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Bridge Joints

A Bridge Joint is an engineered space between segments of a bridge allowing for horizontal and vertical movement. Bridge temperatures change more rapidly than road temperatures due the lack of base under it and experience higher deflection and thermal movement at the joint while the two pavement surfaces expand and contract at different rates. Without bridge joints, the two different pavements would begin to destroy each other; even damaging the actual bridge structure as well. To prevent water and debris from entering bridge joints, they need to be sealed with an air-tight, waterproof, and flexible material. Matrix™ Bridge Joints, also known as asphalt plug joints, are good quality closed joint solutions for new bridge construction or bridge rehabilitation. Matrix Bridge Joints can be used for expansion, fixed end, and pressure relief joints. They are generally used for expansion + 1 inch (25 mm) of annual joint movement for skew angles up to 45°. They are often selected because (1) they are significantly quieter than mechanical joints, (2) provide a smoother ride, (3) are easy to install, (4) low cost to install, (5) low cost to repair and maintain, (6) low instance of snow plow damage, and (7) they can be installed segmentally so they are not disruptive to traffic flow.

 

Bridge Joint Systems – Matrix 501™ & Matrix 502™

Matrix 501™

USES:

  • For bridge joints in asphalt or concrete bridges with joint gaps up to 6 in (15 cm) and joint movement up to 1 in (25 mm).
  • Can be used for expansion, fixed-end and pressure-relief joints in new construction or rehabilitation.
  • Installed in skews up to 45 degrees.
  • Meets ASTM D6297 specification.

Matrix 502™

USES:

  • For bridge joints in asphalt or concrete bridges with joint gaps up to 6 in (15 cm) and joint movement up to 1 in (25 mm).
  • Can be used for expansion, fixed-end and pressure-relief joints in new construction or rehabilitation.
  • Installed in skews up to 45 degrees.
  • Meets ASTM D6297 specification.
Benefits of using Matrix Bridge Joint vs other joint products

  • Low cost
  • Easy and quick to install
  • Smooth and quiet ride
  • Watertight
  • Maintainable
  • No compaction required
 Benefits of using Matrix Bridge Joint vs other joint products

  • Low cost
  • Easy and quick to install
  • Smooth and quiet ride
  • Watertight
  • Maintainable
Why select Matrix 501 vs Matrix 502?

  • Premeasured for optimal design and performance. No calculating binder to rock ratio.
  • Single sourced, homogeneous, product for binder and aggregate.
  • No field mixing of binder and aggregate
  • Melted using Crafco Patcher (equipment) – easier, minimizes labor
 Why select Matrix 502 vs Matrix 501?

  • Performance in a formulation you control – Need to calculate binder to rock ratio
  • Multi-sourced, heterogeneous, products for binder, surfacing and structural aggregate. Aggregate locally sourced must be pre-approved by Crafco.
  • Field mixing of binder and aggregate
  • Melted using cement drum mixers – more complex, more labor
Matrix 501 Components

  • Adhesive (33346)
  • Backer Rod (34609)
  • Bridging Plates
  • Locating Pins
  • Surfacing Aggregate (33375SA)
  • Matrix 501 (33345)
 Matrix 502 Components

  • Adhesive (33346)
  • Backer Rod (34609)
  • Bridging Plates
  • Locating Pins
  • Surfacing Aggregate (33375SA)
  • Matrix 502 Binder (34528 or 34529)
  • Structural Aggregate (33033 or must be approved by Crafco)
Matrix 501 Cross section (click to zoom in on diagram) Matrix 502 Cross section (click to zoom in on diagram)

Matrix 501 Components Calculator

Starting form. Basic calculated fields sample.

Matrix 502 Components Calculator

Starting form. Basic calculated fields sample.

Where to Purchase

  • Matrix 501™ is sold globally by Crafco, Inc.
  • Matrix 502™ is sold by Crafco, Inc. globally, excluding portions of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
  • Matrix 502™ is sold by DS Brown in portions of Canada including Ontario and Eastward, Mexico and US.

Contact Sales@Crafco.com for more information about bridge joint systems by Crafco.