Neolon XPE Expansion Joint
Remove the stress and replace with reliability.
What is Electrolysis and galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic Corrosion is the corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are used together in a structure and exposed to an electrolyte (salt water, chemical, petrol) and the less noble of the 2 metals will corrode. For example; aluminum sheet with steel fasteners on a boat. Some pairings of metals are more at risk of galvanic corrosion. Check a galvanic series or chart.
Electrolysis is the acceleration of the galvanic corrosion when electricity is introduced to the metals in question. Connected by an external electrical source, the less noble metal experiences accelerated galvanic corrosion.
while both processes involve metals and electrolytes, their dependence on an external voltage source distinguishes them.
PJ Bowers Neolon XPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) and Neofoam PE (Polyethylene) foams are commonly used as civil construction expansion joints. These foams are lightweight, flexible and resilient providing the necessary expansion and contraction qualities needed between concrete structures while ensuring water resistance and durability.
Why Use Neolon or Neofoam Foam for Construction Expansion Joints?
Both Neolon XPE and Neofoam PE foams are used as construction expansion joints because they provide several benefits including:
· Flexibility: Compression and expansion to prevent cracking of the surrounding materials is paramount. Construction materials such as concrete can expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations.
· Durability: When used in harsh outdoor conditions, resistance to water and chemicals as well as longevity is needed which are core features of both Neolon XPE and Neofoam PE.
· Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Ease of workability and installation helps reduce labour costs and time during construction when multiple tasks underway.
· Shock Absorption: Absorption of mechanical stress to prevent damage to surrounding materials is critical and needs to be relied on long after the project is completed.
· Cost-effective: Affordability and long-term savings due to durability is always needed.
What Foam is Best for Use in Construction Expansion Joints?
Neolon XPE foam is often considered the best foam for construction expansion joints due to:
· Superior Strength: The cross-linked structure of Neolon XPE provides better compression strength, durability, and temperature resistance.
· Water and Chemical Resistance: Neolon XPE prevents moisture and chemical ingress, which can cause deterioration in concrete.
· Longevity: Neolon XPE foam outlasts many other types of foam in harsh conditions with accelerated age testing results showing over 20 years lifespan!
Neolon XPE foam is also available as:
Foil Faced
An optional foil thermal insulation face which deflects heat sources often used in marine, construction, air conditioning and automotive applications.
StickyBack
An optional adhesive backing acts as an extra set of hands to hold foams in place. Available by custom order on just about any of our foams.
Custom Cut-to-Size
Expansion Joints
Tell us the size you require and we will make your expansion joint to suit your specifications.
BridgeFoam
An off the shelf, construction certified, bridge expansion joint available in Neolon XPE or
open cell foam.
Learn more
Where are Construction Expansion Joints Used?
Expansion joints are critical in structures where materials like concrete, metal, or wood expand and contract due to changes in temperature, moisture or pressure. Common areas include:
· Bridges: Expansion joints allow for movement between sections of the bridge, preventing cracks or structural damage.
· Highways and Roads: Used to prevent buckling or cracking of pavement.
· Sidewalks and Pavements: To accommodate thermal expansion and avoid cracks in long stretches of concrete.
· Buildings: In high-rise buildings or large structures, expansion joints allow for movement due to temperature changes or ground shifts.
· Parking Lots and Garages: To manage the movement caused by temperature variations and vehicle loads.
· Water Tanks and Retaining Walls: To prevent stress build-up in the structure.
What are the Benefits of Using Neolon XPE Foam for Construction Expansion Joints?
1. Flexibility and Movement Accommodation: Handles expansion and contraction with the surrounding materials, minimising the risk of cracking and structural damage.
2. Waterproofing: Resistance to water infiltration, preventing moisture from entering joints and causing damage over time.
3. Thermal Insulation: Superb insulator, reducing heat transfer through the joints.
4. Cost-Effective and Easy Installation: Extremely lightweight, easy to handle, and can be installed quickly with minimal labour costs.
5. Durability: Long-term resistance to weather, chemicals, and mechanical wear.
What Alternative Materials Could Be Used for Construction Expansion Joints?
· Rubber: Often used in bridges and highways, rubber can withstand significant movement and has excellent durability. However, it is more expensive and noticeably heavier, therefore more difficult to handle, compared to Neolon XPE expansion joint.
· Neoprene: A type of synthetic rubber that is resistant to weather, chemicals, and oils, neoprene is commonly used in larger infrastructure projects, such as bridge expansion joints however cost and longevity can be an issue with this material when compared to Neolon XPE.
· Cork: Traditionally used in expansion joints for flooring or lightweight structures, cork has good compressibility but is less durable than Neolon XPE and not suited to the harsh Australian environment.
· Asphalt-based Joint Fillers: Asphalt can be used in some types of road and pavement joints, though it’s less flexible than Neolon XPE and may not perform as well in extreme temperatures.
· Silicone or Polyurethane Sealants: These flexible sealants are often used in combination with Neolon XPE foam backer rods to provide additional water resistance and flexibility. Click here for more information on Neolon XPE foam backer rods.
To purchase Neolon XPE expansion joint, visit www.foamproducts.com.au or contact PJ Bowers on sales@pjbowers.com.au.
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