Modular elastomeric expansion seal

A sealing member for use in an expansion joint having at least one pair of spaced-apart, elongated retaining members defining a gap therebetween, each said retaining member having in cross-section a generally C-shaped cavity with a preselected radius of curvature, each said cavity opening toward said gap defined between said retaining members wherein each said cavity opening is defined between opposed projecting portions of said respective retaining member, said portions being spaced from each other a distance less than the maximum dimension within said cavity taken generally parallel to said opening, said sealing member comprising:

• a top and bottom wall spanning said gap and a pair of end walls, each said end wall disposed along and interconnecting corresponding longitudinal edges of said top and bottom walls wherein each of said end walls is received within said cavity of a respective retaining member, and each of said end walls having in cross-section an outer surface portion for matching engagement with said cavity with opposed portions of each said end wall correspondingly abutting said opposed projecting portions of said retaining member whereby relative lateral movement of each said end wall with respect to said retaining member is resisted, and the radius of curvature of the outer surface of each said end wall in an unstressed, disassembled form beingless than said preselected radius of curvature of said cavity so that upon assembly of each said end wall within said respective retaining member cavity said outer surface of each said end wall is affirmatively urged to assume the relatively greater radius of curvature of said cavity by the abutment of said opposed portions of each said end wall with said opposed projecting portions of said respective retaining member.