这些指南为桥梁维护从业者提供了更换、维修和维护小型活动伸缩缝（SMEJ）的详细程序。“小位移”指总位移小于等于4英寸的伸缩缝。SMEJ在桥梁的生命周期中起着重要作用。在多跨桥梁中，它们提供了从一个跨度到另一个跨度的平稳过渡，或从引道到桥面的平稳过渡，并将水和其他化学品引离桥面，远离桥梁。 虽然接缝的成本相对于桥梁的总成本可能很小，但接缝故障的后果可能很严重，因此，人们越来越意识到需要制定维护、维修和更换SMEJ的详细程序。

These guidelines provide bridge maintenance practitioners with detailed procedures for replacing, repairing, and maintaining Small Movement Expansion Joints (SMEJs). "Small movement" is defined as an expansion joint with a total movement of 4 inches or less. SMEJs serve an important function in the life-cycle of a bridge. They provide a smooth transition from one span to another in a multi-span bridge or from the approach roadway to the deck, and they direct water and other chemicals off of the deck and away from the bridge. While the cost of a joint may be small relative to the total cost of the bridge, the consequences of a joint failure can be significant and, as such, there has been a growing awareness of the need to develop detailed procedures for maintaining, repairing, and replacing SMEJs.