Previous Quizzes
03 Oct 2025 25 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025 04 Sep 2025 28 Aug 2025 View All

Winner of the Quiz

Akash Tyagi

B&S engineering consultants pvt. Ltd.

Expansion Joints & Bearings

04 - 10 Sep 2025

Calculating Thermal Movements for Expansion Joint Selection
Estimated Time: 4–5 min quiz | PDH/CPD: 1.0 hr | Difficulty: Intermediate

Question:
A 365 m (1,200-foot) long continuous steel girder bridge is in a region with a 67°C (120°F) temperature range. Assuming the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel is 11.7 × 10⁻⁶/°C, calculate the total thermal expansion/contraction movement. Based on this value, which type of expansion joint is required?

  1. 100 mm (Strip Seal Joint adequate)
  2. 160 mm (Strip Seal Joint adequate with allowances)
  3. 240 mm (Modular Joint required)
  4. 350 mm (Finger Plate Joint required)
Explanation

Explanation:
A total thermal movement of approximately 240 mm (9.4 inches) exceeds the typical 100 mm (4-inch) capacity of strip seal joints, necessitating a modular expansion joint. Modular joints accommodate larger movements (often 200–600 mm or more) by incorporating multiple seal elements and support bars.

  • Option A & B: Strip seal joints are insufficient for this range of movement.
  • Option D: Finger plate joints are generally suited for shorter spans or where intermediate movement accommodation is required.

 

Learning Resources:

  • AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (2020), Section 14.5.3 – Expansion joint requirements.
  • NCHRP Report 467: "Performance of Bridge Deck Expansion Joints" – Movement ranges and joint performance.
Previous Quiz Next Quiz