Development of an Effective Poured-in-Place Sealant for Concrete Joints

Abstract

Some years ago, Thiokol began an active program to determine the physical properties and aging characteristics needed for an effective poured-in-place joint sealant system. Initial investigations were carried out in the field to determine the types of problems that occurred. Our ultimate goal was a series of laboratory tests that would screen sealants. Economics dictated this approach, provided laboratory data was a relative measure of field performance. Periodic photographs of both the commercial and laboratory sealants, which were installed in the field, comprised an accurate record of the types of sealant failures that developed.