Rail-Type Expansion Joint

RAIL-TYPE EXPANSION JOINT

Solution for large movements – outstanding durability

A specialized solution for bridges with large movements, heavy loads, and high service-life requirements. The system operates on the principle of load-bearing steel rails sliding over low-friction materials, ensuring smooth and stable load transfer with effective vibration reduction.

A rail-type expansion joint includes:

• Load-bearing steel rails: carry wheel loads and distribute them evenly to the girders.

• PTFE / UHMWPE sliding plates: provide a low-friction sliding surface, ensuring smooth movements.

• Support steel plates: secure the rail system and transfer forces to the bridge structure.

• Noise- and water-sealing system: ensures watertightness and reduces vibration and noise.

• Anchorage system: ensures firm fixation to the concrete structure.

Operating mechanism:
When the bridge expands or contracts due to temperature, loads, or bearing movements, the rails slide relative to each other over the PTFE layer, allowing large movements while maintaining smoothness and stability.

Key Advantages

• Large movement capacity: accommodates movements up to hundreds of millimeters to several meters, depending on configuration.

• High durability: heavy-duty steel structure, suitable for national highways, expressways, overpasses, and heavy-load bridges.

• Smooth operation: PTFE/UHMWPE sliding interface reduces noise and vibration as vehicles pass.

• Easy maintenance: modularized design enables convenient partial replacement.

• Long-term service life: strong wear and corrosion resistance when combined with protective coatings.