Omni-flex pipe joint seals (FHWA-OK-96-01) 2700

Abstract

In June, 1991 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) had 16 Omni-Flex pipe joint seals installed in the joints of a reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) section on ODOT Project ACIR??44-2(326)233 in Tulsa. Individual sections of RCP had diameters of 1.5 m (60 in) and lengths of 2.4 m (8 ft) in the area whe.re the seals were installed. The remainder of the joints between RCP sections on this project were scaled with mastic. Mastic is approved for use on ODOT projects, and is widely used in Oklahoma. The 16 joints sealed with Omni-Flex seals?? and an adjacent 16 joints of the same size RCP, scaled with Mastic?? have been nionitored since project completion. Monitoring consisted of inspecting the joints from inside the pipe. Neither section has shown any unusual amow1ts ofleakage or other deterioration which could be considered to be related to performance of the joint seals. _Onmi-Flcx seals have been used on numerous other ODOT projects. where ODOT contractors have been allowed to use them by change .order. Results have been satisfactory in all but one case, where wrnsually large numbers of leaking joints were observed soon after RCP wa() laid. Pipe where the leakage occurred had diameters of 2.7 m (I 08 in) and 2.4 m (96 in). It was not clear whether or not performance of the Omni-Flex seais was a factor in causing the leaks. Based on overall performance of the Omni-Flex devices. ODOT's Res?arch. Development, and Technology Transfer Section reconunendcd their approval a() a contractor option. with possible exce.ptions for large RCP sizes. The Omni-Flex Project Panel approved their use on RCP with diameters of 1.5 m (60 in) and;Sthallcr. A specification providing for their use has been included in the "ODOT 1996 Standard Specifications for Highway Construction" published in October?? 1996.