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.
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Bridge Joint Systems – Matrix 501™ & Matrix 502™
Matrix 501™USES:
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Matrix 502™USES:
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Benefits of using Matrix Bridge Joint vs other joint products
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Benefits of using Matrix Bridge Joint vs other joint products
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Why select Matrix 501 vs Matrix 502?
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Why select Matrix 502 vs Matrix 501?
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Matrix 501 Components
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Matrix 502 Components
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Matrix 501 Cross section (click to zoom in on diagram) ![]() |
Matrix 502 Cross section (click to zoom in on diagram) ![]() |
Matrix 501 Components CalculatorStarting form. Basic calculated fields sample. |
Matrix 502 Components CalculatorStarting 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.