In modern bridge structures, bridge bearings and expansion joints are commonly the source of most maintenance and performance issues. In some situations their performance can lead to the closure/failure of major structures and their maintenance can be extremely difficult and costly to implement. The report is a literature review that summarises the features, usage and performance of bridge bearings and expansion joints throughout the world. The common failures and the proposed solutions to rectify the failures of the most used bearings and expansion joints are discussed. It contains Information on the State Road Authorities’ current practice in design, installation and maintenance of bridge bearings and expansion joints.
As well as information on the current practice in manufacture and supply of bridge bearings and expansion joints of Australian providers. The manufacturers’ recommendations on the solutions to rectifying the identified failures are provided. The fact that each State Road Authority has developed and/or used its own technical guidelines and specifications has brought in a level of inconsistency in the current practice throughout the country. The report also provides recommendations on future directions to overcome this issue.