Expansion Joints

Quality Assurance
RAL-GZ 719

Edition January 2010

DEUTSCHES INSTITUT FÜR GÜTESICHERUNG UND KENNZEICHNUNG E.V.

 Expansion Joints

Quality Assurance
RAL-GZ 719

Gütegemeinschaft
Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e.V.
Heinestraße 169
70597 Stuttgart
Tel.: (0711) 9 76 58 – 0
Fax: (0711) 9 76 58 30
Internet: www.qafej.org.

The RAL-GZ 719 quality and test specifications are based on the accepted standards for quality
marks by the „RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V.” (RAL German
Institute for Quality Assurance and Marking) in a test project, assisted by the Federal Minister of
Economics in cooperation with the relevant engineering and industry authorities.

Sankt Augustin, January 2010

RAL Deutsches Institut

für Gütesicherung
und Kennzeichnung e.V.

10.02 6
Inhalt
Seite
Contents

Page Quality levels and test

specifications for fabric expansion joints

1 General ................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Definition of terms .................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Design .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Field of application .................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Designation...................,.......................................................................................... 4
1.5 Details of fixing method ........................................................................................... 4
1.6 Fitting instructions.................................................................................................... 4
2 Quality and test specification
for single-ply fabric expansion joints ....................................................................... 4
2.1 Quality specifications .............................................................................................. 4
2.1.1 Materials .................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.2 Material data sheet ................................................................................................. 4
2.1.3 Production data sheet.............................................................................................. 4
2.1.4 Tightness................................................................................................................. 4
2.1.5 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses ...................................................... 5
2.2 Test specifications ................................................................................................. 5
2.2.1 Design .................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Materials.................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.3 Thermostability........................................................................................................ 5
2.2.4 Chemical resistance................................................................................................ 5
2.2.5 Mechanical characteristics ................................................................................... 5
2.2-6 Tightness ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.7 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses....................................................... 5
3 Quality and test specifications
for multiply fabric expansion joints........................................................................... 5
3.1 Quality specifications .............................................................................................. 5
3.1.1 Materials ................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.2 Material data sheet .................................................................................................. 5
3.1.3 Production data sheet .............................................................................................. 6
3.1.4 Tightness ................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.5 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses ....................................................... 6
3.2 Test specifications.................................................................................................... 6
3.2.1 Design ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.2 Materials .................................................................................................................. 6
3.2.3 Thermostability ........................................................................................................ 6
3.2.4 Chemical resistance................................................................................................. 6
3.2.5 Mechanical characteristics ...................................................................................... 6
3.2.6 Tightness ................................................................................................................. 6
3.2.7 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses....................................................... 6
4 Quality control ......................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Initial inspection ....................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Monitoring by the manufacturer............................................................................... 7
4.3 Monitoring by an independent test centre ................................................................ 7
4.4 Test report ............................................................................................................... 7
4.5 Repeat tests ........................................................................................................... 7
5 Marking ................................................................................................................... 7
6 Amendments ........................................................................................................... 7

Regulalions for the award and use of the expansion joint quality mark

1 Quality basis............................................................................................................ 9
2 Award of mark ........................................................................................................ 9
3 Use .......................................................................................................................... 9
4 Control..................................................................................................................... 9
5 Punishment of infringements .................................................................................. 10
6 Objections................................................................................................................ 10
7 Re-conferment......................................................................................................... 10
8 Amendments ............................................................................................................ 10

Appendix 1 Notice of Obligation ..................... , ................................................................ 11

Appendix 2 Certificate of Conferment ............................................................................... 12

The RAL Institution ............................................................................................................. U3

 Quality levels and test specifications
for fabric expansion joints

General

1.1 Definition of terms

These quality and test specifications apply to fabric expansion joints. Fabric expansion joints are
materials which can be easily deformed in three dimensions by the application of slight pressure.
It is the function of fabric expansion joints to form a tight and flexible connection between pipe ends,
duct ends and any other junctions. They absorb thermal expansion in duct components and the
inevitable dimensional deviations which arise during assembly or from foundation settling.
When connected to fans or blowers, they reduce the transmission of vibrations and structure-borne
noise.

1.1.1 Applicable Standards and regulations

DIN EN 10204 2.2 Metallic products – Types of inspection documents; German version EN
10204:2004, Publication date: 2005-01
DIN 53504 Testing of Rubber and Elastomers -Determination of Tensile Strength,
Maxi-mum Stress, Elongation at Fracture and Stress Values by a Tensile
Test
DIN 53505 Testing of Rubber and Elastomers - Shore A and D Hardness Test
DIN 53508 Testing of Rubber and Elastomers - Accelerated Ageing
DIN ISO 1817 Elastomers - Determination of the Resistance to Liquids
DIN ISO 132 Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Determination of flex cracking and
crack growth (De Mattia) (ISO 132:2005), Publication date: 2008-07

DIN EN ISO 13934- Textiles – Tensile properties of fabrics – Part 1: Determination of maximum
1 force using the strip method (ISO 13934-1:1999); German version EN ISO
13934-1:1999; Publication date: 1999-04

ZfP 1 DECHEMA Non-destructive test methods in chemical plants. Leak tests on apparatus
Information Sheet and components of chemical plants

Furthermore all Technical Information of the Quality Association are available on www.qafej.org.

1.1.2 Structure and function

Fabric expansion joints are

single-ply expansion joints
or multi-ply expansion joints.
Single-ply expansion joints
consist of elastomers or thermoplasts which are joined firmly together by full-surface welding or
vulcanization. They can be of solid design, in which case they are made only of these materials, or
composite designs, in which case they are reinforced with supporting material.
Multi-ply expansion joints
consist of several layers of materials such as:
Thin film, supporting materials. composite materials, coated fabrics and insulation materials
The various layers are loose in the area of the bellow, but they are joined together in the area where
the expansion joint is fixed to its mounting.

1.1.3 Material
Fabric expansion joints consist of thin layers or sheets of thermoplasts or elastomers which are
reinforced by metallic, mineral or synthetic materials (see section 2.1.1 and section 3.1.1 for further
details).

1.2 Design
Fabric expansion joints rnust be designed to absorb such movements as notified to the
manufacturer in all spatial dimensions, magnitudes and frequencies, but must not thereby be
subjected to any tension by the flanges.
The notified conditions such as temperature, pressure and chemical loading have to be considered.
Supporting materials in composite structures are not permitted to impair the mechanical,
chemical or thermal stability of the expansion joint.
In multi-ply expansion joints the layers must be arranged so that the maximum permissible temperature
of each layer is not exceeded by the given temperature distribution.

1.3 Field of application

The field of application is duct work which convey liquid, gaseous or vapour media, including those
carrying or charged with solid particles, such as those found in power Station and plant engineering,
e. g.:
Chemical and petrochemical plant Ventilation plant
Flue gas treatment plant, such as:
- denitrogenizing plant
- flue gas desulphurizing plant
Single-ply expansion joints are particularly well suited for high chemical loading such as occurs, for
example, when the temperature falls below the dew point. They are liquid-tight.

Multy-ply expansion joints are particularly applicable to high thermal loads.

If the fluid medium contains solid particles, the expansion joint must be protected against abrasion by
metal sleeves.
There are limitations to the suitability of single-ply or multy-ply fabric expansion joints used on flanges
subject to strong vibrations(e.g. on vibratory troughs) or subject of continuous cycling from positive
to negative pressure.
As a general rule, fabric expansion joints can only be used within the following ranges:

Distance between Temperature Axial movement Lateral movement Pressure

flanges [°C] [mm] [mm] [hPa]
200 mm ≤ 400 ≤ - 40 mm ≤ + 20 mm ≤ 160 hPa
300mm ≥ 400 ≥ - 60 mm ≥ + 30 mm ≥ 80 hPa

1.4 Designation

The designation of a single-ply fabric expansion joint must include reference to the elastomeric or
thermoplastic material and, if present, the supporting material.
In the case of multi-ply expansion joints, each layer must be designated according to its particular
function.

1.5 Details of fixing method

The manufacturer must give details of the fastening method, in accordance with the operating
conditions quoted by the customer, e. g.:
- surface quality of finish of the connecting flanges
- minimum pitch of the bolt hole
- size and type of bolts
- specification of the maximum and minimum bolt tightening torque, etc.

1.6 Fitting instructions

The manufacturer must issue assembly instructions (irrespective of whether the fitting is carried
out by the manufacturer, the client or a third party). Aside from describing the different procedural
steps, the instructions must also state whether it is necessary to retighten the bolting at its clamping
points after initial pressurization under operating conditions.

2 Quality and test specifications for single-ply fabric expansion joints

2.1 Quality specifications
Single-ply fabric expansion joints must comply with the following requirements.

2.1.1 Materials
Elastomers and thermoplasts

Elastomers are, e, g.:

fluorcarbon rubber (FPM)

ethylene-propylene-terpolymer (EDPM)
butyl rubber(II R, C II R, B II R)
chlorsulphonated polyethylene (GSM)
Thermoplasts are, e. g.:

polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)
polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Support materials are knitted or woven fabrics made of e.g.:

stainless steel
glass
synthetic
fibre composite materials
Alt the materials used by the manufacturer must be listed on the material data sheet.
The manufacturer's specifications, e. g. in his leaflets, must be consistent with the characteristic
data of the material data sheet.

2.1.2 Material data sheet

The material data sheet must contain at least the following characteristic data of the
elastomers/thermoplasts:
(1) An identifiable material designation
(2) The permissible maximum temperature

- in continuous operation
- under critical load
A critical load is defined as a nonrecurring rise in temperature and/or pressure for a maximum
duration of 15 minutes only once in the lifetime.
(3) Chemical resistance
The chemical resistance can be quoted by reference e. g. to the DECHEMA Material Table.
Where individual specifications of chemical resistance are issued with respect to special media, it
is necessary to quote the acting medium, its concentration, its temperature and its duration of
action.
(4) Mechanical characteristic values must be specified in terms of:

- Tensile strength
- elongation at fracture
- shore A hardness

2.1.3 Production data sheet

The production data sheet must list the same materials used for the fabric expansion joint as
are specified in the material data sheet. The production data sheet must include as a minimum:
- the materials used
- the design
- processing instructions
- dimensional specifications

2.1.4 Tightness
Using the fastening method selected by the manufacturer and with the flange surface specified by him,
the expansion joint must be tight in both the bellows and clamping area. "Tight" as used here is
defined by the latest edition of the DECHEMA Information Sheet ZfP 1, Supplementary Sheet 2,
Paragraph 2.2; Bubble method with foaming liquid ("nekal-tight").

2.1.5 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses

The compound material, including its splice/butt joint, must withstand 100,000 reversed bending
cycles.
2.2 Test specifications

2.2.1 Design
The design of the fabric expansion joint must be supported by a drawing or scheme in addition to the
production data sheet.

2.2.2 Materials
The identity of the elastomers/thermoplasts used must be verified in respect to their mechanical
characteristics by a works certificate in conformance with DIN EN 10204/2.2. The identity of the raw
and processed materials must be verified by a works certificate issued by the manufacturer of the
primary product in accordance with DIN EN 10204/2.1.

2.2.3 Thermostability
The test must be based on DIN 53508. The test period shall run for 28 days at the continuous service
temperatures specified for the various elastomers or thermoplasts.
After28 days the elongation at breakpoint must not differ by more than 30 % from the initial value.
After the test period of 28 days there must not be a change of more than +/- Shore A in the hardness
according lo DIN 53 505.

2.2.4 Chemical resistance

The chemical resistance test must be based on DIN ISO 1817. Details concerning the specific
application must be discussed with the independent test centre so that they can be taken into account
in its testing.
The test period shall run for 28 days, with interim results recorded after 7 and 14 days in
accordance with DIN ISO 1817.

The maximum permissible change of hardness is +/- 10 Shore A. After the test period of 28 days the
mass swelling must not exceed 10 %. Should the quoted mass swelling value be exceeded after 28
days, the swelling curve must exhibit an asymptotic approximation to a state of equilibrium. After the
approximation is established, the mass swelling must not exceed 30 % under any circumstances.

2.2.5 Mechanical values

Testing of the mechanical values quoted in the material data sheet must be based on DIN 53504 and
DIN 53505.
2.2.6 Tightness
The flange of the test apparatus must display the same quality of surface specified by the
manufacturer in accordance with Section 2.1.4.
The leak test must be based on the DECHEMA Information Sheet ZfP1, Supplementary Sheet 2
Section 2.2: "Bubble method with foaming liquid".
No bubbles must appear when applying a test pressure equal to one-and-a-half times the nominal
pressure but at least 50 hPa.

2.2.7 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses

Testing of the fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses must be based on DIN ISO 132. The
specimen, however, must be at least 100 mm wide. The samples used in this case do not have a
notch. The frequency shall be 1 Hz per second.
The test must be carried out with the expansion joint material as well as with its seam/joint.
A total of 100.000 cycles must be reached without any signs of damage.
3 Quality and test speciflcations for multiply fabric expansion joints

3.1 Quality specifications

Multiply fabric expansion joints and their connectors must comply with the following requirements.

3.1.1 Materials
(a) Suitable insulation in the form of nonwovens, felts and wovens consisting of e.g.:
- glass fibres
- ceramic fibres
- silicate fibres
(b) Suitable coatings and sealing layers are e. g.:
- nitrile rubber (MBR)
- chloroprene (CR)
- chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM)
- butyl rubber(IIR, C II R, B II R)
- ethylene propylene terpolymer (EDPM)
- fluorcarbon rubber (FPM)
- silicon rubber (O)
- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
(c) Suitable supporting layers in the form of knitted or woven fabrics consisting of e. g.:
- polyester
- aramide
- glass
- stainless steel
All the materials used by the manufacturer must be listed on the material data sheet.
The manufacturer's specifications, e. g. in his leaflets, must be in accordance with the data on the
material data sheet.

3.1.2 Material data sheet

The material data sheet must contain at least the following characteristic data of all the materials
used.

Quality levels and lest specifications

(1) An identifiable material designation
(2) The permissible maximum temperature
- in continuous operation
- under critical load
A critical load is defined as a non-recurring rise in temperature and/or pressure for a maximum
duration of 15 minutes only once in the lifetime.
(3) Resistance to chemicals
Is only relevant for the area in contact with the process media. It can be quoted by reference
e. g. to the DECHEMA Material Table.
Where individual specifications of chemical resistance are issued with respect to special media, it
is necessary to quote the acting medium, its concentration, its temperature, and its duration of
action.
(4) Mechanical strength
is conditional on the supporting layers. It can be quoted in terms of tensile strength or maximum
stress.
3.1.3 Production data sheet
The production data sheet must list the same materials used for the fabric expansion joint as are
specified in the material data sheet.
It must include at least:
- the materials used
- the design
- processing instruction
- dimensional specifications

3.1.4 Tightness
A multiply fabric expansion joint, which is designated as "nekal-tight", must contain one or more
sealing layer/s that is/are nekal-tight under the service conditions specified in the manufacturer's
data sheet. And the nekal-tight finish also applies to the seam splice and clamping areas of the
sealing layer.
Using the fastening method selected by the manufacturer and with the flange surface specified by
him, the expansion joint must be tight in the clamping area. Tight" as used here is defined by the latest
edition of the DECHEMA Information Sheet ZfP 1, Supplementary/ Sheet 2, Section 2.2: Bubble
method with foaming liquid.

3.1.5 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses

The sealing and supporting layers must withstand 10.000 reversed bending cycles in accordance
with the selected expansion joint structure.

3.2 Test specifications

3.2.1 Design

The design of the fabric expansion joint must be verified by a drawing or scheme and by a production
data sheet.

3.2.2 Materials

The identity of the materials used must be verified by a works certificate in conformance with DIN
50049 2.2

3.2.3 Thermostability
The test must be based on DIN 53508. The test period shall run for 28 days at the continuous service
temperature specified for the materials.
After the thermal loading, the tensile strength of the layers must not have fallen below 50 % of the
initial value. The tensile strength of the reinforcing layers must be tested in accordance with DIN EN
ISO 13934-1.
After the thermal loading, the nekal-tight sealing layers must be leak-proof as defined by the leak
test (Section 3.2.6).

3.2.4 Chemical resistance

The chemical resistance test is to be performed as a submerge test referring back to DIN ISO
1817. The resistance to chemicals must be tested in accordance with the specifications in the
material data sheet. Details concerning the specific application must be discussed with the
independent test centre so that they can be taken into account in its testing.
The test period shall run for 28 days.
After the test, the sealing layers designated to be "nekal-tight" must still be leak-proof as defined by
the leak test (see Section 3.2.6).
The tensile strength of the reinforcing layers must not have fallen below 50 % of the initial value.

3.2.5 Mechanical values

Testing of the mechanical values quoted in the material data sheet must be based on DIN EN ISO
13934-1.

3.2.6 Tightness
Sealing layers designated as "nekal-tight" must be subjected to the same leak test as single-layer
expansion joints (see Section 2.2.6).

3.2.7 Fatigue strength under cyclic bending Stresses

Testing of the fatigue strength under cyclic bending stresses must be based on DIN ISO 132. The
specimen must consist of sealing and reinforcing layers in conformance with the selected expansion
joint structure and be at least 100 mm wide. The samples used in this case do not have a notch. The
frequency shall be equal to 1 Hz per second.
A total of 10.000 cycles must be reached without any signs of damage.

4 Quality monitoring
The quality monitoring consists of
- an initial inspection
- monitoring by the manufacturer (internal monitoring) and monitoring by an
independent centre (external monitoring).

4.1 Initial inspection

The initial inspection of the fabric expansion joints consists of tests performed by an independent
test centre (independent monitoring inspection). See Section 4.3 for the scope of the initial
inspection.
4.2 Own quality monitoring (internal monitoring)
Within the scope of his own Quality Assurance monitoring system, the manufacturer must compile
data sheets for all the materials subject to the quality assessment. These data sheets must reflect the
requirements imposed in Sections 2.1 and 3.1.
The manufacturer of the fabric expansion joints is responsible for monitoring his production
continuously. The tests and inspections must be extensive enough to ensure the constant quality
of the expansion joints. The results must be recorded in writing and the records must be kept for a
minimum of five years.

4.3 Monitoring by an independent test centre (external monitoring)

The test centre is instructed by contract to monitor the manufacturer of the fabric expansion joints
at least twice a year. The tests in Sections 2.2.3 to 2.2.7 and in Sections 3.2.3 to 3.2.7 will be
conducted once a year.
At the initial inspection and the regular checks the test centre will
- examine the manufacturer's material and production
date sheets
- perform complete tests
on at least one material but not less than 10 % and not more than three of the materials used from
each of the following material groups:
 single-ply fabric expansion joints
- elastomer/thermoplast
- composite
multilayer fabric expansion joint
- insulation
- sealing layers
- supporting layers
- check in one random sample whether the production sequences comply with the production
data sheet
The samples for the tests and inspections will be drawn from batches (mixtures and fabrics) which
have been cleared for production. The samples must be vulcanized in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, if required, for the tests.

4.4 Test Report

The test centre shall issue a test report on the results of the tests and any repeat tests. One copy is
sent directly to the Gütegemeinschaft (Quality Association) and one to the user of the quality mark.

4.5 Repeat tests

If a manufacturer fails to pass an inspection test a repeat test is to be performed no later than four
weeks after the test results are notified to the user of the quality mark.

If the manufacturer falls to pass the repeat test, the Gütegemeinschaft (Quality Association) shall
take further measures in accordance with its Statutes and regulations.

5 Marking
Fabric expansion joints which comply with these quality and test specifications may be identified
with the following quality mark:
The use of the quality mark shall be governed solely by the Regulations for the Award and Use of the
Expansion Joint Quality Mark of the Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e.V. (Quality
Association for Expansion Joints).
The quality mark must be accompanied by the manufacturer's name (or his mark).

6 Amendments
Amendments to these quality and test specifications must be approved in writing by the RAL. Any
amendments will be notified to the user of the quality mark by the Board and shall take effect after
an acceptable period of notice.
 Regulations
for the Award and Use
of the Expansion Joint Quality Mark

1 Quality basis 3.3 The members of the general meeting may adopt
special provisions for the use of the quality mark in
The basis for the quality mark is formed by the quality and advertising and in joint advertising in order to preserve fair
test specifications for expansion joints. It is amended and competition and prevent abuse of the mark. Direct
revised in accordance with technical Innovation. advertising may not be obstructed by the provisions of
the members. It shall be governed by the same
principles of fair competition.

2 Award 3.4 After Consulting with the RAL, the Quality Committee
can decide to employ the quality mark in a different form for
2.1 The Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren different products.
e.V. can award the right to use the "Expansion Joint Quality
Mark" on manufacturers who make such an application. 3.5 If the right to use the mark is withdrawn, the certificates
of award and all equipment for applying the quality mark
2.2 The application must be submitted in writing must be returned; if there is no entitlement to
to: Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e.V., reimbursement. The same shall apply if the right to use
Heinestrasse 164, 70597 Stuttgart. the quality mark lapses in some other way.
The application must be accompanied by a legally signed
notice of obligation (see appendix I).
4 Control
2.3 The application will be examined by the Quality
Committee. The Quality Committee will instruct sworn 4.1 The Gütegemeinschaft is entitled and undertakes to
experts or on behalf of a government-approved test centre control the use of the quality mark and to observe the quality
to perform the independent inspection required to verify the and test specifications. Proof of the continuity of this control
manufacturer's eligibility. For this purpose the expert or must be submitted to RAL in the form of a control contract
staff of the government-approved test centre shall be entered into with an independent test institute.
permitted in accordance with the quality and test
specifications to make an unannounced tour of the 4.2 Every user of the mark must observe the quality and
applicant's factory, to take samples of products and to ask test specifications and carry out regular inspections. He
for and consult the documents mentioned in the quality and must keep a careful record of the tests carried out in his
test specifications. The expert test centre will draw up a factory. The appointed independent test institute or expert
report on the test results and send it to the applicant and to may consult the records at any time. The user of the mark
the Board of the Gütegemeinschaft. The inspector must shall subject his quality marked products for testing by the
show his credentials before commencing his work. The appointed independent test Institute or expert as often and
costs of the inspection shall be beard by the applicant. as many times as is required by the relevant requirements
of the quality and test specifications. The user shall bear
2.4 If Ihe test result is positive, the Board of the the costs of the inspection.
Gütegemeinschaft shall award the quality mark on the
applicant by proposal of the Quality Committee. The award 4.3 Inspectors may request or take samples at any time
will be certified (appendix 2). If the test result is negative, in the factory of the user of the mark. Requested
the Quality Committee, shall reject the application. They samples must be submitted forthwith. Inspectors shall be
must explain the reasons for their rejection in writing. allowed to tour the factory at any time during production
hours.
4.4 If the results of the inspection are negative or if a
3 Use delivery is rejected, the Quality Committee shall arrange for
the inspection to be repeated. The user of the mark may
3.1 Users of the mark are only allowed to use the quality also request a repeat inspection.
mark for products which comply with the quality and test
specifications. 4.5 The appointed test institute must draw up a test report
on each test result. One copy will be submitted to the
3.2 The Gütegemeinschaft (Quality Association) has Gütegemeinschaft and one to the user of the mark.
sole right to arrange for the production of equipment to
apply the quality mark (metal stamp, coining die, printing 4.6 If deliveries are rejected without reason, the objector
block, lead seals, seal stamps, rubber stamps, etc.), and shall bear the costs of the inspection; if they are
to distribute them or have them distributed to the user of rejected with good reason, the user of the mark shall bear
the mark, and to define exactly the manner of their use. the costs.
5 Punishment of infringements confirmed by the Board within 14 days of hearing the
Quality Committee.
5.1 If the Quality Comrnittee discovers shortcomings in
the quality assurance system, it will propose penalty
measures to the Board of the Gütegemeinschaft. 5.8 The above mentioned penalty measures shall take
Depending on the seriousness of the infringement the immediate effect. Legal action will not cause any delay.
penalties are.

5.1.1 Additional conditions imposed on the manufacturer's

control system
6 Objections
5.1.2 More control by the independent test centre
6.1 Users of the mark can lodge an objection against a
5.1.3 A warning notice of penalty within 4 weeks of its receipt. Such objections
must be addressed to the Quality Committee.
5.1.4 A contractual fine to the sum of € 10.000 maximum
6.2 !f the Quality Committee rejects the objection, the
5.1.5 A temporary or permanent withdrawal of the mark applicant can take legal action within 4 weeks for receiving
notice of the rejection. Section 11 of the Statutes of the
5.2 Users of the mark who infringe against Section 3 or 4 Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e.V. shall
may be warned. apply.

5.3 Instead of a warning it is possible to impose a

contractual fine of up to € 10.000 for each case of
infringement. The contractual penalty must be 7 Re-conferment
remitted to the Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-
Kompensatoren e.V. within14 days of the notice taking If the right to use the mark is withdrawn, at least three
months must pass before it can be re-awarded. The
legal force.
procedure shall be governed by Section 2. but the
5.4 The measures listed in Section 5.1 can be combined. Board of the Gütegemeinschaft may impose additional
conditions.
5.5 The mark will be withdrawn temporarily or permanently
from users who repeatedly or grossly infringe against
Section 3 or 4. The same applies for users of the mark who
delay or obstruct the inspections. 8 Amendments
5.6 The user in question has the right to justify himself These regulations with attached specimens (Notice of
before any measures are taken. Obligation, Certificate of Award) have been approved by
the RAL. Any amendments, including those of an editorial
5.7 In urgent cases the Chariman of the nature, require the prior written approval of the RAL to be
Gütegemeinschaft can withdraw the quality mark effective. After notification by the Board of the
temporarily with immediate effect. Such action must be Gütegemeinschaft, they shall come into force within an
acceptable period of notice.
Appendix - Regulations

Notice of Obligation

1 The undersigned person/company applies herewith to the

Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e. V.

O for membership*)
O for conferment of the right to use the
Quality Mark Expansion Joints

2 The undersigned confirms that he has taken note of

The statutes of the Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e. V.,

the quality mark statutes,
the quality and test specifications for expansion joints,
the regulations for conferment and use of the expansion joint quality
mark, including specimens 1 and 2

and acknowledges them unreservedly as binding

____________________ ____________________________
Place, Date Stamp and Signature

_______________________
*) make a cross if applicable
Appendix 2 – Regulations

Awarding Certificate

The “Gütegemeinschaft Weichstoff-Kompensatoren e. V.“

Herewith awards
Due to the test report of its Quality Committee

_______________________________________________________
(company)

The Quality Mark Expansion Joint

This quality mark, accepted by the

RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V.
(RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Marking)
is protected by the law of trademarks

GÜTEGEMEINSCHAFT WEICHSTOFF-KOMPENSATOREN E. V.

Stuttgart, den

_________________________ ______________________________
Chairman Managing Director