BTN 2015 / 001 – December 2015

BRIDGE TECHNICAL NOTE

Step (Half) Joints 2015/001

Version 1.0

1. General extensive scaffolding, machinery or custom designed

suspended platforms are required to provide a safe
This Bridge Technical Note discusses the issues access for personnel to inspect and maintain the
associated with step (half) joints and the ongoing joints.
issues with their inspection and maintenance.

AS5100 requires that deck joints and bearings to be

2. Introduction readily accessible with provisions to allow for
Step joint or half joint is a type of articulation in inspection, maintenance and replacement (including
which a suspended beam or deck slab (the drop-in jacking of components). These requirements cannot
span) is supported on a short cantilever or corbel as be easily satisfied with the use of step joints.
shown in Figure 1.
Step Joint
Cantilever (Refer to detail
below)
4. Conclusion
structure Drop in Span
As a result of the high cost of inspection,
maintenance and rehabilitation of step joints and the
high risk of inaccessibility of such joints leading to
deterioration of the bridges, the use of step joints
Bearing Movement Joint shall not be permitted for new bridges.

Suspended It may be necessary to consider the use of step

Cantilever
(drop-in) support joints if an existing structure with step joints is
beam or slab (corbel) widened. In such an instance the designer shall
demonstrate all other alternatives considered and
why a step joint is the only feasible option and seek
Figure 1 - Cantilever and Drop in Span Structure approval from the Principal Bridge Engineer. If the
Although there are advantages such as ease of use of step joints is permitted, the design must be in
construction and enhanced vertical clearance due to accordance with AS5100 and access for inspection
reduction in superstructure depth, the following and maintenance must be appropriately addressed.
issues are encountered during the life of a bridge
structure with step joints;
• Difficult to access safely for inspection and MARY DARCY
maintenance PRINCIPAL BRIDGE ENGINEER
• Difficult to strengthen bridges to cater for VicRoads
heavier loads due to inaccessibility of step-joints
For further information please contact:
• Road closures and other disruptions to the
community related to maintenance activities Principal Bridge Engineer
Level 3, 60 Denmark Street
Kew Victoria 3101
3. Discussion Telephone: (03) 8391 7137
This type of construction inherently leads to leakage Facsimile: (03) 8391 7199
through the joint. This causes debris and moisture Email: vicroadstechnicalservices@roads.vic.gov.au
to accumulate at the beam seats and eventual
deterioration of the concrete and steel surfaces. Bridge Technical Notes are subject to periodic review and
may be superseded

The gap between members is usually very narrow

which make it difficult to inspect hidden surfaces
and components such as bearings and the bearing References
seats.
AS 5100 (2004), Bridge Design, Standards Australia,
Sydney, Australia
Step joints are normally positioned several metres
Austroads, 2009. Guide to Bridge Technology Part 1:
away from the pier or abutment and often over live
Introduction and Bridge Performance. Sydney:
traffic or wide waterways. Traffic management,
Austroads