UFC 3-270-05
15 March 2001
CHAPTER 7
DISTRESS 65, JOINT SEAL DAMAGE
7.1. Description. Joint seal damage is any condition which enables soil or rocks to accumulate
in the joints or allows significant infiltration of water. Accumulation of incompressible materials
prevents the slabs from expanding and may result in buckling, shattering, or spalling. A pliable
joint filler bonded to the edges of the slabs protects the joints from accumulation of materials and
also prevents water from seeping down and softening the foundation supporting the slab. Deduct
values for joint seal damage are shown in Figure 7.1.
Typical types of joint seal damage are (a) stripping of joint sealant, (b) extrusion of joint sealant,
(c) weed growth, (d) hardening of the filler (oxidation), (e) loss of bond to the slab edges, and
(f) lack or absence of sealant in the joint.
7.2. Severity Levels.
7.2.1. L. Joint sealer is in generally good condition throughout the section. Sealant is
performing well, with only a minor amount of any of the above types of damage present
(Figure 7.2.).
7.2.2. M. Joint sealer is in generally fair condition over the entire surveyed section, with one or
more of the above types of damage occurring to a moderate degree. Sealant needs replacement
within 2 years (Figure 7.3.).
7.2.3. H. Joint sealer is in generally poor condition over the entire surveyed section, with one
or more of the above types of damage occurring to a severe degree. Sealant needs immediate
replacement (Figures 7.4. and 7.5.).
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