Application of Jointless Bridges in China

The expansion devices (expansion joints) can be eliminated in jointless bridges to fundamentally resolve the disease and maintenance and replacement problems caused by the expansion devices. Compared to conventional bridges, jointless bridges without deck expansion joint have the advantages of low maintenance cost, improved ride quality, simple and economical construction, added redundancy and capacity during seismic and other extreme events, etc. The jointless bridges have been widely used in developed countries due to excellent economic and social benefits; however, it is just developing in China. Thus, in order to increase their use in the future, this paper investigates the application of jointless bridges in China. Data of 70 jointless bridges in China are collected, and the bridge types, length, superstructure and substructure types as well as the technology characteristics are analyzed. This paper can provide the necessary reference to the research and application of jointless bridge in the future.