Development of Repair Method for Joint of Canal Making Use of Rubber Elasticity

Abstract

For repair and longer use of existing concrete canals, an effective method to prevent water leak through joints of canal is needed. Authors have developed a repair method which enhances stability, durability and watertightness of joints with a newly invented section shape of the filling material made of synthetic rubber with high elasticity. Stress distributions in the joint material of various section shapes are examined by FEM analyses for the cases with and without compression from the canal. It is proved that the tensile stress on the surface of the joint material can be prevented for all the cases with a hollow rim structure and appropriate shape and size of apertures. Since the compression state is always maintained on the joint surface exposed to the atmosphere, ozone will not deteriorate the synthetic rubber and high durability of the joint material is expected.