The D.S. Brown Company has provided high-quality bearing assemblies and expansion joint systems for bridges around the globe since the early 1960s. D.S. Brown is proud to be supplying an extensive breadth of products to the current Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario.
D.S. Brown’s Swivel Expansion Joint Systems are one of the most intriguing features of the new Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, California. The Swivel Expansion Joint Systems are located where the east and west approaches connect to the main span of the bridge. At these “end bents,” the column-supported approaches meet the cable-supported main span. These two types of structures will react differently in an earthquake, and flexible connections are a must.
As a designer, supplier and manufacturer of engineered rubber, steel and concrete products for the transportation and infrastructure sector, D.S. Brown is a critical partner in key bridge, pavement and architectural projects worldwide.
For joint locations that produce demanding structural movements, use the Maurer System™ Swivel Expansion Joint Assembly. The Maurer System is designed for use on long-span structures, structures located in seismic zones and curved structures. Additionally, structures with differential longitudinal movements (caused by wind, thermal and seismic conditions) or differential vertical movements, and structures with anticipated substructure settlement will benefit from this expansion joint.
When critical steel and concrete bridge decks call for a specifically engineered waterproofing solution, D.S. Brown’s Deckguard® Spray Membrane provides a 100% solids two-component, bridge-grade elastomeric coating.
D.S. Brown’s line of structural bearing assemblies have been providing heavy structure support to the world’s infrastructure for decades. Bridges and other large structures rely on bearing assemblies to transmit forces while accommodating all structural movements.
From the Alcoa Street Bridge in Massena, New York to the Chicago Transit Authority’s Purple Line Bridges, Deckguard® – Spray Applied Membrane provides watertight protection of both steel and concrete substrates against freeze-thaw degradation and the corrosive effects of winter salt spray ensuring extended service life of the bridge structure.
Deckguard Spray Membrane is a 100% solids two-component, elastomeric coating used to waterproof both steel and concrete bridge decks in highway and rail structures. Applied using plural spray equipment, Deckguard provides a seamless, flexible and extremely durable barrier against water penetration and stray current.
D.S. Brown’s Deckguard Spray Membrane is specifically engineered for use on highway and railroad bridge decks, bridge abutments, pier caps, tunnels and pedestrian walkways. This effective waterproofing membrane can be used on intermodal and LRT rail bridges with or without protection board.
“Deckguard can be used in conjunction with hot asphalt overlays to provide the best possible protection against penetration of saltwater from winter snow and ice prevention activities,” said Ben Jacobus, D.S. Brown’s National Sales Manager for Bridge Products. “Deckguard is also so durable that independent testing to AREMA standards has shown that a traditional ballast mat is not necessary prior to applying ballast in railroad applications.”
Chicago Transit Authority – Purple Line
Three bridges on the Chicago Transit Authority’s Purple Line were found to have deteriorated from age and excessive use. The damage was determined to be irreparable, and the structures were torn down. Replacement bridges were constructed offsite and D.S. Brown’s Deckguard waterproofing membrane was applied to the steel deck surface.
Rigorous safety requirements and high temperature conditions made the utilization of spray-on membrane challenging, but the product and its application process proved successful. The use of Deckguard on the bridge decks ensures their protection from water corrosion for decades to come.
For more than 50 years, the D.S. Brown Company has provided expansion joint systems for bridges worldwide. Bridge expansion joint systems are directly exposed to heavy vehicular wheel loads and therefore, must resist the dynamic forces causing fatigue and wear.
