Modular expansion joints configured to minimize noise, bridges including the same, and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

A modular expansion joint (e.g., for a bridge) can include an upper expansion support exhibiting a hinge design arranged for pivoting about a vertically extending axis. The upper expansion support underneath may be accompanied by a moisture seal and/or a lower expansion support. The modular expansion joint may include two beams that may be spaced apart by a gap into which the upper expansion support etc. can be received. Each of the two beams can include a top flange defining a top surface and a web extending from the flange. The upper expansion support can be positioned between the top flanges, while the lower expansion support can be positioned between the webs, for example. The upper expansion support may provide a continuation of a travel surface across the beam tops and may accordingly reduce pressure spikes and/or noise from tires moving across the travel surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular expansion joint, comprising:
 a first expansion joint beam defining a first top surface;   a second expansion joint beam spaced from the first expansion joint beam in a travel direction, the second expansion joint beam defining a second top surface, wherein the first expansion joint beam and the second expansion joint beam define a gap therebetween and each extend in a lateral direction; and   an upper expansion support positioned in the gap adjacent or proximate to the first top surface and the second top surface, the upper expansion support exhibiting a structure that is compressible along or parallel the travel direction without deformation upward in a vertical direction.   
     
     
         2 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises an insert of suitable geometry and material to substantially exhibit a Poisson's ratio of zero such that the insert will not substantially change in height as the insert changes in width during expansion and contraction along the modular expansion joint. 
     
     
         3 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support exhibits a hinge design featuring folding about an axis extending in the vertical direction. 
     
     
         4 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first expansion joint beam includes a first top flange and a first web extending from the first top flange, the first top flange defining the first top surface;   the second expansion joint beam includes a second top flange and a second web extending from the second top flange, the second top flange defining the second top surface;   and at least a portion of the upper expansion support is positioned between the first top flange and the second top flange.   
     
     
         5 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 4 , further comprising a lower expansion support that is distinct from the upper expansion support, the lower expansion support positioned between the first web and the second web. 
     
     
         6 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the first expansion joint beam includes a first bottom flange extending from the first web opposite the first top flange;   the second expansion joint beam includes a second bottom flange extending from the second web opposite the second top flange;   and the lower expansion support is disposed on the first bottom flange and the second bottom flange.   
     
     
         7 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 4 , wherein the upper expansion support is secured along outer edges to the first top flange and the second top flange. 
     
     
         8 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , further comprising a moisture seal positioned below the upper expansion support. 
     
     
         9 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support includes a plurality of compliant flexure joints. 
     
     
         10 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support exhibits a chevron structure. 
     
     
         11 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support includes polyvinyl chloride, durometer rubber, neoprene rubber, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support includes a plurality of sections attached or attachable together. 
     
     
         13 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support comprises a central strip defining central hinge points. 
     
     
         14 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support comprises outer strips defining outer hinge points. 
     
     
         15 . The modular expansion joint of  claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion support is configured for installation by operations including:
 compressing a width of the upper expansion support to a compressed width in response to folding about an axis extending in the vertical direction;   inserting the upper expansion support with the compressed width into the gap; and   expanding the upper expansion support from the compressed width within the gap.   
     
     
         16 . An expansion joint kit, comprising:
 an expansion support configured to be positioned extending laterally in a gap adjacent or proximate to a first top surface of a first expansion beam and a second top surface of a second expansion beam, the expansion support exhibiting a hinge design arranged for pivoting about a vertically extending axis.   
     
     
         17 . The expansion joint kit of  claim 16 , wherein the expansion support is an upper expansion support and wherein the expansion joint kit further comprises a lower expansion support configured to be positioned in the gap, the lower expansion support configured to be spaced underneath and supporting the upper expansion support. 
     
     
         18 . The expansion joint kit of  claim 17 , further comprising a moisture seal configured to be positioned between the upper expansion support and the lower expansion support. 
     
     
         19 . The expansion joint kit of  claim 17 , wherein the lower expansion support includes a hinged structure. 
     
     
         20 . The expansion joint kit of  claim 17 , wherein the lower expansion support includes a plurality of bent metal plates secured to a plurality of flat plates. 
     
     
         21 . The expansion joint kit of  claim 16 , wherein the expansion support is configured to receive a vehicle weight load in a vertical direction and dissipate energy from the vehicle weight load in a lateral direction. 
     
     
         22 . A method of dissipating energy along an expansion joint, the method comprising:
 with an expansion support arranged in a first configuration spanning at least a portion of a gap that extends in a travel direction between a first expansion beam and a second expansion beam, receiving a vehicle weight load in a vertical direction and transferring energy from the load in a lateral direction;   compressing the expansion support by folding along hinges having vertical pivot axes so as to shrink a width of the expansion support in the travel direction to reach a second configuration of the expansion support; and   with the expansion support arranged in the second configuration, receiving a second load in the vertical direction and transferring energy from the second load in the lateral direction.