Joint seal with multiple cover plate segments
10787807 ยท 2020-09-29
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
E04B1/6815
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
A system creates a durable water-resistant seal in the joint between adjacent panels. The durable expansion seal system includes an elastically-compressive body, a first cover plate segment, a second cover segment, and one or more ribs which provide a seal against water when inserted between substrates and permitted to expand to fit the gap between them.
Claims
1. An expansion joint seal comprising: an elastically-compressive body, the elastically compressive body having a body first side surface, a body second side surface, a body centerline intermediate the body first side surface and the body second side surface, a body first side width from the body first side surface to the body centerline, a body second side width from the body second side surface to the body centerline, a body top surface extending from the body first side surface to the body seconds side surface, a body first end, a body second end, and a body longitudinal axis from the body first end to the body second end; a first cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the first cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body first side surface and the body centerline, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate width greater than the body first side width, the first cover plate segment extending beyond the body first side surface; a second cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the second cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the second cover plate segment having a second cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body second side surface and the body centerline, the second cover plate segment having a width greater than the body second side width, the second cover plate segment extending beyond the body second side surface; a ribs penetrating into the elastically-compressive body from above the body top surface; the first cover plate segment fixed in relation to the rib; and the second cover plate segment fixed in relation to the rib.
2. The expansion joint seal of claim 1, wherein the first cover plate segment and the second cover plate segment are connected to the rib.
3. The expansion joint seal of claim 1, wherein the first cover plate is affixed to a rubber seal at the first cover plate segment first side surface and the second cover plate segment is affixed to the rubber seal at the second cover plate segment first side surface.
4. The expansion joint seal of claim 1, wherein the first cover plate segment is affixed to a third member at the first cover plate segment first side surface and the second cover plate segment is affixed to the third member at the second cover plate segment first side surface.
5. The expansion joint seal of claim 1, wherein the first cover plate segment has a first cover plate segment front surface and the second cover plate segment has a second cover plate segment rear surface, the first cover plate segment and the second cover plate segment are adjacent along the longitudinal axis, and the first cover plate segment front surface and the second cover plate segment rear surface are partially adjacent.
6. An expansion joint seal comprising: an elastically-compressive body, the elastically compressive body having three body members interspersed with two ribs, a body first side surface, a body second side surface, a body centerline intermediate the body first side surface and the body second side surface, a body first side width from the body first side surface to the body centerline, a body second side width from the body second side surface to the body centerline, a body top surface extending from the body first side surface to the body seconds side surface, a body first end, a body second end, a body longitudinal axis from the body first end to the body second end; a first cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the first cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body first side surface and the body centerline, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate width greater than the body first side width, the first cover plate segment extending beyond the body first side surface; a second cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the second cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the second cover plate segment having a second cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body second side surface and the body centerline, the second cover plate segment having a second cover plate width greater than the body second side width, the second cover plate segment extending beyond the body second side surface; the first cover plate segment fixed in relation to a first of the two ribs; and the second cover plate segment fixed in relation to a second of the two ribs.
7. The expansion joint seal of claim 6, wherein the first cover plate segment and the second cover plate segment are affixed to a rubber seal.
8. The expansion joint seal of claim 6, wherein the first cover plate segment and the second cover plate segment are connected to a third member.
9. An expansion joint seal comprising: an elastically-compressive body, the elastically compressive body having a body first side surface, a body second side surface, a body centerline intermediate the body first side surface and the body second side surface, a body first side width from the body first side surface to the body centerline, a body second side width from the body second side surface to the body centerline, a body top surface extending from the body first side surface to the body seconds side surface, a body first end, a body second end, and a body longitudinal axis from the body first end to the body second end; a first cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the first cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body first side surface and the body centerline, the first cover plate segment having a first cover plate width greater than the body first side width, the first cover plate segment extending beyond the body first side surface; a second cover plate segment above the elastically-compressible body, the second cover plate segment adjacent the body top surface, the second cover plate segment having a second cover plate segment first side surface positioned between the body second side surface and the body centerline, the second cover plate segment having a second cover plate segment width greater than the body second side width, the second cover plate segment extending beyond the body second side surface; a plurality of ribs penetrating into the elastically-compressive body from above the body top surface; the first cover plate segment fixed in relation to one of the plurality of ribs; and the second cover plate segment fixed in relation to another of the plurality of ribs.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) So that the manner in which the described features, advantages, and objects of the disclosure, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in detail; more particular description of the disclosure briefly summarized above may be had by referring to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical preferred embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope as the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
(2) In the drawings:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(12) The present disclosure provides a durable expansion joint seal which includes an elastically-compressive body, a first cover plate segment, a second cover segment, and one or more ribs which provide a seal against water when inserted between substrates and permitted to expand to fit the gap between them.
(13) Referring to
(14) Referring to
(15) The elastically-compressive body 102 may be selected of a resiliently-compressible material or composite and may be lamination which includes laminates of materials which have differing compressibilities or even may include a layer which is incompressible. The elastically-compressive body 102 presents a generally rectangular shape, but may be a hexagon, octogon, or more complex shape. The shapes may be regular or irregular.
(16) Referring to
(17) In use, the joint seal 100 is positioned between substrates in compression and maintains compression to seal against external solids and liquids. To enable installation of the joint seal 100 between the substrates, the joint seal 100 is compressed below the joint size. During operation, the joint seal 100 is often in compression at one-third to one-sixth its original size. A greater compression for delivery permits the product to be removed from packaging and installed before the joint seal 100 relaxes to a width greater than the expansion joint gap size between substrate walls.
(18) Because the joint seal 100 is in compression between the substrates of an expansion joint, it is well-known to pre-compress the joint seal 100 at the factory and provide the joint seal 100 in compression. To prepare the joint seal 100 for delivery, it is often desirable to compress the joint seal 100 to an even smaller portion of its original size and then to include one or more packaging members to provide rigidity and/or non-stick surface against the surrounding packaging, such as shrink wrap.
(19) Referring to
(20) Referring to
(21) The joint seal 100 is provided for installation in compression. The first packaging body 702, any second packaging body 704, and the various bodies are laterally compressed, to the extent each is compressible. The joint seal 100 is then packaged, such as in shrink wrap, to remain in compression. After the first packaging body 702, and any second packaging body 704, is removed, the joint seal 100 is imposed between the first substrate and the second substrate before relaxing to a width greater than the expansion joint. The joint seal 100 continues to relax and contacts the substrate walls and is maintained in compression in the joint, and, by virtue of its nature, inhibits the transmission of water or other contaminants further into the expansion joint. The joint seal 100 may be adhered to the substrate walls by an adhesive on the sides of the core bodies. When desired a second packaging body may be provided on the opposing side of the joint seal 100.
(22) The elastically-compressive body 102 may be a foam member or may be a non-foam material which exhibits properties of compressibility, expansion, resiliency, and to support liquid-based additives, such a fire retardants and fillers. These may be a core, such as rubber or cellulose or other material, or may be composed of a foam, such as an open-celled polyurethane foam. These may have an overall length sufficient for use on site, eliminating any need for a splice to join to an adjacent joint seal 100. The joint seal 100 is sized to fit between two panels or substrates and may be adjusted in width and height to accommodate the intended lateral movement and provide sufficient benefits.
(23) When the elastically-compressive body 102 is to be constructed of foam, any of various types of foam known in the art may be, including compositions such as polyurethane and polystyrene, and may be open or closed cell. The uncompressed density of the elastically-compressive body 102 may also be altered for performance, depending on local weather conditions. The density of the elastically-compressive body 102 when relaxed and prior to any compression may be less 400 kg/m.sup.3. The composition of the elastically-compressive body 102 may be selected of a composition which is fire retardant or water resistant.
(24) The elastically-compressive body 102 may be a foam, such as an open cell foam, a lamination of open cell foam and closed cell foam, and closed cell foam. When desired, the elastically-compressive body 102 may have a treatment, such as impregnation, to increase desirable properties, such as fire resistance or water resistance, by, respectively, the introduction of a fire retardant into the foam or the introduction of a water inhibitor into the foam. Further, a the elastically-compressive body 102 may be composed of a hydrophilic material, a hydrophobic material, a fire-retardant material, or a sintering material.
(25) The elastically-compressive body 102 may be formed of commercially available vapor permeable foam products or by forming specialty foams. Commercial available products which provide vapor permeable and excellent fire-resistant properties are well known, such as Sealtite VP or Willseal 600. It is well known that a vapor-permeable but water-resistant foam joint sealant may be produced leaving at least a portion of the cell structure open while in compression such that water vapor can escape through the impregnated foam sealant. Water is then ejected on the exterior of the joint seal 100 because the foam, and/or any impregnation, is hydrophobic and therefore repels water. Water can escape from the foam sealant or wall cavity through water vapor pressure by virtue of the difference in humidity creating unequal pressure between the two areas. Because the cell structure is still partially open the vapor pressure drive is sufficient to allow moisture to return to equalization or the exterior of the structure. By a combination of compression ratio and impregnation density of a hydrophobic component the water resistance capacity can be increased to provide resistance to various levels of pressure or driving rain.
(26) Moreover, the material for the elastically-compressive body 102 may be selected from partially closed cell or viscoelastic foams. Most prior art foams seals have been designed as soft foam pre-compressed foam seals utilizing low to medium density foam about 16-30 kg/m3 and softer foam ILD range of about 10-20. It has been surprisingly found through extensive testing of variations of foam densities and foam hardness, fillers and elastic impregnation compounds that higher density hard foams with high ILD's can provide an effective foam seal meeting the required waterproofing 600 Pa minimum and ideally 1000 Pa or greater and movement and cycling requirements such as ASTM E-1399 Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems as well as long term joint cycling testing. An advantage has been found in using higher density and higher hardness higher ILD foams particularly in horizontal applications. While at first this might seem obvious it is known in the art that higher density foams that are about 32-50 kg/m3 with an ILD rating of about 40 and greater tend to have other undesirable properties such as a long term decrease in fatigue resistance. Desirable properties such as elongation, ability to resist compression set, foam resiliency and fatigue resistance typically decline relative to an increase in density and ILD. These undesirable characteristics are often more pronounced when fillers such as calcium carbonate, melamine and others are utilized to increase the foam density yet the cost advantage of the filled foam is beneficial and desirable. Similarly, when graft polyols are used in the manufacture of the base foam to increase the hardness or load carrying capabilities, other desirable characteristics of the base foam such as resiliency and resistance to compression set can be diminished. Through the testing of non-conventional impregnation binders and elastomers for pre-compressed foam sealants such as silicones, urethanes, polyureas, epoxies, and the like, it has been found that materials that have reduced tack or adhesive properties after cure and which provide a high internal recovery force can be used to counteract the long-term fatigue resistance of the high density, high ILD foams. Further, it has been found that by first impregnating and curing the foam with the injected or impregnated silicone, acrylic, urethane or other low tack polymers and, ideally, elastomers with about 100-199% elongation or greater providing a sufficient internal recovery force, that it was additionally advantageous to re-impregnate the foam with another elastomer or binder to provide a timed expansion recovery at specific temperatures. The impregnation materials with higher long-term recovery capabilities imparted to the high density, high ILD base foams, such as a silicone or urethane elastomers, can be used to impart color to the foam seal or be a clear or translucent color to retain the base foam color. If desirable a second impregnation, partial impregnation or coating can be applied to or into the foam seal to add additional functional characteristics such as UV stability, mold and mildew resistance, color, fire-resistance or fire-ratings or other properties deemed desirable to functionality to the foam.
(27) Viscoelastic foams have not typically been commercially available or used for foam seals due to perceived shortcomings. Commonly used formulations, ratios and methods do not provide a commercially viable foam seal using viscoelastic foam when compared to standard polyurethane foams. Open cell viscoelastic foams are more expensive than polyester or polyether polyurethane foams commonly used in foam seals. Any impregnation process on a viscoelastic foam tends to proceed slower than on a traditional foam due to the fine cell structure of viscoelastic foam. This can be particularly frustrating as the impregnation materials and the impregnation process are typically the most expensive component of a foam seal. However, because of their higher initial density viscoelastic foams can provide better load carrying or pressure resistant foam seal. Both properties are desirable but not fully provided for in the current art for use in applications such as load carrying horizontal joints or expansion joints for secondary containment. Common densities found in viscoelastic foams are 64-80 kg/m.sup.3 or greater. Additionally, viscoelastic foams have four functional properties density, ILD rating, temperature and time compared to flexible polyurethane foams, which have two primary properties density and an ILD rating.
(28) However, the speed of recovery of viscoelastic foams following compression may be increased by reducing or eliminating any impregnation, surface impregnation or low adhesive strength impregnation compound. Incorporating fillers into the impregnation compound is known to be effective in controlling the adhesive strength of the impregnation binder and therefore the re-expansion rate of the impregnated foam. By surface impregnating or coating the outside surface of one or both sides of viscoelastic foam to approximately 10% of the foam thickness, such as about 3-8 mm deep for conventional joint seals, the release time can be controlled and predicted based on ambient temperature. Alternatively, the foam can be infused, partially impregnated or impregnated with a functional or non-functional filler without a using binder but rather only a solvent or water as the impregnation carrier where the carrier evaporates leaving only the filler in the foam.
(29) The re-expansion rate of a seal using viscoelastic foam may be controlled by using un-impregnated viscoelastic foam strips and re-adhering them with a pressure sensitive adhesive or hot melt adhesive. When the seal is compressed, the laminating adhesive serves as a temporary restriction to re-expansion allowing time to install the foam seal. Viscoelastic foam may be advantageously used, rather than standard polyurethane foam, for joints requiring additional softness and flexibility due to higher foam seal compression in hot climates or exposure or increased stiffness in cold temperatures when a foam seal is at its minimum compressed density. Additionally, closed cell, partially closed cell and other foams can be used as in combination with the viscoelastic foams to reduce the overall cost.
(30) This second group of body materials, the non-foam members, may include, for example, corrugated cardboards, natural and man-made batting materials, and natural, synthetic and man-made sponge material. When desired, such materials may be selected for properties, such as water leakage, air leakage, resilience in face of one or more cycling regimes, compressibility, relaxation rate, compression set, and elasticity.
(31) The material for the elastically-compressive body 102 may be altered to provide additional functional characteristics. It may be infused, impregnated, partially impregnated or coated with an impregnation material or binder that is designed specifically to provide state of the art seal water-resistance properties with a uniform and consistent distribution of the waterproofing binder. The elastically-compressive body 102 may also, or alternatively, be infused or impregnated or otherwise altered to retain a fire retardant, dependent on function. Where the elastically-compressive body 102 is foam, any suitable open cell foam type with a density of 16-45 kg/m.sup.3 or higher can provide an effective water-resistant foam-based seal by varying the impregnation density or the final compression ratio. Where a sound resistant seal is desired, the density or the variable densities provide a sound resistant seal in a similarly-rated wall from a Sound Transmission Class value from 42-63 and/or a sound reduction between 12 and 50 decibels.
(32) The elastically-compressive body 102 may be selected from an inherently hydrophilic material or have a hydrophilic component such as a hydrophilic polymer that is uniformly distributed throughout. The elastically-compressive body 102 may include strategically-placed surface impregnation or partially impregnate with a hydroactive polymer. Because the primary function of the joint seal 100 is waterproofing, the addition of a hydrophilic function does not negatively impact any desired fire-resistant properties, as an increased moisture content, and may increase fire resistive properties.
(33) Other variations may be employed. The joint seal 100 may be constructed to withstand a hydrostatic pressure equal to or greater than 29.39 psi. Environmentally friendly foam, fillers, binders, elastomer and other components may be selected to meet environmental, green and energy efficiency standards. The elastically-compressive body 102 may exhibit auxetic properties to provide support or stability for the joint seal 100 as it thermally cycles or to provide additional transfer loading capacity. Auxetic properties may be provided by the material selected for the elastically-compressible body 102, the internal components such as the members/membrane or by an external mechanical mechanism.
(34) The elastically-compressive body 102 may include an impregnate, such as a fire retardant such as aluminum trihydroxide, which may be throughout its entirety or which may be only about ten percent of it from one surface to the opposing surface. Additional function properties can be added by surface impregnating the exposed or outside surfaces of the foam as well as the inside portion if additional properties are desirable. The elastically-compressive body 102 may contain, such as by impregnation or infusion, a sintering material, wherein the particles in the impregnate move past one another with minimal effort at ambient temperature but form a solid upon heating. Once such sintering material is clay or a nano-clay. Such a sintering impregnate would provide an increased overall insulation value and permit a lower density at installation than conventional foams while still having a fire endurance capacity of at least one hour, such as in connection with the UL 2079 standard for horizontal and vertical joints. While the cell structure, particularly, but not solely, when compressed, of the elastically-compressive body 102, preferably inhibits the flow of water, the presence of an inhibitant or a fire retardant may prove additionally beneficial. The fire retardant may be introduced as part of the foaming process, or by impregnating, coating, infusing, or laminating, or by other processes known in the art. The joint seal 100 may be provided with end profiles intended to provide interlocking faces so a plurality of joint seal 100 may be installed in abutment.
(35) Referring to
(36) Referring to
(37) The coating 136, 504 may undergo chemical reaction when heated to reduce flammability or delay combustion or cool through physical action or endothermic reactions. The coating 136, 504 may provide retardancy through endothermic degradation, such as by use of aluminum hydroxide. Coating 136, 504 may provide retardancy through thermal shielding, such as by use of an intumescent, which chars over when burned, separating the flame from the material and slowing heat transfer. The coating 136, 504 may provide retardancy by gas phase radical quenching, such as when chlorinated paraffin undergoes thermal degradation and releases hydrogen chloride to lower potential propagation of combustion reactions. The coating 136, 504 may extend down around the joint seal 100. In a further alternative, the coating 136, 504 may an elastomeric gland.
(38) When desired, the joint seal 100 may be structured to aid in installation by beveling its bottom. The joint seal 100 may include a body beveled surface 138 intermediate the body first side surface 104 and the bottom surface 140. Additionally or alternatively, the joint seal 100 may further include one or more openings 142 at any of the bottom surface 140, penetrating upward and becoming wider as it penetrates further, such as by an initially rectangular prism opening coupled with a cylindrical opening, which permits movement and compression of the elastically-compressible body 102 but limits, particularly at the bottom surface 140, the extent of such movement. When desired, a structural member, such as a load transfer member or an intumescent rod or other shape may be imposed in each opening 142.
(39) Further structural elements may be incorporated to increase the fire resistance of the joint seal 100. Thus, the joint seal 100 may include an intumescent member 164 in elastically-compressible body 102. Additionally, or alternatively, an intumescent body 168 may be imposed within the elastically-compressible body 102 or in a channel found on an exterior surface. The intumescent body 168 may provide both fire retardancy and may extend beyond the joint seal 100 to overlap and join and adjacent joint seal 100.
(40) Referring to
(41) Referring to
(42) Finally, to ensure an anchor to the substrate, an adhesive may be applied to the body first side surface 104. Moreover, an intumescent rod 164 or other shape may be imposed within the joint seal 100 and may also provide a key for splicing to an adjacent joint seal 100. Beneficially, where the intumescent rod 164 extends beyond a first end of the joint seal 100, it may be used to provide a splice connection to an adjacent joint seal 100.
(43) Referring to
(44) Additionally, when desired, a sensor 904 may be included and may contact one of more of the component of the joint seal 100. The sensor 904 may be a radio frequency identification device RFID or other wirelessly transmitting sensor. A sensor may be beneficial to assess the health of a joint seal 100 without accessing the interior of the expansion joint, otherwise accomplished by removal of the cover plate. Such sensors are known in the art, and which may provide identification of circumstances such as moisture penetration and accumulation. The inclusion of a sensor 904 in the joint seal 100 may be particularly advantageous in circumstances where the joint seal 100 is concealed after installation, particularly as moisture sources and penetration may not be visually detected. Thus, by including a low cost, moisture-activated or sensitive sensor, the user can scan the joint seal 100 for any points of weakness due to water penetration. A heat sensitive sensor may also be positioned within the joint seal 100, thus permitting identification of actual internal temperature, or identification of temperature conditions requiring attention, such as increased temperature due to the presence of fire, external to the joint or even behind it, such as within a wall. Such data may be particularly beneficial in roof and below grade installations where water penetration is to be detected as soon as possible.
(45) Inclusion of a sensor 904 in the joint seal 100 may provide substantial benefit for information feedback and potentially activating alarms or other functions within the joint seal 100 or external systems. Fires that start in curtain walls are catastrophic. High and low-pressure changes have deleterious effects on the long-term structure and the connecting features. Providing real time feedback and potential for data collection from sensors, particularly given the inexpensive cost of such sensors, in those areas and particularly where the wind, rain and pressure will have their greatest impact would provide benefit. While the pressure on the wall is difficult to measure, for example, the deflection in a pre-compressed sealant is quite rapid and linear. Additionally, joint seals are used in interior structures including but not limited to bio-safety and cleanrooms. Additionally, a sensor 904 could be selected which would provide details pertinent to the state of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED efficiency of the building. Additionally, such a sensor, which could identify and transmit air pressure differential data, could be used in connection with masonry wall designs that have cavity walls or in the curtain wall application, where the air pressure differential inside the cavity wall or behind the cavity wall is critical to maintaining the function of the system. A sensor 904 may be positioned in other locations within the joint seal 100 to provide beneficial data. A sensor 904 may be positioned to provide prompt notice of detection of heat outside typical operating parameters, so as to indicate potential fire or safety issues. Such a positioning would be advantageous in horizontal of confined areas. A sensor 904 so positioned might alternatively be selected to provide moisture penetration data, beneficial in cases of failure or conditions beyond design parameters. The sensor 904 may provide data on moisture content, heat or temperature, moisture penetration, and manufacturing details. A sensor 904 may provide notice of exposure from the surface of the joint seal 100 most distant from the base of the joint. A sensor 904 may further provide real time data. Using a moisture sensitive sensor in the joint seal 100 and at critical junctions/connections would allow for active feedback on the waterproofing performance of the joint seal 100. It can also allow for routine verification of the watertightness with a hand-held sensor reader to find leaks before the reach occupied space and to find the source of an existing leak. Often water appears in a location much different than it originates making it difficult to isolate the area causing the leak. A positive reading from the sensor alerts the property owner to the exact locations that have water penetration without or before destructive means of finding the source. The use of a sensor 904 in the joint seal 100 is not limited to identifying water intrusion but also fire, heat loss, air loss, break in joint continuity and other functions that cannot be checked by non-destructive means. Use of a sensor 904 within the joint seal 100 may provide a benefit over the prior art. Impregnated foam materials, which may be used for the elastically-compressible body 102 are known to cure fastest at exposed surfaces, encapsulating moisture remaining inside the elastically-compressible body 102, and creating difficulties in permitting the removal of moisture from within the elastically-compressible body 102. While heating is a known method to addressing these differences in the natural rate of cooling, it unfortunately may cause degradation of the foam in response. Similarly, while forcing air through the elastically-compressible body 102 may be used to address the curing issues, the potential random cell size and structure impedes airflow and impedes predictable results. Addressing the variation in curing is desirable as variations affect quality and performance properties. The use of a sensor 904 within the joint seal 100 may permit use of the heating method while minimizing negative effects. The data from the sensors, such as real-time feedback from the heat, moisture and air pressure sensors, aids in production of a consistent product. Moisture and heat sensitive sensors aid in determining and/or maintaining optimal impregnation densities, airflow properties of the foam during the curing cycle of the foam impregnation. Placement of the sensors 904 into foam at the pre-determined different levels allows for optimum curing allowing for real time changes to temperature, speed and airflow resulting in increased production rates, product quality and traceability of the input variables to that are used to accommodate environmental and raw material changes for each product lots.
(46) The selection of components providing resiliency, compressibility, water-resistance and fire resistance, the joint seal 100 may be constructed to provide sufficient characteristics to obtain fire certification under any of the many standards available. In the United States, these include ASTM International's E 814 and its parallel Underwriter Laboratories UL 1379 Fire Tests of Through-penetration Firestops, ASTM International's E1966 and its parallel Underwriter Laboratories UL 2079 Tests for Fire-Resistance Joint Systems, ASTM International's E 2307 Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus, the tests known as ASTM E 84, UL 723 and NFPA 255 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, ASTM E 90 Standard Practice for Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications, ASTM E 119 and its parallel UL 263 Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, ASTM E 136 Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 C. Combustibility, ASTM E 1399 Tests for Cyclic Movement of Joints, ASTM E 595 Tests for Outgassing in a Vacuum Environment, ASTM G 21 Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi. Some of these test standards are used in particular applications where firestop is to be installed.
(47) Most of these use the Cellulosic time/temperature curve, described by the known equation T=20+345*LOG 8*t+1 where t is time, in minutes, and T is temperature in degrees Celsius including E 814/UL 1379 and E 1966/UL 2079.
(48) E 814/UL 1379 tests a fire-retardant system for fire exposure, temperature change, and resilience and structural integrity after fire exposure the latter is generally identified as the Hose Stream test. Fire exposure, resulting in an F [Time] rating, identifies the time durationrounded down to the last completed hour, along the Cellulosic curve before flame penetrates through the body of the system, provided the system also passes the hose stream test. Common F ratings include 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours Temperature change, resulting in a T [Time] rating, identifies the time for the temperature of the unexposed surface of the system, or any penetrating object, to rise 181 C. above its initial temperature, as measured at the beginning of the test. The rating is intended to represent how long it will take before a combustible item on the non-fireside will catch on fire from heat transfer. In order for a system to obtain a UL 1379 listing, it must pass both the fire endurance F rating and the Hose Stream test. The temperature data is only relevant where building codes require the T to equal the F-rating.
(49) When required, the Hose Steam test is performed after the fire exposure test is completed. In some tests, such as UL 2079, the Hose Stream test is required with wall-to-wall and head-of-wall joints, but not others. This test assesses structural stability following fire exposure as fire exposure may affect air pressure and debris striking the fire-resistant system. The Hose Stream uses a stream of water. The stream is to be delivered through a 64 mm hose and discharged through a National Standard playpipe of corresponding size equipped with a 29 mm discharge tip of the standard-taper, smooth-bore pattern without a shoulder at the orifice consistent with a fixed set of requirements:
(50) TABLE-US-00001 Hourly Fire Rating Water Pressure Duration of Hose Time in Minutes kPa Stream Test sec./m.sup.2 240 time < 480 310 32 120 time < 240 210 16 90 time < 120 210 9.7 time < 90 210 6.5
(51) The nozzle orifice is to be 6.1 m from the center of the exposed surface of the joint system if the nozzle is so located that, when directed at the center, its axis is normal to the surface of the joint system. If the nozzle is unable to be so located, it shall be on a line deviating not more than 30 from the line normal to the center of the joint system. When so located its distance from the center of the joint system is to be less than 6.1 m by an amount equal to 305 mm for each 10 of deviation from the normal. Some test systems, including UL 1379 and UL 2079 also provide for air leakage and water leakage tests, where the rating is made in conjunction with a L and W standard. These further ratings, while optional, are intended to better identify the performance of the system under fire conditions.
(52) When desired, the Air Leakage Test, which produces an L rating and which represents the measure of air leakage through a system prior to fire endurance testing, may be conducted. The L rating is not pass/fail, but rather merely a system property. For Leakage Rating test, air movement through the system at ambient temperature is measured. A second measurement is made after the air temperature in the chamber is increased so that it reaches 177 C. within 15 minutes and 204 C. within 30 minutes. When stabilized at the prescribed air temperature of 2045 C., the air flow through the air flow metering system and the test pressure difference are to be measured and recorded. The barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity of the supply air are also measured and recorded. The air supply flow values are corrected to standard temperature and pressure STP conditions for calculation and reporting purposes. The air leakage through the joint system at each temperature exposure is then expressed as the difference between the total metered air flow and the extraneous chamber leakage. The air leakage rate through the joint system is the quotient of the air leakage divided by the overall length of the joint system in the test assembly.
(53) When desired, the Water Leakage Test produces a W pass-fail rating and which represents an assessment of the watertightness of the system, can be conducted. The test chamber for or the test consists of a well-sealed vessel sufficient to maintain pressure with one open side against which the system is sealed and wherein water can be placed in the container. Since the system will be placed in the test container, its width must be equal to or greater than the exposed length of the system. For the test, the test fixture is within a range of 10 to 32 C. and chamber is sealed to the test sample. Nonhardening mastic compounds, pressure-sensitive tape or rubber gaskets with clamping devices may be used to seal the water leakage test chamber to the test assembly. Thereafter, water, with a permanent dye, is placed in the water leakage test chamber sufficient to cover the systems to a minimum depth of 152 mm. The top of the joint system is sealed by whatever means necessary when the top of the joint system is immersed under water and to prevent passage of water into the joint system. The minimum pressure within the water leakage test chamber shall be 1.3 psi applied for a minimum of 72 hours. The pressure head is measured at the horizontal plane at the top of the water seal. When the test method requires a pressure head greater than that provided by the water inside the water leakage test chamber, the water leakage test chamber is pressurized using pneumatic or hydrostatic pressure. Below the system, a white indicating medium is placed immediately below the system. The leakage of water through the system is denoted by the presence of water or dye on the indicating media or on the underside of the test sample. The system passes if the dyed water does not contact the white medium or the underside of the system during the 72-hour assessment.
(54) Another frequently encountered classification is ASTM E-84 also found as UL 723 and NFPA 255, Surface Burning Characteristics of Burning Materials. A surface burn test identifies the flame spread and smoke development within the classification system. The lower a rating classification, the better fire protection afforded by the system. These classifications are determined as follows:
(55) TABLE-US-00002 Classification Flame Spread Smoke Development A 0-25 0-450 B 26-75 0-450 C 76-199 0-450
(56) UL 2079, Tests for Fire Resistant of Building Joint Systems, comprises a series of tests for assessment for fire resistive building joint system that do not contain other unprotected openings, such as windows and incorporates four different cycling test standards, a fire endurance test for the system, the Hose Stream test for certain systems and the optional air leakage and water leakage tests. This standard is used to evaluate floor-to-floor, floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall and top-of-wall head-of-wall joints for fire-rated construction. As with ASTM E-814, UL 2079 and E-1966 provide, in connection with the fire endurance tests, use of the Cellulosic Curve. UL 2079/E-1966 provides for a rating to the assembly, rather than the convention F and T ratings. Before being subject to the Fire Endurance Test, the same as provided above, the system is subjected to its intended range of movement, which may be none. These classifications are:
(57) TABLE-US-00003 Minimum Movement Minimum cycling Classification number rate cycles Joint Type if used of cycles per minute if used No Classification 0 0 Static Class I 500 1 Thermal Expansion/Contraction Class II 500 10 Wind Sway Class III 100 30 Seismic 400 10 Combination
(58) ASTM E 2307, Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus, is intended to test for a systems ability to impede vertical spread of fire from a floor of origin to that above through the perimeter joint, the joint installed between the exterior wall assembly and the floor assembly. A two-story test structure is used wherein the perimeter joint and wall assembly are exposed to an interior compartment fire and a flame plume from an exterior burner. Test results are generated in F-rating and T-rating. Cycling of the joint may be tested prior to the fire endurance test and an Air Leakage test may also be incorporated.
(59) The joint seal 100 may therefore perform wherein the bottom surface 140 of the joint seal 100 at a maximum joint width increases no more than 181 C. after sixty minutes when the joint seal 100 is exposed to heating according to the equation T=20+345*LOG 8*t+1, where t may be time in minutes and T may be temperature in C.
(60) The joint seal 100 may also perform wherein the bottom surface 140 of the joint seal 100, having a maximum joint width of more than six inches, increases no more than 139 C. after sixty minutes when the joint seal 100 is exposed to heating according to the equation T=20+345*LOG 8*t+1, where t may be time in minutes and T may be temperature in C.
(61) The joint seal 100 may be adapted to be cycled one of 500 times at 1 cycle per minute, 500 times at 10 cycles per minute and 100 cycles at 30 times per minute, without indication of stress, deformation or fatigue.
(62) In other embodiments, the joint seal 100 is configured to pass hurricane force testing to TAS 202/203. Further the joint seal 100 may be designed or configured to pass ASTM E-282, E-331, E-330, E-547 or similar testing to meet the pressure cycling and water resistance requirements up to 5000 Pa or more.
(63) The present disclosure thus provides a dimensional stability, as a result of the reduction of main foam, while requiring less silicone as the elastically-compressible body width 144, defining the size of the top to be coated, is less than that of the convention joint. Additionally, no fixture is required for anchorage. In operation, less strain is imparted to the foam of the main body, while a higher compression is generated, resulting in a tighter seal. Additionally, at the top and bottom of the main body, less strain is introduced in light of the lack of the secondary bodies at those positions. The construction of the present invention further results in the top and bottom being pulled inward against any bowing. This construction results in better recovery as areas of lower compression expand faster than those under higher compression.
(64) Beneficially, the joint seal 100 of the present invention may be horizontally or vertically aligned or in combination and may be used to limit the level of moisture or air penetration to a certain level or area while substantially blocking the moisture or air in a specific region at the surface. The joint seal 100 may also perform symmetrically or asymmetrically based on assembly and material choices. Compared to conventional joint seals, the present joint seal 100 may have a reduced density, a reduced weight when installed, reduced volume of filler or binder, and compression required to function.
(65) The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.