Title:
Performance of Natural Rubber Bridge Bearing Pads - Current Laboratory Research
Author(s):
J. N. Chhauda, M. G. Tamhankar, Baby Kuriakose, and E. V. Thomas
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
70
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
389-415
Keywords:
bridge bearings; bridges (structures) compression tests; field tests; pads; performance tests; plastics, polymers and resins; research; rubber; shear tests; specifications.
DOI:
10.14359/17420
Date:
1/1/1981
Abstract:
Paper reports findings of the research investigation carried out to develop natural rubber compound for bridge bearings. Seven different type of compounds were formulated and these were subjected to material and structural testing in accordance with the prescribed specifications. Scope of the structural tests included static compression and shear as well as dynamic and field tests. The paper presents observations on the material properties vis-a-vis ingredients of the compounds supported by the corresponding structural tests. Studies indicated that a specially compounded NR vulcanizate with a semi efficient vulcanizing system can give bearing pads which will meet the desired specifications. NR bridge bearing pads prepared from the selected compound exhibited structural properties comparable to the commercially available synthetic rubber pads.