Pavement Inspection

Joint Seal Damage

Joint seal damage is any condition that enables soil or rocks to accumulate in the joints or allows significant water infiltration. Accumulation of incompressible materials prevents the slab from expanding and may result in buckling, shattering, or spalling. A pliable joint filler bonded to the edges of the slabs protects the joints from material accumulation and prevents water from seeping down and softening the foundation supporting the slab. Typical types of joint seal damage include stripping of joint sealant, extrusion of joint sealant, weed growth, hardening of the filler (oxidation), loss of bond to the slab edges, and lack or absence of sealant in the joint.

Severity	Description
Low	Joint sealant is in generally good condition throughout section. Sealant is performing well, with only minor damage. Joint seal damage is low severity if a few of the joints have sealer, which has debonded from, but is still in contact with, the joint edge. This condition exists if a knife blade can be inserted between sealer and joint face without resistance.
Medium	Joint sealant is in generally fair condition over the entire section, with one or more of the above types of damage occurring to a moderate degree. Sealant needs replacement within 2 years. Joint seal damage is medium severity if a few of the joints have any of the following conditions: joint sealer is in place, but water access is possible through visible openings no more than 1/8 in (3 mm) wide (if a knife blade cannot be inserted easily between sealer and joint face, this condition does not exist); pumping debris are evident at the joint; joint sealer is oxidized and “lifeless” but pliable (like a rope ), and generally fill the joint opening; or vegetation in the joint is obvious but does not obscure the joint opening.
High	Joint sealant is in generally poor condition over the entire section, with one or more of the above types of damage occurring to a severe degree. Sealant needs immediate replacement. Joint seal damage is at high severity if 10% or more of the joint sealer exceeds limiting criteria listed above or if 10% or more of sealer is missing.