BRIDGE BEARINGS: THE INFLUENCE OF RESEARCH

In view of the present day's more exacting requirements for bridge bearings, and recent research into the use of elastomers and PTFE sliding surfaces, this article examines the requirements of bridge bearings in withstanding loadings and accommodating movements. The effect of their efficiency on expansion joints in bridge decks is noted. The importance of bridge movements due to temperature changes is considered together with methods which have been developed for temperature determination. Descriptions are included of four types of bridge bearing commonly used i.e. elastomeric, PFTE sliding, metal and pot bearings. Reference is made to a new code of practice for bearings to be published as a part of a British standard specification. The results of recent research at TRRL into the effects of compressive and shear forces on four types of elastomeric bearings are presented. Details are given in the text and graphically of an investigation into the influence of various parameters, particularly lubrication and temperature, on the behaviour of PTFE sliding bearings. Increased inspection of bearings and the use of special equipment is considered. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01426168
• Corporate Authors:

  Embankment Press Limited

  Building 59, GEC Estate, East Lane
  Wembley, Middlesex HA9 7TQ,   England 
• Authors:
  • LOE, J A
• Publication Date: 1980-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 14
• Serial:
  • Highways and Public Works
  • Volume: 48
  • Issue Number: 1847
  • Publisher: D.R. Publications Limited
  • ISSN: 0142-6168

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Bridge bearings; Bridge decks; Compression; Design; Elastomers; Forecasting; Friction; Hveem cohesiometer; Loads; Lubrication; Motion; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Shear strength; Shear stress; Specifications; Standards; Stresses; Surveillance; Temperature; Traffic
• Uncontrolled Terms: Shear forces
• Old TRIS Terms: Cohesiometers
• ITRD Terms: 3415: Bearing (bridge); 5532: Compression; 9011: Design (overall design); 7474: Elastomer; 132: Forecast; 5452: Friction; 5567: Load; 5483: Movement; 7404: Polytetrafluoroethylene; 5531: Shear; 187: Specification (standard); 5575: Stress (in material); 9101: Surveillance; 6722: Temperature; 755: Traffic
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00330813
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 15 1981 12:00AM