Pavement expansion joints .......expanding!

RetiredSoldier · 07-14-2011, 09:13 PM

Hi all. I have some sidewalks around the house that seem to be slowly moving away from each other. The expansion joints have opened to the point that I need to fill the gaps with something to keep water from washing away the base(further washing away). The gaps range from
1 1/2" to 3". I've read online about different gap filling materials, but none seem like the right fix. I've considered using asphalt repair mix compacted with a 2x4 into the joints. Any suggestions are appreciated. Here are the pics:

Ron6519 · 07-14-2011, 09:52 PM

Have you had excessive rain or drought there?
Is the soil moisture sensitive as in a clay based soil?

RetiredSoldier · 07-15-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

Have you had excessive rain or drought there?
Is the soil moisture sensitive as in a clay based soil?

We've had periods of heavy rain and then periods of dryness. I have noticed cracks in the ground during dry periods. Could be the clay reacting to dryer than normal weather. There are gaps opening around the perimeter of the pavement.

Bud Cline · 07-15-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

I've considered using asphalt repair mix compacted with a 2x4 into the joints.

Don't do that, it will cause the gaps to grow even more over time.

Fill the gaps with a self-leveling flexible crack filler.

Ron6519 · 07-15-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier

We've had periods of heavy rain and then periods of dryness. I have noticed cracks in the ground during dry periods. Could be the clay reacting to dryer than normal weather. There are gaps opening around the perimeter of the pavement.

The pictures look like patio type blocks. Can they be repositioned? If they can, I would do that and then keep the soil at a consistant moisture level so they don't shift as much. If the soil is as active as you say, there aren't too many products that will stay in place without stabilizing the soil.

RetiredSoldier · 07-16-2011, 07:41 AM

Bud, I'm concerned that the self-leveling filler would not bridge the larger 3" or greater gaps. Even with backer rods. That's why I figured asphalt would be better. Not so?

RetiredSoldier · 07-16-2011, 07:47 AM

Ron, Yes. A few of the peices are blocks installed after the original pavement was done. But most of the pavement is poured slab.
When I lived in Oklahoma, we were advised to water our foundations due to ground movement. Is that the type of thing you are talking about? Should I water the pavement to keep the ground from cracking and moving the slabs?

Bud Cline · 07-16-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Bud, I'm concerned that the self-leveling filler would not bridge the larger 3" or greater gaps.

That's probably true but I don't see any three inch expansions in your pictures, I thought maybe the 3" mention may have been exaggerated a little.

Ron6519 · 07-16-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredSoldier

Ron, Yes. A few of the peices are blocks installed after the original pavement was done. But most of the pavement is poured slab.
When I lived in Oklahoma, we were advised to water our foundations due to ground movement. Is that the type of thing you are talking about? Should I water the pavement to keep the ground from cracking and moving the slabs?

Yes, don't let it get too dry. You can't really keep it from getting too wet, but heavy clay soil by nature doesn't absorb water as fast as sandy or loam soil.
You can look into talking to a soil engineer if the issue becomes a real pain.

RetiredSoldier · 07-17-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Cline

That's probably true but I don't see any three inch expansions in your pictures, I thought maybe the 3" mention may have been exaggerated a little.

Bud, here's an accurate measure of biggest gap.

Ron6519 · 07-17-2011, 10:07 PM

I'd try wetting the soil away from the house and see if it expanded and moved the walkway back towards the house.

Bud Cline · 07-18-2011, 01:12 AM

Quote:

I'd try wetting the soil away from the house and see if it expanded and moved the walkway back towards the house.

There's a good idea...see what happens before you fill anything, some of the gap may close up some.