Method and apparatus of sealing seams in segmented bridges

Abstract

A seal between abutting cement segments is provided, the cement segments each having a top surface, each top surface being substantially in the same plane. The seal comprises an epoxy adhesive in contact with the cement segment and a woven member The woven member comprises carbon fiber bundles, each of the bundles are bonded to the top surface of the cement segments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A segmented bridge, comprising:
 a plurality of concrete bridge segments abutting one another and each including a plurality of passages therein;   a plurality of cables received in the plurality of passages to support the plurality of concrete bridge segments in an abutting suspended relationship with a seam being disposed between the abutting concrete bridge segments; and   a seal sealing the seam between abutting concrete bridge segments, the concrete bridge segments each having a top surface, each top surface being substantially in the same plane, the seal comprising an epoxy adhesive in contact with the concrete road segments and a woven member, the woven member comprising carbon fiber bundles, the woven member in contact with and bonded to the top surfaces of the concrete road segments on opposite sides of the seam and extending across said seam.   
     
     
         2 . The segmented bridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the woven member comprises a first plurality of threads woven around the bundles. 
     
     
         3 . The segmented bridge according to  claim 2 , wherein the woven member comprises a second plurality of threads interwoven with the plurality of threads and extending substantially parallel to the bundles. 
     
     
         4 . The segmented bridge according to  claim 1 , further comprising a polymeric film on top of the bundles and at least partially in contact with the epoxy adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The segmented bridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the seal is substantially flat.