摘要 |
An expansion joint for a parking structure includes first and second rails for mounting on adjacent slabs at opposite sides of a gap therebetween and a cover plate that overlies the rails and covers the gap while permitting relative movement between the slabs. A series of turnbars are pivotally coupled to the underside of the cover plate using ball and socket joints so that lateral loads imposed on the cover plate are transmitted directly into the turnbars, minimizing the risk of shear failure between the cover plate and the turnbars. At the same time, the ball and socket joints allow the cover plate and turnbars to tip with respect to one another. The turnbars have spherical end portions that are received in complimentary channels in the respective rails so that the turnbars maintain the cover plate centered over the gap.
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