls and units.
hence not interconnecting with other cells. Joint movement (total)-The difference in width of a
Cohesion-The form of attraction by which the body joint opening between the fully open and fully closed
of an adhesive or sealant is held together. The internal positions.
strength of an ahdesive or a sealant. Lap joint-A joint in which the structural units being
Compound-An intimate admixture of a polymer joined override each other so that under movement
with all the ingredients necessary for the finished any sealant is in shear between the joint faces.
article.
Compression seal -A compartmentalized or cellular
*Terms designated by asterisk differ in some way from defini-
sealant which by compression between the joint faces tion given in A C I Committee 116, Cement and Concrete Termi-
provides
COPYRIGHT a seal.
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Low temperature recovery-Ability of a sealant to Sealant-Any material used to seal joints or openings
recover its original form at low temperature when the against the passage of solids, liquids or gases.
deforming load is removed. Set: (compression), (tension) or (permanent)*-
Mastic-A sealant with putty-like properties. The change occurring in a sealant when deformed
Migration-Spreading or creeping of sealant vehicle that prevents full recovery when the deformation ends.
onto adjacent surfaces usually to the detriment of bond. More correctly, the strain remaining after complete
Monomer-A composition of single molecules; a release of the load producing deformation.
basic chemical used to make polymers. Shape factor- The relationship between depth and
Necking-An irrecoverable reduction in cross section width of a field-molded sealant.
of a sealant under stress. Shelf life*- Maximum length of time a sealant can
Non-staining-Unable to stain or discolor adjacent be stored prior to use without adversely affecting its
surfaces (see stain). properties.
O-ring-An elastomeric seal of homogeneous com- Skin-A relatively dense layer that forms at the
position molded in once piece to the configuration of a surface of a sealant on exposure to air.
torus with circular cross section. Solvent-Liquid in which another substance may be
Open cell-A cell not totally enclosed by its walls dissolved.
and hence interconnecting with other cells or with the Sponge-Cellular version, consisting predominantly
exterior. of open cells, of a solid material.
Packing-A deformable material used to prevent or
Stabilizer-Substance which makes a solution or
control the passage of matter between surfaces which
suspension more stable, usually by keeping particles
move in relation to each other.
from precipitating.
Peeling*-Local pulling away or curling of the seal-

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
ant from its substate at points of stress concentration Stain-The changed color or appearance of the sur-
such as corners, edges or bubbles. face of the substrate adjacent to an applied sealant;
Pick-up-Unwanted adherence of solids in contact the change is usually penetrating and the coloring is
with the open surface of a sealant, i.e., adherence of transparent and without surface film.
sealant to tires. Stock-The shape in which preformed materials are
Permissible movement-The safe joint movement supplied.
which can take place without failing the sealant. Stress relaxation* -Reduction in stress due to creep
Polymer* A compound formed by the reaction of under sustained strain (deformation).
simple molecules having functional groups which per- Structural unit-That part abutting a joint between it
mit their combination to proceed to high molecular and another part which may have a similar or dis-
weights under suitable conditions. similar structural function.
Positive anchor-Point of intentional restraint against Substrate-The surface to which a sealant must bond
movement. (or remain in contact) usually the joint face.
Pot life- (Sometimes referred to as work life)-
Time interval after mixing during which liquid material Swelling*-The increase in volume or linear dimen-
is usable with no difficulty. sions of a specimen immersed in a liquid or exposed
Preformed sealant-Sealant functionally preshaped to a vapor.
by the manufacturer so that only a minimum of field Tack-free time- Measure of the period for which a
fabrication is required prior to installation. field-molded sealant remains tacky and not yet fully
Pressure sensitive-Capable of adhering to a surface serviceable with respect to pick-up.
when pressed against it. Tear strength-The maximum force required to tear
Primer-A material applied to joint faces to improve apart a specified specimen, acting substantially paral-
the bond (adhesion) of field-molded sealants. lel to the major axis of the test specimen.
Reinforcing agent- An ingredient used in rubber to Thermoplastic*-Mobile; softening with heat.
increase its resistance to destructive mechanical forces, Thermosetting-Becoming rigid by chemical reaction
e.g., resistance to abrasion, rupture, tear, etc. and not remeltable.
Retarder*-Compounding ingredient used to reduce Vehicle*-Liquid carrier; binder (anything dissolved
the tendency of a mix to vulcanize prematurely. in the liquid portion of the sealant is a part of the
Reversion-Chemical reaction leading to sealant, vehicle).
back-up or filler deterioration due to moisture trapped Volatile-Evaporating readily.
behind the sealant. Vulcanization-A process in which rubber through a
Rubber-A material that is capable of recovering
change in its chemical structure (e.g., cross-linking) is
from large deformations quickly and forcibly.
Rubber latex-Colloidal aqueous emulsion of an converted to a condition in which the elastic properties
elastomer. are conferred or improved.
Sag-Sealant flow within the joint so that it loses its Waterstop* -Diaphragm used across a joint as a
original shape, usually becoming depressed in hori- sealant, usually to prevent the passage of water.
zontal joints or alternately bunched and attenuated in Work(ing) life-See pot life
vertical joints.
Seal-A generic term for any material or device that Wrinkling-Crinkling of the surface skin of sealants
prevents or controls the passage of matter across the affecting appearance, but not usually affecting sealing
separable members of a mechanical assembly. capability.

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APPENDIX B-KEY TO SYMBOLS USED IN FIGURES

- - - - Tie bars across joint


Sealant (general)
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Specifically a compression seal Crack

Bonded concrete surface


Filler-compressible

Exposure from this direction

Back-up material

-I _+ Movement opening joint

El
. .,t . .
:: .: I. I, ::
. .
. . .a.. ,_
;_ .. .....
..........
: .,: ........
Mortar filler, bedding or grout
..
..L.
-* ........
: .: &...::
.... . ..
-not compressible
,[_ Movement closing joint

Waterstop
l 2 l
Ground line

l oooo Bond breaker (Also intentionally non-bonded Keyway


concrete surfaces)

1ST
2ND Sequence of placing concrete Wood or other forms
ETC.

W Joint width (general) Wmin Joint width when closed (usually at 130F (54C)

Wi Joint width at installation of sealant d Depth of sealant (general)

Wmax Joint width when open (usually at -2OF dmax Max i mu m d ep t h o f s eal an t at i n s t al l at i o n
(-29C) width Wi to provide required shape factor

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APPENDIX C-SOURCES OF SPECIFICATIONS

NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS

I. FIELD-MOLDED SEALANTS
OFFICIALS SPECIFICATIONS
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING & MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS

(1) ASTM C 920-87 For single or multi-component cold applied materials, used in building construction (8) Ml 73-60 Same description, use, and requirements as in ASTM D 1190-74 (1980).
Specification for Elastomeric other than highways, air fields and bridges Hot Poured Elastic Type
Joint Sealants

FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS
(2) ASTM D 1190-80 (1980) No specific material; mixture type forming a resilient sealant, for use in pavement,
Concrete Joint Sealer, Hot bridges, etc. Tests include pour point, penetration, flow, and bond.
Poured Elastic Type
(9) SS-S-1401 C, 8/l 5184 No specific material; mixture of materials which form a resilient and adhesive com-
Sealing Compound, Hot-Ap- pound. It will not flow from the joint or be picked up by tires at temperatures up to 125F
plied, for Concrete Asphalt (51.7C). Tests include safe heating temperature, penetration, flow, resilience, bond, and
Pavements compatibility.

(3) ASTM D 1854-74 (1985) No specific material; composed of mixture of materials forming a resilient sealant for
Jet Fuel-Resistant Hot-Poured use in concrete pavements exposed to jet fuel spillage and jet blasts. Tests include
Elastic Type penetration, bond, and safe heating temperature.
WV SS-S-1614A, 8/l 5184 No specific material; mixture of materials which form a resilient and adhesive compound
Sealant, Joint Jet-Fuel Re- resistant to jet fuel. Pourin temperature not over 450F (232.2C). Shall not be picked up
sistant, Hot-Applied, for Port- by tires at 125F (51.7C). Qests include penetration solubility, flow, and fuel-immersed

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
land Cement and Tar Concrete bond strength. The compound may be furnished as a solid or a liquid, both requiring
Pavements. field heating.
(4) ASTM D 3405-78 No specific material. Tests include penetration, flow, bond, and resilience.
Joint Sealants, Hot-Poured for
Concrete and Asphalt Pave-
ments

(11) SS-S-POOE Amended 8123188 Material shall be two-component elastomeric type consisting of base and activator
Sealant, Joint, Two-Compo- forming a rubberlike compound after mixing. Rate of curin shall permit traffic within
nent, Jet-Blast Resistant, one hour after curing. Material shall be resistant to jet fuel. 9ests include tackfree time,
(5) ASTM D 3406-85 PVC-coal tar; for use in PCC pavement, bridges, etc. Tests include penetration, flow, Cold-Applied, Concrete Paving ball penetration, resilience, bond, flow, self-leveling, weathering, solubility, volume
Specification for Joint Sealant, bond, resilience, tensile adhesion, and artificial weathering. change, and flame resistance.
Hot-Applied, Elastomeric-Type
for Portland Cement Concrete
Pavements

(12) ;;;V;0227E (COM-NBS) Covers multicomponent cold-applied elastomeric joint sealant. Two types: I, Flow, self-
leveling; and II, Non-sag. Class A compounds resistant to 50 percent maximum total
Sealing Compound, Elas- joint movement, Class B to 25 percent maximum. Tests include compression-extension
PVC-coal tar, for use in PCC airfield pavements subject to jet fuel spillage and jet blast. tomeric Ty e, Multi-Compo- cycling at 158F (70C) and 15F (9X) with glass, aluminum, and concrete, peel
(6) ASTM D 3569-85
nent (For eaulking, Sealing, strength, stain, and others.
Specification for Joint Sealant Tests include penetration flow, bond, resilience, tensile adhesion, artificial weathering,
Hot-Poured Elastomeric Type, and jet fuel solubility. and Glazing in Buildings and
Jet Fuel Resistant for PCC Air- Other Structures)
field Pavements

(13) ~-lLSIO23Oc (COM-NBS) Covers elastomeric polymer type sealant for use without mixing. Types, classes, and
(7) ASTM D 3581-80 (1985) For single or multicomponent hot applied materials, checks fuel resistance. requirements essentially the same as in TT-S00227e. Some formulations require sev-
Soecification for Joint Sealant Sealing Corn ound, Elas- eral weeks to reach full cure in the joint.
Hot Poured, Jet Fuel Resistant tomeric Type, 8ingle Compo-
Type for Portland Cement nent, (For Caulking, Sealing,
~~m~~sand Tar Concrete and Glazing in Burldings and
Other Structures)

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NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS
P
?
R
(14) ;;T=&OO1543a (COWNBS) Material is a single component cold-applied silicone rubber base sealing compound (23) 1%GP-17M This standard applies to one-component acrylic water emulsion sealing compounds
(joint sealants) for sealing, caulking, and glazing in building construction. Test require- Sealing Compound, One Com- suitable for sealing, caulking, or glazing interior building joints that experience up to
Sealing Compound: Silicone ments are essentially the same as (15) except that extrusion at -15F (9.4C) is required ponent, Acrylic Emulsion Base + 10%. The substrates may be concrete, glass, wood, or metal. Materials meeting this
--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Rubber Base (For Caulking, and no water immersion test is required for porous masonry. standard are not intended for use in experience continous water immersion nor for
Sealing and Glazing in Build- exterior building joints.
ings and Other Structures)

(24) This standard applies to one-component silicone rubber based joint sealing com-
(15) mS-001657 10/8/70 Butyl rubber based, solvent release type (for buildings and other types of construction). Sealing Compound, One Com- unds that cure primarily by solvent evaporation intended for sealing interior or exterior
Sealing Compound-Single ponent, Silicone Base, Solvent gouilding joints that have movements up to +25% movement with an application air
Component Curing temperature range of 5 to 30C (41 to 86F). Materials meeting this standard are not
intended for traffic or continuous water immersion conditions.

(25) CANXGSB-19.2~M87 This standard applies to cold-applies jet fuel-resistant sealing compounds intended for
Cold-Applied Sealing Com- sealing joints in portland cement concrete pavements where the air application tem-
pound, Aviation Fuel-Resistant perature is between 4 and 35C (39 to 95F).
CANADIAN GENERAL STANDARDS BOARD

(26) CANEGSB-19.21 -M87 This standard applies to acoustical sealing and bedding compounds suitable for sealing
(16) CANEGSB-19.0-M77 This document contains general physical and chemical methods of testing putty, caulk- Sealing and Bedding Com- interior building joints that experience up to +5% movement and the application air
Methods of Testing Putty, ing and sealant compounds for conformance with the standards of the Canadian Gen- pound, Acoustical temperature range is between 5 to 30C (41 to 86F). The substrates may be concrete,
C$.u.ul~~g and Sealing Com- eral Standards Board. The intent is to provide a uniform basis for testing procedures masonry, metal, gypsum-board, plaster, or wood.
and eliminate variations in methods used.

(27) CANEGSB-19.24-M80 This standard applies to two types (self-leveling and nonsag) and two classes (glazing
(17) CAN(CGSB)-19.1 -M87 This standard a plies to two types of putty which are intended for exterior or interior Sealing Compound, Multi- and nonglazing) of multi-component joint sealing compounds that cure to a rubber-like
Putty, Lrnseed Oil Type glazing of wooc! sash and should be used where the application air temperature is Component, Chemical Curing solid when properly mixed. Materials meeting this standard are intended for sealing or
between 4 and 27C (39 to 80F). Its not intended to fill nail holes nor to be used where caulking exterior or interior building joints that have movements up to + 25% and may
joint movement is anticipated. be used on concrete, masonry, metal, glass (class I only) or wood.

(18) CANICGSB-19.2-M87 This standard applies to compounds suitable for glazing exterior or interior building
Glazing Compound, Nonhard- sashes where the substrate is wood or metal. Materials meeting this standard are
ening, Modified Oil Type intended for face and channel glazing and in areas subject to vibration where only a
small amount of movement is anticipated. The application air temperature range is AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS SPECIFICATIONS
between 4 to 27C (39 to 80F). Materials are not intended to be used on porous 6
substrates.
(26) ASTM D 2628-81 Material shall be preformed and manufactured from vulcanized elastomeric compound
Specification for Preformed using polychloroprene as the only base polymer. Tests include tensile strength, elonga-
Polychloroprene Elastomeric tion, hardness, oil swell, ozone resistance, low and high temperature recoveries.
(19) 19-G P-5M This standard is for materials that are one-component, acrylic polymer based sealants Joint Seals for Concrete Pave-
Sealing Compound, One Com- that cure essentially by solvent evaporation. Used for sealing or glazing exterior or ments
ponent Acrylic Gas, Solvent interior joints in buildings where the substrate(s) is glass, metal, masonry or wood with
Curing movements up to + 7%. Materials meeting this standard are not suited for traffic areas,
or continuous prolonged water immersion as with horizontal deck joints. Tests include
weight loss, sag, hardness, staining and low-temperature flexibility. (29) ASTM D 3542-85 Material shall be preformed and manufactured from vulcanized elastomeric compound
Specification for Preformed using polychloroprene as the only base polymer. Tests include tensile strength, elonga-
Polychloroprene Elastomeric tion, hardness, oil swell, ozone resistance, low and high temperature recoveries, and
Joint Seals for Concrete movement calibration.
(20) CANICGSB-19-M87 This standard applies to two types of one-component oil-based solvent-release joint Bridges
Caulking Compound Oil Base sealing compounds. Used for sealing interior or exterior building joints in wood or
masonry where the total expected movement is 2%. The temperature application range
is 4C to 27C. Not intended for joints subject to traffic areas or immersion conditions.
(36) ASTM D 994-71 (1982 Material consists of bituminous mastic formed and encased between two layers of
Specification for Pre f ormed bituminous impregnated felt. Mastic comprises mineral distortion, brittleness, water
Expansion Joint Filler for Con- absorption, and compression.
(21) CANICGSB-19.13-M87 This standard applies to one-component materials that cure to rubber-like solids and crete (Bituminous Type)
Sealing Compound, One Com- are suitable for sealing, caulking, or glazing applications.
ponent, Elastomeric Chem-
ically Curing
(31) ASTM D 1751-83 Material consists of preformed strips formed from cane or other cellular fibers which are
Specification for Preformed bound together and saturated with bituminous binder, or strips formed from granulated
Expansion Joint Filler for Con- cork bound with bituminous material and encased between layers of bituminous felt.
(22) 19-GP-14 This standard applies to one-component solvent release butyl-polyisobutylene joint crete Paving and Structural Tests include compression, extrusion, recovery, water absorption, weathering, and
Sealina Comoound. One Com- sealing compounds suitable for sealing, caulking or glazing interior or exterior buildin Construction (Nonextruding others.
ponent Butyl-Polyisobutylene joints th at experience up to + 5% movements. Th e substrated may be masonry, meta B, and Resilient Bituminous
Polymer Base, Solvent Curing wood or glass. Materials meeting this standard are not suited for joints in traffic areas or Types)
will experience continuous water immersion.

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NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS NUMBER AND TITLE DESCRIPTION-USE-REQUIREMENTS
c

(32) ASTM D 1752-84 Three types for use in concrete, brick, and stone: Type I, sponge rubber; Type II, cork; U.S. FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specification for Preformed Type Ill, Self-expanding cork. Tests include compression, extrusion, expansion, re-
Sponge Rubber and Cork Ex- sistance to acid, density, and weathering.
pansion Joint Fillers for Con-
crete Paving and Structural
Construction (Nonextruding
(40) HH-F-341 F, 6/6/77 Three types: I, bituminous fiber or bituminous cork -nonextruding and resilient; II,
Fillers. Exoansion Joint: Bi- nonbituminous. Type II covers Class A, sponge rubber; Class B, cork; Class C, self-
and Resilient Nonbituminous tuminous (Asphalt and Tar) expanding cork; Ill, plain bituminous (encased asphalt or tar), nonresilient. Material
Types [Similar to (34) below.]) and Nonbituminous (Pre- shall have little extrusion and sufficient recovery after compression. Tests include recov-
formed for Concrete) ery, compression, extrusion, insolubility, etc.

(33) ASTM C 509-84 Material consists of preformed shapes for gaskets and seals in building applications
Specification for Cellular Elas- including glazing. Four rades are included depending on degree of firmness. Tests (41) HH-P-1 19a, 2/l 6167 Material shall be rope-like, asphalt impregnated cellulose-fiber packing for use between
include compression-deflection stress relaxation, dimension stability, and low tem- Packing Material, Sewer Joint, bells and spigots of sewer pipe prior to filling with bituminous cold-applied sealing
tomeric Preformed Gasket and
Sealing Material perature brittleness. Asphalt Saturated Cellulose compound. Sizes range from 3/8 to 1 -l/2 in. (9.5 to 31.7 mm) in diameter. Tests include
Fiber 8 resistance to acids K8H and H2S, and flexibility.

(34) ASTY .C 542-82 (1964) Consists of elastomeric material resistant to sunlight, weathering, flame, oxidation, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER SPECIFICATION
;g;;rf;atron for Lock Strip permanent deformation and diminution of gripping pressure. Gaskets are generally
known as zipper type. Tests include tensile strength hardness, compression set,
ozone resistance.
(42) cm-c 513-74 Covers waterstop of dimensions to be given elsewhere, made of natural or synthetic
Specifications for Rubber Wa- rubber or a blend. Samples from each 200 ft. (61 m) to be tested for tensile strength and
terstops elongation; other tests to be made on samples from the lot for hardness, stress for 300
percent elongation, water absorption, compression set, strength after oxygen aging,
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION and ozone cracking resistance.
OFFICIALS SPECIFICATIONS

(43) CRD-C 572-74 Material shall be extruded from an elastomeric plastic compound, the basic resin of
S p e c i f i c a t i o n s f o r Poly- which shall be polyvinylchloride. Tests include tensile strength, elon ation, low tem-
(35) M-33-81 Material shall be tar or asphalt impregnated with suitable filler to reduce brittleness at vinylchloride Waterstops perature brittleness, stiffness in flexure, accelerated extraction, and ewect of alkalies.
Preformed Expansion Joint low temperatures. Tests for absorption, distortion, brittleness, and compression. (Same
Filler for Concrete (Bituminous as ASTM D 994-71 (1982)
Type)
(44) CRPC 527-88 Covers one and two-part formulations (Silicones and non-silicones) with acidic curing
Specification for Joint Seal- products not allowed. Test include application, leveling, change in volume, swelling, tack
ants, Cold Applied, Non-Jet- free time, compatibility with bitumen, flow, penetration, and bond to Portland-Cement
Fuel-Resistant, for Rigid and Concrete.
(36) M-48-70 (1982) Material shall be mixture of asphalt, fiber, and mineral ag regate formed by extrusion Flexible Pavements
Asphalt Plank under pressure. Two types, (a) plain asphalt plank, and ?b) mineral-surfaced asphalt
plank. Tests include absorption, brittleness, and indentation.

(45) CRD-C 548-88 Material shall be preformed and manufactured from vulcanized elastomeric compound
Specification for Jet Fuel and using polychloroprene as the only base polymer. Tests include jet-fuel and heat
Heat Resistant Preformed resistance.
(37) M-l 53-84 Covers three types of fillers for use in concrete, brick or stone construction: I, sponge Polychloroprene Elastomeric
Preformed Sponge Rubber rubber; II, cork; Ill, self-expanding cork. Tests include recovery, compression, extrusion, Joint Seals for Rigid Pave-
and Cork Fillers for Concrete expansion, boiling in hydrochloride acid, density, and weathering. (Same as ASTM D ments
Paving and Structural Con- 1752-67 (1978).
struction

ONTARIO HYDRO

(38) M-220-1 985 This specification covers preformed elastic joint seals of the open cell compression
Preformed Elastomeric Com- type, also covers lubricant adhesive.

--`,`,``,,`,,``,,```,`,``,``,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
pression Joint Seals (46) M-264-M-83 Material shall be preformed from reworked and virgin polyvinylchloride. Shapes and
Polyvinylchloride Waterstop dimensions for flat-ribbed waterstops and premolded junctions are specified. Tests
include tensile strength, elongation, tear, effect of alkalies, impact, low temperature
brittleness.

(39) M-21 3-81 Material consists of preformed strips formed from cane or other cellular fibers which are
Preformed Expansion Joint bound together and saturated with bituminous binders; or strips formed from granulated
Fillers for Concrete Pavin and cork found with bituminous material and encased between layers of bituminous felt. (47) L-l 219-88 Synthetic rubbers and blends. Test include tensile strength, elongation, hardness, com-
Structural Construction 9Non- Tests include compression, extrusion, recovery, water absorption, weathering, and oth- Standard Specification for Wa- pression set, rear, ozone radiation pressure, water absorption, resistance, effects of
extruding and Resilient Bi- ers. terstop (Styrene Butadiene alkalies, low and high temperature. A guide to installation is provided in Instruction
tuminous Types) Rubber) Manual L-l 66 for these waterstops.

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504R-44 ACI COMMITTEE REPORT

SOURCES OF SPECIFICATIONS Military Specifications


The specifications listed were the latest editions at the time this report Commanding Officer
was prepared. Since these specifications are revised frequently, gener- Naval Publications and Forms Center
ally in minor details only, the user should check directly with the spon- 5801 Tabor Avenue
soring society if it is desired to refer to the latest edition. Philadelphia, Pa. 19120
Information regarding the availability of the specifications listed can
be obtained from the agencies below. ANSI Specifications
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10018

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers


ASTM Specifications Chief, Concrete Laboratory, WES
American Society for Testing and Materials Box 631
1916 Race St. Vicksburg, Miss. 39180
Philadelphia, Penn. 19103
Canadian General Standards
AASHTO Specifications Secretary
American Association of State Highway and Canadian General Standards Board
Transportation Officials Phase III
444 N. Capitol St., N.W. Suite 225 9C1 Place du Portage
Washington, D.C. 20001 Hull, Quebec KlA OS5

Federal Speficiations Ontario Hydro


Business Service Center Director of Research
General Services Administration 800 Kipling Avenue S.
7th and D Streets SW Toronto, Ontario M8Z 5B2
Washington, D.C. 20407 Canada

This report was submitted to letter ballot of the committee and was ap-
proved in accordance with ACI balloting procedures.
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