National Highway Institute (NHI) Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Final Assessment Exam

The type of joint characterized by two slotted steel anchorages and a neoprene seal is a strip seal expansion joint. This design allows for the movement necessary for thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge deck while simultaneously providing a seal against water and debris intrusion.

In a strip seal expansion joint, the neoprene material acts as a resilient sealing element that accommodates some horizontal movement while maintaining its integrity and flexibility over time. The slotted steel anchorages are essential because they anchor the joint and allow it to open and close in response to temperature fluctuations without compromising the overall structural integrity. This combination of components helps to prevent damage from moisture penetration, which can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the underlying bridge structure.

Understanding the characteristics of strip seal expansion joints is critical for bridge safety inspections and maintenance because proper functioning of these joints significantly contributes to the longevity and performance of a bridge.