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Test Methods and Specifications

Cover of Modular Bridge Expansion Joints
Modular Bridge Expansion Joints
  • Publication no: ATS-5640-25
  • Published: 14 November 2025
  • Edition: 1.1

Austroads Technical Specification ATS 5640 sets out the requirements for the design, manufacture and installation of Modular Bridge Expansion Joints (MBEJ).

A MBEJ is an expansion joint that consists of a number of transverse beams, known as centre, beams, and seals that are connected to a series of support mechanisms to provide a large movement capacity. Both single and multiple support bar systems are covered in this Specification.

The Contractor must ensure that the MBEJ Manufacturer complies with the requirements of this Specification.

This technical specification can also be downloaded as a Word document.

Edition 1.1 published November 2025

Edition 1.1 amends:

  • Clause 2.1 – AS/NZS 2312 and ASTM D5973 added to list of referenced documents.
  • Clause 3.1 – Definitions of ‘multiple support bar MBEJ’ and ‘single support bar MBEJ’ clarified
  • Clauses 4.1 and 4.3 – Wording clarified
  • Clause 5.28 – Wording clarified

Superseded editions

Edition 1.0 published January 2025

  • 1. Scope
  • 2. Referenced Documents
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Quality System Requirements
  • 5. Design
    • General
    • General Arrangement
    • Design Service Life
    • Limit State Requirements
    • Anchorage
      • Edge beams
      • Support boxes
    • Weld Detailing
    • Seals
    • Noise Under Traffic
    • Lifting Points
    • Exposed Surfaces
    • Pedestrian and Cyclist Requirements
    • Design for Maintenance
  • 6. Design Documentation and Drawings
    • Design Documentation
    • Shop Drawings
  • 7. Constituent Materials and Components
    • General
    • Steel
    • Fasteners
    • Seals
    • Sliding Material
    • Springs
    • Traceability
  • 8. Material Conformity
  • 9. Fabrication of Steelwork
    • General
    • Prototypes
    • Centre Beam Dimensional Checks
    • Tolerances
    • Cutting
    • Drilling
    • Bending
    • Welding
    • Jointing and Assembly
  • 10. Corrosion Protection
    • General
    • Alternate Corrosion Protection System
    • Surfaces Exposed to Traffic
  • 11. Installation of Seals
  • 12. Assembly
  • 13. Transportation, Storage and Handling of the MBEJ
  • 14. Installation of the MBEJ
  • 15. Testing for Watertightness
  • 16. Handover
    • Warranty
    • Maintenance
    • Records
  • Annexure A: Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records
  • Amendment Record
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