d&c b315 elastomeric strip seal expansion jointsd&c b315 elastomeric strip seal expansion...

Edition 1 / Revision 3 TRANSPORT FOR NSW

June 2020

TRANSPORT FOR NSW (TfNSW)

TfNSW SPECIFICATION D&C B315

ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL EXPANSION JOINTS

NOTICE

This document is a Transport for NSW D&C Specification. It has been developed for use with Design

& Construct roadworks and bridgeworks contracts let by Transport for NSW. It is not suitable for any

other purpose and must not be used for any other purpose or in any other context.

Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.

REVISION REGISTER

Ed/Rev

Number

Clause

Number Description of Revision

Authorised

By Date

Ed 1/Rev 0 First issue GM, IC W Stalder

28.06.11

Ed 1/Rev 1 Updated to accord with changes to base (non-

D&C) Specification B315

GM, IC 12.07.12

Ed 1/Rev 2 Updated to accord with changes to base (non-

D&C) Specification B315

MCQ 27.10.17

Ed 1/Rev 3 Global References to “Roads and Maritime

Services” or “RMS” changed to “Transport

for NSW” or “TfNSW” respectively.

DCS 22.06.20

References to “RMS Representative”

changed to “Principal”.

Edition 1 / Revision 3 TRANSPORT FOR NSW

June 2020

SPECIFICATION D&C B315

ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL

EXPANSION JOINTS

Copyright – Transport for NSW

IC-DC-B315

VERSION FOR:

DATE:

Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints D&C B315

Ed 1 / Rev 3 i

CONTENTS

CLAUSE PAGE

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................... II TfNSW Copyright and Use of this Document ............................................................................... ii Base Specification .......................................................................................................................... ii

1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Structure of the Specification ......................................................................................... 1 1.3 Approved Bridge Components and Systems .................................................................. 1 1.4 Warranty ......................................................................................................................... 1

2 MATERIALS .................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Metal Seal Retainers ....................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Elastomer ........................................................................................................................ 2

3 JOINT DESIGN ................................................................................................................................. 3 3.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Retainers ......................................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Anchorages ..................................................................................................................... 3 3.4 Design Certification ........................................................................................................ 4

4 METAL SEAL RETAINERS ............................................................................................................... 4 4.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 4 4.2 Corrosion Protection ....................................................................................................... 4

5 ELASTOMERIC SEAL ....................................................................................................................... 4

6 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................... 5 6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 5 6.2 Seal Retainers ................................................................................................................. 5 6.3 Seals ................................................................................................................................ 5

ANNEXURES B315/A AND B315/B – (NOT USED).................................................................................... 6

ANNEXURE B315/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND IDENTIFIED RECORDS .................................... 6 C1 Schedule of Hold Points ................................................................................................. 6 C2 Schedule of Identified Records....................................................................................... 6

ANNEXURE B315/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 6

ANNEXURES B315/E TO B315/L – (NOT USED) ....................................................................................... 7

ANNEXURE B315/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................. 7

LAST PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS ............................................................................................................ 7

D&C B315 Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints

ii Ed 1 / Rev 3

FOREWORD

TFNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT

Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.

When this document forms part of a deed

This document should be read with all the documents forming the Project Deed.

When this document does not form part of a deed

This copy is not a controlled document. Observe the Notice that appears on the first page of the copy

controlled by TfNSW. A full copy of the latest version of the document is available on the TfNSW

Internet website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-

suppliers/specifications/index.html

BASE SPECIFICATION

This document is based on Specification TfNSW B315 Edition 4 Revision 3.

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/specifications/index.html

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/specifications/index.html

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

Ed 1 / Rev 3 1

TfNSW SPECIFICATION D&C B315

ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL EXPANSION JOINTS

1 GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE

This Specification sets out the requirements for the supply and installation of preformed elastomeric

strip seal expansion joints, including the metal seal retainers and their anchorages.

1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE SPECIFICATION

This Specification includes a series of annexures that detail additional requirements.

1.2.1 Schedules of HOLD POINTS and Identified Records

The schedules in Annexure B315/C list the HOLD POINTS that must be observed. Refer to

Specification TfNSW D&C Q6 for the definition of HOLD POINTS.

The records listed in Annexure B315/C are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW D&C Q6

Annexure Q/E.

1.2.2 Planning Documents

The PROJECT QUALITY PLAN must include each of the documents and requirements listed in

Annexure B315/D and must be implemented.

1.2.3 Referenced Documents

Standards, specifications and test methods are referred to in abbreviated form (e.g. AS 1234). For

convenience, the full titles are given in Annexure B315/M.

1.3 APPROVED BRIDGE COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS

Unless approved otherwise by the Principal, use only TfNSW approved elastomeric strip seal

expansion joints. Details of TfNSW approved bridge proprietary products can be found at:

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-

contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf

1.4 WARRANTY

The supply of each proprietary strip seal expansion joint must be accompanied with a warranty from

the joint supplier in the name of Transport for NSW on the serviceability of the joint for a minimum

period of five years from the date of installation. Any joint that becomes defective within this period

must be rectified by the supplier.

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf



2 Ed 1 / Rev 3

2 MATERIALS

2.1 METAL SEAL RETAINERS

The metal seal retainers for the joint must be manufactured from steel or aluminium.

2.2 ELASTOMER

The preformed elastomeric seal for the joint must be made from vulcanized compound having

polymerized chloroprene as the only base polymer.

Obtain documentary evidence to verify that the elastomer used in the manufacture of the seal has been

tested in a laboratory with appropriate NATA registration and that it conforms to Table B315.1.

Table B315.1 – Elastomeric Seal Properties

Property Requirement Test Method

Tensile Strength 13.8 MPa minimum AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)

Elongation at Break 250% minimum AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)

Hardness IRHD 59±5 AS 1683.15.1

Ageing: AS 1683.26 (Method A for 72 hours

at 100C)

Change in Tensile Strength -20% to 0 AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)

Change in Elongation at Break -20% to 0 AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)

Change in Hardness IRHD 0 to +10 AS 1683.15.1

Resistance to Ozone No visible cracking AS 1683.24 (Ozone concentration

100 pphm in air, 20% strain,

100 hrs at 40C)

Low Temperature Stiffening

(Change in Hardness)

IRHD 0 to +15 AS 1683.15.1 (After 7 days at -10C)

Change in Volume in Oil +70% maximum AS 1683.23 (Using Oil No. 3, after

72 hours at 100C)

Compression Set 40% maximum AS 1683.13 (72 hours at 100C)

Low Temperature Brittleness Not Brittle ASTM D 746 (B) (at -30C)

Note: The above testing will not be required provided that:

(a) The elastomer of the seal is supplied by a company which has a third party certified quality

management system to AS/NZS ISO 9001 for the manufacture and supply of elastomer;

(b) Test certificates are supplied to prove that the elastomer meets the properties specified in

Table B315.1 in Type Tests not more than six months old;

(c) Day to day batch quality control on the manufacture of the elastomer is exercised by performing

a test which accurately measures the cure characteristics of the elastomer and highlights

variations resulting from incorrect ingredients or levels thereof; and



Ed 1 / Rev 3 3

(d) The manufacturer establishes control points and limits on batches which have been Type Tested

and uses these control points and limits for subsequent quality control purposes.

3 JOINT DESIGN

3.1 GENERAL

The design of the joint must conform to Clause 7.3 of AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS 5100.4 and this Clause.

Design the elastomeric seal in accordance with AS 5100.4 to accommodate the range of movement

nominated on the Design Documentation drawings.

The width of the seal must be sufficient to ensure that it is not damaged or pulled out of the metal

retainer at the maximum design gap width.

The seal must not be wider than required to accommodate the range of movement nominated on the

Design Documentation drawings to avoid entrapment of debris that will cause the seal to split and fail.

3.2 RETAINERS

(i) Where the tops of the metal seal retainers are at road level, any legs must be at least 12 mm

thick.

(ii) Where retainers are concreted in position, horizontal legs must have air bleed holes of at least

12 mm diameter at not more than 600 mm centres.

(iii) Where any leg of a steel seal retainer is upright, provide welded stiffeners to the leg at not more

than 300 mm spacing.

(iv) Extruded aluminium seal retainers must have sufficient stiffness to not require stiffeners.

3.3 ANCHORAGES

(i) Calculate the forces in the anchorages in accordance with the laws of statics, assuming that the

concrete above the point where the anchorage enters the concrete is ineffective.

(ii) Round bars used as anchorages must be at least 20 mm in diameter.

(iii) Rectangular bars used as anchorages must have a minimum thickness of 12 mm.

(iv) Bars used as anchorages must form a loop of sufficient size to be permit anchoring into the

concrete with the contribution of the transverse and other reinforcement.

(v) The welding of anchorage bars of the metal seal retainer must develop the full strength of the

bar and accommodate an infinite number of fatigue cycles in accordance with AS 5100.4.

(v) Stud welded shear connectors used as anchors must be at least 16 mm diameter and 150 mm in

length and welded to the retainer only by resistance welding using a welding gun. Do not weld

stud shear connectors to aluminium seal retainers.



4 Ed 1 / Rev 3

3.4 DESIGN CERTIFICATION

Submit details with drawings of the design of the proposed joint and its anchorages and a certificate

from an Engineer eligible for Corporate Membership of Engineers Australia certifying that the design

conforms to AS 5100.4 and this Specification.

HOLD POINT

Process Held: Supply of the strip seal expansion joint.

Submission Details: Details and drawings of the joint design and certificate in accordance with

Clause 3.4 prior to supply of the joint.

Release of Hold Point: The Nominated Authority will consider the submitted details, prior to

authorising the release of the Hold Point.

4 METAL SEAL RETAINERS

4.1 GENERAL

Fabricate steel seal retainers in accordance with Specification TfNSW D&C B201.

Fabricate aluminium seal retainers in accordance with Specification TfNSW D&C B246.

Curve or join the metal seal retainer according to whether the elastomeric seal is curved or joined.

4.2 CORROSION PROTECTION

Steel seal retainers must be hot dipped galvanized in accordance with TfNSW D&C B201 unless

shown otherwise on the Design Documentation drawings.

Paint any aluminium surface which will be in contact with concrete with a non-metallic epoxy coating

and coat any bolts used to anchor the aluminium seal retainer with petroleum jelly before use, unless

shown otherwise on the Design Documentation drawings.

5 ELASTOMERIC SEAL

Each seal must be completely uniform and homogeneous throughout. Reject any seal showing

imperfections, surface splits, or indentations.

The permissible manufacturing tolerances are nil to +2 mm in relaxed width of seal.

Obtain the required longitudinal profile of the seal to match the bridge cross section by bending the

seal to the required angle, or by joining straight lengths of seal by means of an adhesive recommended

by the seal supplier. Join all seal lengths in the factory, except that joining of seals at sharp changes in

profile may be performed in the field.

Obtain a certificate from the supplier of the seal to verify its conformity with the requirements of the

Design Documentation drawings and this Specification.



Ed 1 / Rev 3 5

6 INSTALLATION

6.1 GENERAL

Following installation, the joint must be watertight.

Installation of the joint must not result in a rough ride for passengers in vehicles traversing the joint.

6.2 SEAL RETAINERS

Install the seal retainers so that they are within +0 and -3 mm of the levels shown on the Design

Documentation drawings, and the opening of the joint is within ±2 mm of the opening shown on the

Design Documentation drawings.

Submit the procedures for installation of the seal retainers including how the specified tolerances will

be achieved.

6.3 SEALS

Submit the procedure for the installation of the seal, including field joining and testing of the installed

seal for watertightness.

Do not insert the seal into the retainers until at least three days after all the concreting in adjacent

spans or abutment is finished.

The method of placing the seal must be in accordance with the joint supplier’s instructions.

Insert the seal into the retainers using a lubricant and an insertion tool recommended by the joint

supplier.

The lubricant for inserting the seal must be recommended by the joint supplier and be a compound

compatible with the seal and the retainers and be unaffected by moisture. The lubricant must contain

at least 60% solids and comprise a suitable polymer blended with volatile solvents. It must have the

specified consistency over the temperature range specified for the insertion of the seal.



6 Ed 1 / Rev 3

ANNEXURES B315/A AND B315/B – (NOT USED)

ANNEXURE B315/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND

IDENTIFIED RECORDS

Refer to Clause 1.2.1.

C1 SCHEDULE OF HOLD POINTS

Clause Description

3.4 Submission of details and drawings of the joint design and Engineer’s certificate

C2 SCHEDULE OF IDENTIFIED RECORDS

The records listed below are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW D&C Q6 Annexure Q/E.

Clause Description of Identified Record

2.2 Documentary evidence that the elastomer complies with the specified requirements

3.4 Details and drawings of proposed joint design, with Engineer's certificate

ANNEXURE B315/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS


The following documents are a summary of documents that must be included in the PROJECT

QUALITY PLAN. The requirements of this Specification and others included in the deed must be

reviewed to determine additional documentation requirements.

Clause Description

6.2 Procedure for installation of the seal including field jointing and testing of the installed

seal for watertightness



Ed 1 / Rev 3 7

ANNEXURES B315/E TO B315/L – (NOT USED)

ANNEXURE B315/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS


TfNSW Specifications

TfNSW D&C Q6 Quality Management System (Type 6)

TfNSW D&C B201 Steelwork for Bridges

TfNSW D&C B246 Manufacture and Supply of Minor Aluminium Items

Australian Standards

AS 1683 Methods of test for elastomersr

AS 1683.11 Method 11: Tension testing of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber

AS 1683.13 Method 13: Compression set of vulcanized rubber under constant deflection

AS 1683.15.1 Method 15.1: International rubber hardness

AS 1683.23 Method 23: Rubber - Vulcanized – Determination of resistance to liquids

AS 1683.24 Method 24: Determination of the resistance of vulcanized or thermoplastic

rubbers to ozone cracking – Static strain test

AS 1683.26 Method 26: Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Accelerated ageing and

heat resistance tests

AS 5100.4 Bridge design - Bearings and deck joints

AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality management systems - Requirements

American Society for Testing Materials Standards

ASTM D 746 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperatures of Plastics and Elastomers

by Impact