Summary and Description:

The J-Series system includes an extruded elastomeric profile and a high-strength, two-part epoxy based structural adhesive. When inserted into an expansion joint in a substrate, the system will seal the opening from the intrusion of water and debris. The unique design allows the seal to work under compression or tension.

High-strength adhesive is used with the J-Series profiles to compete specifically with those seals that claim movement in the tension cycle. The standard J-Series seal can be used for airport and bridge applications, where normal horizontal and vertical movements are a design parameter. The J-Series is specifically designed for applications requiring +/-50% movement to accommodate thermal change and 25% longitudinal movement in skewed conditions.

The larger size seals (greater than 2 inches) are installed using a vacuum pump to depressurize and collapse the lower internal chambers, thereby facilitating ease of insertion. After insertion, the vacuum is released and the air pressure returns to normal. The stiffener webs of the seal provide constant compression on the adhesive as it cures.

The internal web structure is an improvement over similar seals that rely on the inflation to make the bond adhere. Reliance on air pressure to make a bond indicates the seal profile is not a true compression seal. Some contractors have difficulty con-trolling the 20-psi requirement. Excessive air pressure can squeeze the adhesive out of the gap and move the profile out of place.