A weathering steel elastomer joint for the connection between new and existing bridges

Mechanical behavior and durability of a new bridge Weathering Steel Elastomer Joint (WSEJ) is investigated. The strength and deformation performances of the joint are determined through an experimental campaign, in order to verify if this element might comply with design requirements. A number of 30 specimens is considered, comprising samples with three different types of steel components, namely weathering (Cor-Ten), stainless (Inox) and carbon (S355) steel, two different shape types of the connecting rubber and two types of specimen geometry. Neutral Salt Spray and Cyclic Corrosion tests, simulating the environmental effects on steel component, are performed to control the joint capacity of maintaining resistance characteristics during its lifecycle. Moreover, temperature tests are carried out to simulate aging of rubber. Intact, corroded or aged specimens are all subjected to tensile tests to determine their strength and corresponding deformation capacity. Comparisons of test results are performed between groups of specimens differing only for one characteristic (deterioration state, corrosion test performed, rubber shape and geometry).