Which joint type allows for movement in both parallel and perpendicular directions?

Prepare for the NHI Bridge Safety Inspection Exam for In-Service Bridges. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

The correct choice reflects the unique design of cellular joint seals, which are specifically engineered to accommodate movement in both parallel and perpendicular directions. This capability is essential in bridge design, where varying loads, temperature changes, and structural movements necessitate flexibility in the joints to ensure the integrity of the bridge structure and to prevent damage.

Cellular joint seals are composed of materials that can compress and expand, facilitating two-dimensional movement. This allows them to effectively manage the stresses resulting from thermal expansion, contraction, and other dynamic forces acting on a bridge. The design typically includes an elastomeric material that covers the joint gap, maintaining a seal to protect against water and debris while allowing the necessary movements.

In contrast, other joint types like compression joints and strip seals primarily allow for limited movement, focusing more on either vertical or horizontal adjustments but not both simultaneously. Expansion joints also allow movement but are primarily designed to address length changes due to thermal effects, without the same capacity for perpendicular movement as seen in cellular joint seals. Understanding these nuances in joint design is crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of bridge structures.

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