Title: State-of-the-Art Elastomeric Bridge Bearing Design

Author(s): Charles W. Roeder and John F. Stanton

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 88

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 31-41

Keywords: bearings; bridge bearings; bridges (structures); neoprene; reviews; rubber; structural design; Design

DOI: 10.14359/3086

Date: 1/1/1991

Abstract:
Summarizes the recent research developments and proposed design provisions for elastomeric bridge bearings and correlates them to earlier design methods. Proposed provisions for controlling fatigue, delamination, yield and rupture of reinforcement, stability, and excessive rotation are summarized. Quality control measures needed to sustain these proposed provisions are reviewed, and the effect of low-temperature stiffness on bearing performance is briefly noted. The paper shows that these proposed provisions will result in significant increases on the load capacity and height limitations for elastomeric bridge bearings, and that these increased limits will allow elastomeric bearings to accommodate much larger movements and rotations, resulting in the transmission of smaller forces between the bridge substructure and superstructure. This may afford more economical bridge design because of decreased forces in the foundations and support systems and may yield savings due to fewer problems in maintenance and construction. The provisions may also permit the use of elastomeric bearings in place of more expensive, and sometimes more troublesome, bearing systems.