Calculating the Expansion Joint

[timxua]

My project is try to see the expansion joint(EJ) still good in service. The original ut thickness of the EJ is .055". The ut thickness of the damage area is .049" (The Grinder causing the visual surface damage).

Can someone give me some guide where can I obtain the info. how to calculate the EJ

PS. I'm new in this forum, this is my first posted so if I'm missing anything please give me opinion.

Thanks

 

[unclesyd]

Can you post a picture of the damaged area along with operating conditions?

Material of construction and how many plies?

Anything you do to an expansion joint you affect it's life. A smooth ding has the least effect. Normally if we have any damage to an expansion joint we get one on order.

 

[rmw]

Do you have the original calculation sheet for the EJ, or can you get it from the manufacturer?

Some expansion joints are not heavily stressed, while others are stressed almost to the limit. When EJ's are selected, several areas of stress are calculated and the area that has the largest stress becomes the limiting factor for the EJ.

If your 'ding' is in a non governing area of the joint, it might be OK. If, on the other hand, it was in the area that determined the governing factor for the joint selection, this would probably condemn it.

I'd want to see the original calculations that were originally done.

rmw