The "Hybrid Joint," a flexible device that has proven long-term durability and high water resistance.
Proven durability of 50 or 100 years through fatigue load testing!
The Hybrid Joint NS-LL type and 3LIIA type have been tested under the fatigue durability test specified by NEXCO, confirming a durability of 50 years after 6 million load cycles. Furthermore, the 3LIIA type will undergo another fatigue loading test in November 2024. After 12 million load cycles, a durability of 100 years has been confirmed! This proves its ultra-long-term durability. Traditionally, expansion joints are often required to have a durability of around 30 years, but bridges are expected to last 100 years, so it is undeniable that expansion joints can shorten the lifespan of bridges. Our product, the Hybrid Joint, contributes to extending the lifespan of the expansion joint itself, thereby reducing lifecycle costs and promoting the longevity of bridges. We offer a wide range of products from small to large, accommodating expansion amounts from 20mm to 600mm. 【NS-LL Type Features】 ○ 50 years of durability and water-tightness ○ Ultra-low noise and low vibration ○ Steel vertical shape 【3LIIA Type Features】 ○ 100 years of durability ○ 50 years of water-tightness ○ Large expansion amount and wide gap For more details, please contact us or request a catalog.
basic information
【Features】 ○ Compatible with small bridges to long bridges ○ Usable for all types of bridges ○ Ultra-low noise and comfortable driving ○ Long-term durability and maintenance-free ○ High water resistance ○ Safe and easy installation ○ Replaceable ○ Economical
Price range
Delivery Time
Model number/Brand name
Hybrid Joint NS, S, L, LL, 3LIIA Type
Applications/Examples of results
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, NEXCO, urban expressways, and other public organizations, including local governments, have adopted this nationwide. It can also be used for shopping center ramps and similar applications.
Line up（20）
| Model number | overview |
|---|---|
| NS-20 | Expansion amount 20mm (±10mm) |
| S-30 | Expansion amount 30mm (±15mm) |
| S-40 | Expansion amount 40mm (±20mm) |
| S-50 | Expansion amount 50mm (±25mm) |
| L-60 | Expansion and contraction amount 60mm (±30mm) |
| L-70 | Expansion amount 70mm (±35mm) |
| L-80 | Expansion amount 80mm (±40mm) |
| L-90 | Expansion amount 90mm (±45mm) |
| L-100 | Expansion amount 100mm (±50mm) |
| LL-125 | Expansion amount 125mm (±62.5mm) |
| LL-150 | Expansion amount 150mm (±75mm) |
| LL-175 | Expansion amount 175mm (±87.5mm) |
| 3LIIA-200 | Expansion amount 200mm (±100mm) |
| 3LIIA-250 | Expansion amount 250mm (±125mm) |
| 3LIIA-300 | Expansion amount 300mm (±150mm) |
| 3LIIA-350 | Expansion amount 350mm (±175mm) |
| 3LIIA-400 | Expansion amount 400mm (±200mm) |
| 3LIIA-450 | Expansion amount 450mm (±225mm) |
| 3LIIA-500 | Expansion and contraction amount 500mm (±250mm) |
| 3LIIA-600 | Expansion amount 600mm (±300mm) |
catalog（7）
Download All Catalogs
News about this product（3）
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Ten years since the Kumamoto earthquake - The "Hybrid Joint LL Type" expansion device adopted for the new Aso Ohashi Bridge, designed to accommodate fault displacement.
The main shock of the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred in the early hours of April 16, 2016, caused the Aso Ohashi Bridge to collapse, significantly impacting local transportation. Following recovery efforts, the New Aso Ohashi Bridge was opened in 2021. In the New Aso Ohashi Bridge, structures that can accommodate future fault displacements have been incorporated, such as the use of a steel simple box girder bridge over the fault. Additionally, the expansion joints installed at the bridge's seams are designed to follow fault displacements. Our bridge expansion joint, the "Hybrid Joint LL Type," has been adopted for this New Aso Ohashi Bridge, contributing to the safety and functionality of the bridge while accommodating large displacements. Japan is a country prone to earthquakes, and bridge design requires ensuring safety against Level 1 seismic motion (earthquakes occurring during the service period) and Level 2 seismic motion (maximum class earthquakes). Moving forward, our company will continue to provide technologies that support the safety and security of social infrastructure.
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Notice of specification changes and expansion of application conditions for "Hybrid Joint LL Type"
This time, Crittec Industries has implemented changes to the product specifications and expanded the application conditions for the bridge expansion device "Hybrid Joint" in the "LL type (LL-125, LL-150, LL-175)." With this specification change, we have improved workability and made it possible to accommodate a wider slab gap than before. ■ Main Changes 1. Change in Anchor Rebar Arrangement To further enhance the structural stability of the product, we have optimized the arrangement of the anchor rebar. 2. Expansion of Applicable Slab Gaps By reviewing the design and structure, we have expanded the range of applicable slab gaps for each model. This increases flexibility in product selection during design and allows for adaptation to a wider range of bridge conditions. ■ Changes to Applicable Slab Gaps The numerical values for the applicable conditions (applicable slab gaps) before and after the changes for each model are as stated in the PDF of the release. ■ Future Developments With this specification change, the LL type has evolved into a product that can meet more severe conditions and diverse design needs. Our company will continue to promote technological development that contributes to the longevity of infrastructure.
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On February 26, 2026, an advertisement for the bridge expansion device "Hybrid Joint" was published in the Tohoku 6 Prefectures edition of the Sankei Shimbun, demonstrating a durability of 100 years (3LII type) verified by a third-party organization.
Crittec Industries Co., Ltd. published a newspaper advertisement (black and white, full-page 15 columns) for the bridge expansion device "Hybrid Joint" in the February 26, 2026 issue of the Sankei Shimbun Tohoku 6 Prefectures edition. In Japan, the number of bridges over 50 years old is rapidly increasing, making the longevity of bridges a critical issue. The expansion devices, which are considered a cause of bridge damage, require high water-tightness and long-term durability. Our expansion device "Hybrid Joint" offers multiple types tailored to different bridge types and conditions. Among them, the "Hybrid Joint 3LII type" has demonstrated a durability of 100 years in fatigue loading tests conducted by a third-party organization. It has successfully passed 12 million cycles of repeated loading at a maximum load of 260 kN, confirming performance equivalent to a 100-year design service life for bridges. We have numerous delivery records in the six Tohoku prefectures and can accommodate a wide range of bridge types, including steel and PC bridges. The special website linked to the advertisement allows for the review of detailed materials and inquiries or requests for documents. Please make use of it for comparing and considering bridge renewal and repair plans. Crittec Industries will continue to contribute to the longevity of bridges nationwide, starting with the Tohoku region.
Distributors
CRETEC, a company under Crittec Industries, was born from the combination of Create (creation) and Technology. As a comprehensive manufacturer of bridge expansion devices, we continue to develop expansion devices that contribute to the longevity of bridges and environmental protection. Moreover, we do not stop at product manufacturing; by consistently handling everything from research, design, manufacturing, sales, to construction in-house, we can manufacture and install expansion devices that meet the requests of our clients and general contractors, as well as the conditions and environments of the bridges and roads on-site. We also take into account the issues that arise during the installation of expansion devices and the damage conditions of existing devices that are removed, using this information to improve and develop our products. Please feel free to contact us for inquiries about bridge expansion devices, requests for materials, or estimates. ◆ What is a bridge expansion device? It is a component installed in the gap between the bridge abutment and the bridge girder, or between bridge girders. When designing a bridge, it is necessary to create a gap to prevent the bridge girders from colliding due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. The bridge expansion device is required to cover this gap and ensure safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians.
