10/24/2024

Learn About Elastomeric Bearing

Various structural components and parts are supported by elastomeric bearings as flexible elements that serve as connections. They transmit force in a vertical direction, allow movement horizontally, and pivot in all directions but horizontal force is applied to their motion.

What is the benefit of Elastomeric Bearing?


In the past, the bridge was constructed from stones or wooden elements. Such a structure having this characteristic can be constructed directly onto the supporting members and the floor slab as well. Furthermore, the structure is used by the current civilization without adequate knowledge of the seismic characteristics of the constructions. When new special materials became available, it was necessary to make constructions to protect against earthquakes (in such a way a variety of supports was invented) and now there are many different kinds of bridges.

Elastomeric bearings are used in most of the construction support work, in which they provide concrete support to transfer the load opposite to the ground. The characteristics of this type of bearing combine several materials and construction properties.


The design of elastomeric bearings has been able to take into account adequate pneumatic pressure to support vertical loads and also has sufficient elastic compressibility to accommodate anticipated deformation. Rubber and steel plates are ideal materials for increasing rigidity and flexibility respectively. In that case, the elastomeric bearings can be strengthened with a soft steel inner plate.


Despite high expectations regarding their performance, elastomeric bearings still require proper deployment instructions. As is widely known, the reinforcement structure of elastomeric bearings allows them to operate under loads of up to 3500 nanometers, with displacement equal to 100 mm, and rotation at 0.04 radians, all of them have a common bending nature.

The necessity of providing Elastomeric Bearing for inclusion in the construction model


The need to figure out the amount of load-bearing deformation that would result should be noted. This indeed makes sense to obtain the required design data. Similar to what has been illustrated, harnessing cutting-edge computer applications for structural analysis and bridge design like Midas CIBIL. Considerable emphasis should however be placed on the rigidity of the finite element models so as not to complicate the iterative processes and maximize the designed provisions


When a structural analysis of a given bridge is performed and both close contact and matching are performed, the characteristics of close contact are naturally linked. This model is used in seismic analysis in particular, where, having an elastic-effect of elastic elements (shock absorbers or other), is an advantage to reducing the operational effects of seismic actions, which must ensure a stable descent especially if the bridge support is stiff. Akogul and Selig (2008) proved this considering the real legs of the model as flexible struts and claimed that the strut may appear as a useless member if lateral flexibility is high relative to the Strut.


Another reason is that one may alert the readers that model reliability should be assumed because one may apply different sizes of software compensations for further extension. 

The important role of elastomeric bearing pads is to ensure the stability of infrastructure

It is therefore a common, though not exclusive, application of elastomeric bearing pads to ensure that the infrastructure remains stable. To accomplish elastomeric bearings, bridges are provided with flexible lining. They are made out of tough and soft materials like neoprene.


Elastomeric Bearing Pads are situated in Intermediate sources (for example struts right here may be defined as bridge beams, as well as peony supports. As their name suggests, they perform the insufficient strength task of transferring loads on the superstructure and allowing its mobility under the conditions of a changed unfavorable environment. Without inflicting harmful stresses, might jeopardize the system’s supporting members and its stability. If the construction material of the bridge’s prosthesis is too stressed, its fracture is a high likelihood.


Bridges do not suffer major breakdowns is not the only function of the flexible gaskets. The cutting cost of cushions can increase the bridge’s lifespan. By the way, this washer will be useful for the state since it will postpone the complete repair of the bridge until necessary. The shoe works as a protective layer for the feet and enables walking over expansive distances.

Elastomeric Bearing in Bridges Design: 


There is a clean jump in physical appreciation of some design parameters that must be determined for the design of elastomeric bearing size.


Other information is described in detail below:


  • The horizontal softness of the elastomeric bearing is kh.

  • Vertical bend of the bearing, concerning the parameter KV, and

  • The elastomeric bearing ability will be able to withstand a vertical load and horizontal thrust.


Among other things, the peak strength of the lead should be determined as well as lead-core elastomeric bearings. To the point of the curve at a certain distance from the specific area and have a positive axis. Thus, precise evaluation of this parameter is rendered by the area of the lead and the yield strength of the lead plug.

Elastomer structures modeling in Bridge Design

Elastomeric bridge bearing pads, as a part of finite element analysis of elastomeric bridge bearings support platforms by Deevin, have to be exercised through severe testing before their application to production because these are major parts for safe and economical support design.


The kind of Deevin simulation software would be used in the virtual testing of flexible gaskets under different design solutions and loads. Hence, it was considered that the support platform shall be made from flexible materials supported by steel plates and it will simulate and see three main variants of loading, namely: 1) compression, 2) Shear compression, and 3) Rotary compression.


This can be shown by examining the contour chart; looking at the tension in the stem, and noting that a higher load-carrying capability is obtained by using steel plates.

Material for Elastomeric Bearing:

Bridge pads made of butyl, chlorobutanol, and neoprene are elastomeric and have dimensions of 6 x 12 x 1 inches. Neoprene was a standard pad for bearings and is generally known as elastomeric bearings. Two is the form factor of the pads. This is higher than the minimum of 1.25 according to industry standards. This indicates how stiff the pad is when it is compressed. The ratio is of the area loaded, that is where the pad is pressed, to the area free to bulge. This formula is in Appendix A. If two elastomeric bearings with the same weight pressed by the same compression area and hardness have more room to bulge, then the higher the room to bulge will be the higher the compressing of the pad.


The elastomeric bridge bearings tested were two levels of hardness: 60 ± 5, based on Shore "A" hardness; and 70 ± 5. The butyl and neoprene pads met the requirements of specialization (Appendix B). Although the chloro butyl pad had less tensile strength, it is still doing well under load like the butyl and neoprene pads. It means tensile strength alone cannot be used as a predictor for the good performance of elastomeric bearings in bridges or how long the life of elastomeric bearings might be under real-world conditions, which is excellent for their durability in various applications.

Why are steel plates placed between layers in elastomeric bearings?


Pre-welded steel plates could be used inside elastomeric bearings for better performance and longer duration. The plates inside the rubber pads provide them with additional strength to prevent their overdrawing when pressed by heavy things such as a bridge. Steel plates also keep bearings in place when they get squished and prevent them from bulging too much.


In the test, there were steel plates sandwiched between the rubber pads and concrete blocks. The pads handle the heavy weight pushing down and handing sideways forces that come through when the bridge expands or contracts. In this manner, the bearing stays strong and balanced, limiting the bending or breaking of the steel plates.


Designing elastomeric bridge bearings requires different materials and configurations for optimal performance and long life. Among them, the incorporation of steel plates holds a special significance. For reinforcement of the rubber pads, these plates strengthen and stiffen such bearings to negotiate dynamically applied loads and movements in structural applications. The reason behind the use of those steel plates must first be understood to appreciate the overall functioning and reliability of elastomeric bearings used in the construction structure.

Deevin's Elastomeric Bearings

Deevin elastomeric bearings are elastic contact between the structural elements and are widely applied in construction. They effectively transmit vertical forces, take up horizontal movements, allow any direction of rotation of the structure, and resist horizontal forces up to certain limits.


Types of elastomeric bearings:

  • Standard elastomeric bearings: Elastomeric bearing pads have 2 to 12 layers of special rubber stuck to the steel plates. They can be made of natural rubber and are known as chloroprene rubber.


  • Each bearing is molded just so, with steel plates covered on the sides by at least 4 millimeters of rubber on the outer edges and also 2.5 millimeters on the outer layers is referred to as type B- and can have higher outer edges, known as type C. They can also differ in shape, like rectangles, squares, or circles, according to the needs of the building.

  • Bearings with anchor plates: Elastomeric bearings can be prepared in different methods to accommodate different types of connections:


  • Corrugated outer plates: These are wavy plates making a thin connection

  • Outer plates, anchor plates, and connection devices: This configuration consists of special plates holding everything together.

  • Plates, anchor plates, and shear discs: That also entails plates coupled with the addition of round discs that support movement.


  • Plain pad bearings: Elastomeric bearings in bridges have solid rubber blocks that can be either natural rubber or chloroprene rubber. 


  • They can be given any of a number of shapes that include rectangles, squares, or strip forms and can be used where necessary to the building. They are mainly used in buildings to hold them up.


  • Restrained bearings: If steel guides are applied and welded to the anchor plate, they will help in bearing heavier side-to-side and front-to-back forces. This means that the bearings can carry much weight and keep everything level in both directions.

  • Bearings with sliding surface: Special elastomer bearings would then be designed with added features if the bridges have to move quite a lot. You can add a smooth, slippery sheet called PTFE that sticks to the rubber. Otherwise, you may also apply a steel plate so that everything will slide easily, and in this way, the bridge will not get stuck as soon as it starts moving, because it will have a smooth sliding action against the steel.

Advantages of elastomeric bearing with Deevin Seismic System Pvt. Ltd


  • Temperature Range: It can perform in cold temperatures of (-25°C chloroprene, -40°C on natural rubber) and hot weather of (+50° Celsius, peaking at +70° Celsius).

  • Long Lasting: No special care is required and very long-lasting.

  • Rust Protection: Contains metal plates to prevent or protect it against rust.

  • Careful Design: Made in a careful design process rubber and metal work well.

  • Twist and Turn: Much can be moved before breaking (up to 30 meters).

  • Safe and Strong: Made in accordance with worldwide safety standards and carries a special sticker - CE marking.

  • Fixing of Elastomeric Bearings for Bridges: It will effectively fix the elastomeric bearing of the bridge into a safe and smooth movement, allowing flexibility while there is weight and structural movement to support it.

Why Deevin Elastomeric bearings for the next project?

 

Designing, testing, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are included in our portfolio. Our cost-effective products can withstand moderate vertical loads up to 12,000 kN, accommodate movements of ± 250 mm, and pass on up to horizontal forces of 800 kN. Our solutions are designed to perform well under dynamic loads and reduce the acceleration transmitted to the superstructure. 


Thus, our solutions can be termed effective dynamic isolators for buildings and structures. We aim to achieve customer satisfaction and work under a one-stop shop mode for quality bridge construction materials, which comprises products such as bridge bearings, expansion joints, and pre- and post-tensioning components. All the manufactured products shall comprise high-grade raw materials acquired from preferred suppliers to maintain top-class quality.


Lastly, we at Deevin Seismic Systems Pvt. Ltd. believe that our project on the development of elastomeric bearing pads for bridges would enhance the safety of bridges, reservoirs, and roads remarkably. Our quest for success is to quality and reliability; powered by innovation and passion; we see a future where our products stand at the very best. Toward this end, our mission remains to consistently offer high-quality manufacturing solutions, and services on schedule, and competitive prices. We are dedicated to serving our customers with the best possible products and therefore our goal is full customer satisfaction through the systemic improvement of every aspect of our operations.