PurposeThe purpose of this guide is to show that by combining the right type of sealant with proper joint design for a particular application and then carefully installing it@ there is every prospect of successfully sealing the joint and keeping it sealed. This report is a guide to what can be done rather than a standard practice@ because in most instances there is more than one choice available. Without specific knowledge of the structure@ its design@ service use@ environment@ and economic constraints@ it is impossible to prescribe a ??best joint design?? or a ??best sealant??. The information contained in this guide is@ however@ based on current practices and experience judged sound by the committee and used by one or more of the many reputable organizations consulted during its compilation. It should therefore be useful in making an enlightened choice of a suitable joint sealing system and to insure that it is then properly detailed@ specified@ installed@ and maintained. No attempt has been made to reference the voluminous literature except for those papers necessary to an understanding of the subject background. The present state of the art of joint sealing and identification of needed research may be found in the proceedings of the 1st and 2nd World Congresses on Joint Sealing and Bearing Systems held in 1981 and 1986.2@3 A glossary of terms that may not be generally familiar is provided in the appendix.?