The Silicoflex Bridge Deck Expansion Joint Sealing System consists of a preformed silicone rubber seal, a single component silicone locking adhesive and a two component primer. After joint preparation (sandblasting) and priming of the joint header, it is installed by bonding it to the steel joint header, concrete or elastomeric concrete using the single component silicone locking adhesive. Two beads of adhesive are used above and below the seal to ensure a tenacious bond to the substrate.
Silicoflex is a long term solution to the ever present problem of sealing deck joints on bridges, parking facilities, railroad bridges and other structures experiencing thermal displacements.
Features
- Low Stress Design
During normal cyclic movement, the Silicoflex seal is not in tension due to its folded inverted “V” shape. This reduces stress on the adhesive and eliminates the possibility of cohesive failure.
- Durable
Silicoflex has demonstrated long life in field performance based on its weather resistance and low stress design. Installations done in the mid-1990’s are still performing well to this day.
- Temperature Insensitive
Silicoflex will remain flexible in most environments. The operating temperature range for Silicoflex is -60° F to +300° F.
- Ultra-violet/ozone resistant
Silicoflex seals are comprised of inorganic base silicone, which means that they are highly resistant to the effects of damaging ultra-violet rays and ozone attack.
- Versatile
Can be used on a variety of joint header types because it bonds equally as well to steel, concrete, elastomeric concrete or polymer concretes. Can be used to reseal failed strip seal joints. Folded shape conforms to edges of joint allowing it to be used on joints with irregular or tapered widths. Chips, spalls or voids in concrete joint faces can be filled in with additional Silicoflex silicone based adhesive.
After sandblasting and priming, installation time is about 15-20 minutes per lane. If required, the Silicoflex gland can be bonded to itself. This permits installations lane by lane or rapid custom tailoring of the gland to go up curbs and parapets. The silicone based adhesive creates an excellent bond of the gland to itself. 30 minutes after the installation is complete, the lane can be reopened to traffic.
The folded inverted “V” shape channels debris upwards during cycling which prevents the overstressing of the seal and decreases the likelihood of punctures. If punctures do occur, they can be easily sealed using the silicone based locking adhesive. Badly damaged pieces of the gland can be removed and a new piece spliced in with the locking adhesive.