Edition 4 / Revision 3 TRANSPORT FOR NSW
June 2020
TRANSPORT FOR NSW (TfNSW)
QA SPECIFICATION B315
ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL EXPANSION JOINTS
NOTICE
This document is a Transport for NSW QA Specification. It has been developed for use with
roadworks and bridgeworks contracts let by Transport for NSW or by local councils in NSW. It is not
suitable for any other purpose and must not be used for any other purpose or in any other context.
Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.
REVISION REGISTER
Ed/Rev
Number
Clause
Number Description of Revision
Authorised
By Date
Ed 1/Rev 0 First Issued GM,CMS 12.09.91
Ed 1/Rev 1 B315.1.2 Change AS 1683.15 and its title to title to AS
1683.15.2 Durometer Hardness. Include AS
1252, AS 1420, AS2990 and AS 4100.
GM,CEC 09.09.93
B315.2 Last paragraph - Add ",or equivalent
acceptable to the Superintendent," after
NATA Registration.
B315.3.2 Change wording to reflect '92 AUSTROADS
Bridge Design Code.
Table B315.1 Change AS 1683.15 to 1683.15.2. Ozone
concentration - change to '300 parts per
hundred million'
Figure
B315.1
Deleted
Ed 2/Rev 0 Reformatted and converted to MS Word 6.0c.
References updated.
GM, RNIC
(W Ho)
25.07.97
1.3 Acceptance of alternative products changed.
2 Testing requirements changed
3.2 Words common with '92 AUSTROADS
deleted
3.2.3 New clause on design certification with a
Hold Point
6 New Clause
Ed 2/Rev 1 Annexure
B315/1
New schedule listing Identified Records GM, RNIC 04.05.00
Ed 2/Rev 2 1.3 Reference to Conditions of Contract changed
to suit C1.
GM, RNIC 30.05.01
ii
Ed/Rev
Number
Clause
Number Description of Revision
Authorised
By Date
Ed 3/Rev 0 1.2, 2, 3.2,
3.2.3 & 4
Revised Standards, details moved to
Annexure B315/M
GM, RNIC 11.03.03
3, 4, 5 Clauses renumbered and reformatted
2 Revised elastomer properties
Ed 3/Rev 1 Fonts changed. GM, RNIC 07.08.03
Ed 4/Rev 0 Various Text revised to direct imperative style.
“Shall” replaced by “must”.
”Contractor” replaced by “you”.
”Superintendent” replaced by “Principal”.
Editorial changes
GM, RNIC
(P
Bamford)
01.11.06
Foreword New clause after the Table of Contents
Various Additional requirements
Various HB 77 replaced by AS 5100.4
Ed 4/Rev 1 1.3 Use of approved strip seals mandated and
link to lists of RMS approved bridge
proprietary products added.
GM, IC 20.04.12
Ed 4/Rev 2 4.1, 4.2 Reference to “B241” replaced by “B201”. DCS 27.10.17
Annex M Referenced documents updated.
Ed 4/Rev 3 Global References to “Roads and Maritime
Services” or “RMS” changed to “Transport
for NSW” or “TfNSW” respectively.
DCS 22.06.20
Edition 4 / Revision 3 TRANSPORT FOR NSW
June 2020
QA SPECIFICATION B315
ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL
EXPANSION JOINTS
Copyright – Transport for NSW
IC-QA-B315
VERSION FOR:
DATE:
Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints B315
Ed 4 / Rev 3 i
CONTENTS
CLAUSE PAGE
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................... II TfNSW Copyright and Use of this Document ............................................................................... ii Revisions to Previous Version ....................................................................................................... ii Project Specific Changes ............................................................................................................... ii
1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Structure of the Specification ......................................................................................... 1 1.3 Approved Bridge Components and Systems .................................................................. 1 1.4 Warranty ......................................................................................................................... 1
2 MATERIALS .................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Metal Seal Retainers ....................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Elastomer ........................................................................................................................ 2
3 JOINT DESIGN ................................................................................................................................. 3 3.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Retainers ......................................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Anchorages ..................................................................................................................... 3 3.4 Design Certification ........................................................................................................ 4
4 METAL SEAL RETAINERS ............................................................................................................... 4 4.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 4 4.2 Corrosion Protection ....................................................................................................... 4
5 ELASTOMERIC SEAL ....................................................................................................................... 4
6 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................... 5 6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 5 6.2 Seal Retainers ................................................................................................................. 5 6.3 Seals ................................................................................................................................ 5
ANNEXURES B315/A AND B315/B – (NOT USED).................................................................................... 6
ANNEXURE B315/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND IDENTIFIED RECORDS .................................... 6 C1 Schedule of Hold Points ................................................................................................. 6 C2 Schedule of Identified Records....................................................................................... 6
ANNEXURE B315/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 6
ANNEXURES B315/E TO B315/L – (NOT USED) ....................................................................................... 6
ANNEXURE B315/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................. 7
LAST PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS ............................................................................................................ 7
B315 Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints
ii Ed 4 / Rev 3
FOREWORD
TFNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT
Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.
When this document forms part of a contract
This document should be read with all the documents forming the Contract.
When this document does not form part of a contract
This copy is not a controlled document. Observe the Notice that appears on the first page of the copy
controlled by TfNSW. A full copy of the latest version of the document is available on the TfNSW
Internet website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-
suppliers/specifications/index.html
REVISIONS TO PREVIOUS VERSION
This document has been revised from Specification TfNSW B315 Edition 4 Revision 2.
All revisions to the previous version (other than minor editorial and project specific changes) are
indicated by a vertical line in the margin as shown here, except when it is a new edition and the text
has been extensively rewritten.
PROJECT SPECIFIC CHANGES
Any project specific changes are indicated in the following manner:
(a) Text which is additional to the base document and which is included in the Specification is
shown in bold italics e.g. Additional Text.
(b) Text which has been deleted from the base document and which is not included in the
Specification is shown struck out e.g. Deleted Text.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/specifications/index.htmlhttp://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/specifications/index.html
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
Ed 4 / Rev 3 1
TfNSW QA SPECIFICATION B315
ELASTOMERIC STRIP SEAL EXPANSION JOINTS
1 GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE
This Specification sets out the requirements for the supply and installation of preformed elastomeric
strip seal expansion joints, including the metal seal retainers and their anchorages.
1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE SPECIFICATION
This Specification includes a series of annexures that detail additional requirements.
1.2.1 Schedules of HOLD POINTS and Identified Records
The schedules in Annexure B315/C list the HOLD POINTS that must be observed. Refer to
Specification TfNSW Q for the definition of HOLD POINTS.
The records listed in Annexure B315/C are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW Q
Annexure Q/E.
1.2.2 Planning Documents
The PROJECT QUALITY PLAN must include each of the documents and requirements listed in
Annexure B315/D and must be implemented.
1.2.3 Referenced Documents
Unless specified otherwise or is specifically supplied by the Principal, the applicable issue of a
referenced document must be the issue current at the date one week before the closing date for tenders,
or where no issue is current at that date, the most recent issue.
Standards, specifications and test methods are referred to in abbreviated form (e.g. AS 1234). For
convenience, the full titles are given in Annexure B315/M.
1.3 APPROVED BRIDGE COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS
Unless approved otherwise by the Principal, use only TfNSW approved elastomeric strip seal
expansion joints. Details of TfNSW approved bridge proprietary products can be found at:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-
contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf
1.4 WARRANTY
The supply of each proprietary strip seal expansion joint must be accompanied with a warranty from
the joint supplier in the name of Transport for NSW on the serviceability of the joint for a minimum
period of five years from the date of installation. Any joint that becomes defective within this period
must be rectified by the supplier at no cost to the Principal.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdfhttp://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
B315 Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints
2 Ed 4 / Rev 3
2 MATERIALS
2.1 METAL SEAL RETAINERS
The metal seal retainers for the joint must be manufactured from steel or aluminium.
2.2 ELASTOMER
The preformed elastomeric seal for the joint must be made from vulcanized compound having
polymerized chloroprene as the only base polymer.
Provide documentary evidence to the Principal to verify that the elastomer used in the manufacture of
the seal has been tested in a laboratory with appropriate NATA registration and that it conforms to
Table B315.1.
Table B315.1 – Elastomeric Seal Properties
Property Requirement Test Method
Tensile Strength 13.8 MPa minimum AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)
Elongation at Break 250% minimum AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)
Hardness IRHD 59±5 AS 1683.15.1
Ageing: AS 1683.26 (Method A for 72 hours
at 100C)
Change in Tensile Strength -20% to 0 AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)
Change in Elongation at Break -20% to 0 AS 1683.11 (Dumb-bell test pieces)
Change in Hardness IRHD 0 to +10 AS 1683.15.1
Resistance to Ozone No visible cracking AS 1683.24 (Ozone concentration
100 pphm in air, 20% strain,
100 hrs at 40C)
Low Temperature Stiffening
(Change in Hardness)
IRHD 0 to +15 AS 1683.15.1 (After 7 days at -10C)
Change in Volume in Oil +70% maximum AS 1683.23 (Using Oil No. 3, after
72 hours at 100C)
Compression Set 40% maximum AS 1683.13 (72 hours at 100C)
Low Temperature Brittleness Not Brittle ASTM D 746 (B) (at -30C)
Note: The Principal may waive the requirement for testing as above provided that:
(a) The elastomer of the seal is supplied by a company which has a third party certified quality
management system to AS/NZS ISO 9001 for the manufacture and supply of elastomer;
(b) Test certificates are supplied to prove that the elastomer meets the properties specified in
Table B315.1 in Type Tests not more than six months old; and
(c) Day to day batch quality control on the manufacture of the elastomer is exercised by performing
a test which accurately measures the cure characteristics of the elastomer and highlights
variations resulting from incorrect ingredients or levels thereof; and
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints B315
Ed 4 / Rev 3 3
(d) The manufacturer establishes control points and limits on batches which have been Type Tested
and uses these control points and limits for subsequent quality control purposes.
3 JOINT DESIGN
3.1 GENERAL
The design of the joint must conform to Clause 7.3 of AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS 5100.4 and this Clause.
Design the elastomeric seal in accordance with AS 5100.4 to accommodate the range of movement
nominated on the Drawings.
The width of the seal must be sufficient to ensure that it is not damaged or pulled out of the metal
retainer at the maximum design gap width.
The seal must not be wider than required to accommodate the range of movement nominated on the
Drawings to avoid entrapment of debris that will cause the seal to split and fail.
3.2 RETAINERS
Where the tops of the metal seal retainers are at road level, any legs must be at least 12 mm thick.
Where retainers are concreted in position, horizontal legs must have air bleed holes of at least 12 mm
diameter at not more than 600 mm centres.
Where any leg of a steel seal retainer is upright, provide welded stiffeners to the leg at not more than
300 mm spacing.
Extruded aluminium seal retainers must have sufficient stiffness to not require stiffeners.
3.3 ANCHORAGES
Calculate the forces in the anchorages in accordance with the laws of statics, assuming that the
concrete above the point where the anchorage enters the concrete is ineffective.
Round bars used as anchorages must be at least 20 mm in diameter.
Rectangular bars used as anchorages must have a minimum thickness of 12 mm.
Bars used as anchorages must form a loop of sufficient size to be permit anchoring into the concrete
with the contribution of the transverse and other reinforcement.
The welding of anchorage bars of the metal seal retainer must develop the full strength of the bar and
accommodate an infinite number of fatigue cycles in accordance with AS 5100.4.
Stud welded shear connectors used as anchors must be at least 16 mm diameter and 150 mm in length
and welded to the retainer only by resistance welding using a welding gun. Do not weld stud shear
connectors to aluminium seal retainers.
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
B315 Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints
4 Ed 4 / Rev 3
3.4 DESIGN CERTIFICATION
Submit details with drawings of the design of the proposed joint and its anchorages and a certificate
from an Engineer eligible for Corporate Membership of Engineers Australia certifying that the design
conforms to AS 5100.4 and this Specification.
HOLD POINT
Process Held: Supply of the strip seal expansion joint.
Submission Details: Details and drawings of the joint design and certificate in accordance with
Clause 3.4 prior to supply of the joint.
Release of Hold Point: The Principal will consider the submitted details, prior to authorising the
release of the Hold Point.
4 METAL SEAL RETAINERS
4.1 GENERAL
Fabricate steel seal retainers in accordance with Specification TfNSW B201.
Fabricate aluminium seal retainers in accordance with Specification TfNSW B246.
Curve or join the metal seal retainer according to whether the elastomeric seal is curved or joined.
4.2 CORROSION PROTECTION
Steel seal retainers must be hot dipped galvanized in accordance with TfNSW B201 unless shown
otherwise on the Drawings.
Paint any aluminium surface which will be in contact with concrete with a non-metallic epoxy coating
and coat any bolts used to anchor the aluminium seal retainer with petroleum jelly before use, unless
shown otherwise on the Drawings.
5 ELASTOMERIC SEAL
Each seal must be completely uniform and homogeneous throughout. Reject any seal showing
imperfections, surface splits, or indentations.
The permissible manufacturing tolerances are nil to +2 mm in relaxed width of seal.
Obtain the required longitudinal profile of the seal to match the bridge cross section by bending the
seal to the required angle, or by joining straight lengths of seal by means of an adhesive recommended
by the seal supplier. Join all seal lengths in the factory, except that joining of seals at sharp changes in
profile may be performed in the field.
Obtain a certificate from the supplier of the seal to verify its conformity with the requirements of the
Drawings and this Specification.
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints B315
Ed 4 / Rev 3 5
6 INSTALLATION
6.1 GENERAL
Following installation, the joint must be watertight.
Installation of the joint must not result in a rough ride for passengers in vehicles traversing the joint.
6.2 SEAL RETAINERS
Install the seal retainers so that they are within +0 and -3 mm of the levels shown on the Drawings,
and the opening of the joint is within ±2 mm of the opening shown on the Drawings.
Submit the procedures for installation of the seal retainers including how the specified tolerances will
be achieved.
6.3 SEALS
Submit the procedure for the installation of the seal, including field joining and testing of the installed
seal for watertightness.
Do not insert the seal into the retainers until at least three days after all the concreting in adjacent
spans or abutment is finished.
The method of placing the seal must be in accordance with the joint supplier’s instructions.
Insert the seal into the retainers using a lubricant and an insertion tool recommended by the joint
supplier.
The lubricant for inserting the seal must be recommended by the joint supplier and be a compound
compatible with the seal and the retainers and be unaffected by moisture. The lubricant must contain
at least 60% solids and comprise a suitable polymer blended with volatile solvents. It must have the
specified consistency over the temperature range specified for the insertion of the seal.
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
B315 Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints
6 Ed 4 / Rev 3
ANNEXURES B315/A AND B315/B – (NOT USED)
ANNEXURE B315/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND
IDENTIFIED RECORDS
Refer to Clause 1.2.1.
C1 SCHEDULE OF HOLD POINTS
Clause Description
3.4 Submission of details and drawings of the joint design and Engineer’s certificate
C2 SCHEDULE OF IDENTIFIED RECORDS
The records listed below are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW Q Annexure Q/E.
Clause Description of Identified Record
2.2 Documentary evidence that the elastomer complies with the specified requirements
3.4 Details and drawings of proposed joint design, with Engineer's certificate
ANNEXURE B315/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Refer to Clause 1.2.2.
The following documents are a summary of documents that must be included in the PROJECT
QUALITY PLAN. The requirements of this Specification and others included in the Contract must be
reviewed to determine additional documentation requirements.
Clause Description
6.2 Procedure for installation of the seal including field jointing and testing of the installed
seal for watertightness
ANNEXURES B315/E TO B315/L – (NOT USED)
(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)
Elastomeric Strip Seal Expansion Joints B315
Ed 4 / Rev 3 7
ANNEXURE B315/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
Refer to Clause 1.2.3.
TfNSW Specifications
TfNSW Q Quality Management System
TfNSW B201 Steelwork for Bridges
TfNSW B246 Manufacture and Supply of Minor Aluminium Items
Australian Standards
AS 1683 Methods of test for elastomersr
AS 1683.11 Method 11: Tension testing of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber
AS 1683.13 Method 13: Compression set of vulcanized rubber under constant deflection
AS 1683.15.1 Method 15.1: International rubber hardness
AS 1683.23 Method 23: Rubber - Vulcanized – Determination of resistance to liquids
AS 1683.24 Method 24: Determination of the resistance of vulcanized or thermoplastic
rubbers to ozone cracking – Static strain test
AS 1683.26 Method 26: Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Accelerated ageing and
heat resistance tests
AS 5100.4 Bridge design - Bearings and deck joints
AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality management systems - Requirements
American Society for Testing Materials' Standards
ASTM D 746 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperatures of Plastics and Elastomers
by Impact