A U.S. phenomenon: Tall, slender bridge rocker bearings

Bridge rocker bearings are relatively small structural components that support the gravity loads of bridge superstructures and, by tilting, accomodate longitudinal thermal expansion and contraction of the superstructures without imposing stresses into the substructure and foundation. In the U.S., tall, slender rocker bearings were utilized in the design of a number of bridges since the late 1950s through the early 1980s. It turned out that these bearings are critical components whose failures lead to disproportionate failures of bridge superstructures. The article points out what had not been foreseen by the structural designers when these bearings were designed forty to fifty-five years ago.

• Authors:
  • Cohen, J M
• Publication Date: 2013-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 931-3
• Serial:
  • Stahlbau
  • Volume: 82
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: Ernst (Wilhelm) and Sohn

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge bearings; Bridges; Design; Failure
• Geographic Terms: United States
• ITRD Terms: 3415: Bearing (bridge); 3455: Bridge; 9011: Design (overall design); 5520: Failure; 8122: USA
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01505908
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt)
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jan 28 2014 9:20AM