Multi-seal waterproof expansion joint for roadways

A road expansion joint mounted in a space between ends of first and second roadway sections, the joint comprising:

• a first load-bearing member mounted to the end of the first section, the first load-bearing member having a retention cavity;
• a second load-bearing member mounted to the end of the second section, the second load-bearing member spaced from the first load-bearing member, the second load-bearing member having a retention cavity with the retention cavity of the second load-bearing member facing the retention cavity of the first load-bearing member;
• first and second support members, the first support member mounting the first load-bearing member and with the first load-bearing member providing a first chamber having an elongated opening, the second support member mounting the second load-bearing member and with the second load-bearing member providing a second chamber having an elongated opening, with the elongated openings of the first and second chambers facing one another;
• an elongated first seal having a first side and an opposite second side, with the first side of the first seal in the retention cavity of the first load-bearing member and the second side of the first seal in the retention cavity of the second load-bearing member;
• and
• an elongated second seal having a first side and a second side, with the first side of the second seal in the first chamber and the second side of the second seal in the second chamber, wherein as the first and second load-bearing members move away from one another, the first seal is put under tension and the ends of the second seal slid in their respective chamber and, as the first and second load-bearing members move toward one another, the first seal compresses and the ends of the second seal slid in their respective chamber.

A method of replacing a primary seal of a waterproof expansion joint for a roadway, comprising the steps of:

• (a) pulling a cord from a retention cavity of a first load-bearing member;
• (b) pulling a cord from a retention cavity of a second load-bearing member;
• (c) removing ends of the primary seal from the retention cavities;
• (d) inserting ends of the primary seal in the retention cavities;
• and
• (e) inserting a cord in the retention cavities.

A method of removing a primary seal from a road expansion joint mounted in a space between ends of first and second roadway sections, the roadway sections having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, the joint comprising:

• a first load-bearing member mounted to the end of the first section, the first load-bearing member having a retention cavity;
• a second load-bearing member mounted to the end of the second section, the second load-bearing member spaced from the first load-bearing member, the second load-bearing member having a retention cavity, with the retention cavity of the second load-bearing member facing the retention cavity of the first load-bearing member;
• first and second support members, the first support member mounting the first load-bearing member and with the first load-bearing member providing a first chamber having an elongated opening, the second support member mounting the second load-bearing member and with the second load-bearing member providing a second chamber having an elongated opening, with the elongated openings of the first and second chambers facing one another;
• an elongated first seal having a first side and an opposite second side, with the first side of the first seal in the retention cavity of the first load-bearing member and the second side of the first seal in the retention cavity of the second load-bearing member;
• and
• an elongated second seal having a first side and a second side, with the first side of the second seal in the first chamber and the second side of the second seal in the second chamber, the method comprising the steps of:
• removing the second seal;
• thereafter removing the first seal;
• installing a replacement first seal;
• and
• thereafter installing the second seal or a replacement second seal.