Decoding Disaster - Resistant Construction: New Bridge Expansion Joints Resist Earthquake Damage

In the aftermath of an earthquake, bridges are critical to evacuation and relief efforts. But, in order for a bridge to withstand the violent tremors of a major earthquake, every component must be engineered for seismic durability. Every part must work and move in unison. New expansion joints developed by Watson Bowman Acme now play a major role in the overall flexibility and earthquake preparedness of a bridge.

The innovation, the Wabo X-Cel Modular expansion joint system, required three elements: continuous improvements in product design, public and private sector collaboration and years of testing.

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During a 10-year collaboration between Watson Bowman Acme and The University of California at Berkeley (UCB), full-scale performance tests were conducted at the University's Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center on the X-Cel Modular expansion joint system.

The system underwent successful multi-movement testing at various speeds, ranging from 1 to 50 inches per second, as well as numerous seismic simulators - with no observed damage. Extreme tension applied to the joint during the tests created no significant gapping, leaving bridges not just intact, but passable after a seismic event.

These test results show that the X-Cel Modular system is ideal for segmental, suspension and long-span bridges. The system is also recommended for use on offshore structures and for flexible structures that require a high level of durability.

This is not the first time Watson Bowman Acme has created an expansion joint for seismic survival. A predecessor of the X-Cel Modular system, The Wabo Seismic Modular expansion joint was also designed to withstand the effects of an earthquake. And in January of 1999, it passed the ultimate test.

The "Coffee Growers Axis" region of Colombia dangerously sits on the meeting place of three tectonic plates. Completed in 1997 and built with the Seismic Modular system, The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct, spanning 1,443 feet and located in the regional capital city of Pereira, is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in South America. A point of pride in the region, the bridge connects Pereira with the cities of Dosquebradas and Armenia.

On January 25, 1999 those tectonic plates converged causing a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that wreaked havoc on the cities of Armenia and Pereira. The devastating quake killed 1,185 people and injured 4,750. Many structures were not built to meet seismic demands and quickly reduced to rubble. The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct remained standing.

Decoding Disaster - Resistant Construction: New Bridge Expansion Joints Resist Earthquake Damage