Provides comprehensive guidelines and specifications for the design, material selection, testing, and installation of various bridge bearings (including elastomeric, POT, and PTFE sliding types) to ensure proper structural load transfer and accommodation of thermal and seismic movements.
Specifies requirements for the design and selection of various types of bearings used in bridges, providing general guidance where specific bearing standards do not apply.
Quick Reference Values
shear modulus elastomer0.9 to 1.1 MPa
max compressive stress elastomer15 MPa
max ptfe friction coefficient0.05
min cover to internal steel plates6 mm
typical shape factor range5 to 12
Key Formulas
S = (a * b) / (2 * t * (a + b)) — Shape factor for rectangular bearing
Δ_s = V / (G * A) — Shear deflection
σ_c = P / (a * b) — Average compressive stress
Practical Notes
Ensure the concrete pedestal is perfectly leveled and cured before installing the bearing to avoid uneven stress distribution.
Elastomeric bearings must be protected from direct sunlight, oils, and harsh chemicals during transport and site storage.
Always account for long-term creep, shrinkage, and temperature gradients of the bridge deck when calculating maximum bearing movement capacities.