Bridge Bearings 2016

SC 472
DESIGN OF BRIDGES

BRIDGE BEARINGS
Lecture No.7

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Introduction
Bearings are provided at the interface between the
superstructure and the substructure in bridges. The main
functions of bearings are:
i). to transmit the vertical loads from the superstructure to
the substructure line piers and abutments
ii). to accommodate movements due to thermal changes
resulting in expansion or contraction
iii). to allow for rotation of the beams or bridge girders
Movements at the bearings may be due to:
- Shrinkage of concrete
- Creep
- Change in temperature
- Horizontal longitudinal forces
- Horizontal transverse forces
- Rotational movement.
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Movements in Bridges

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(a) Movement due to shrinkage of concrete.

Shrinkage of concrete is expressed in mm/m length. Therefore, if
a span of a bridge is 22m and shrinkage is
300 x 10-6 mm/m, then the longitudinal movement is:

Lsh = 22m x 300 x10-6 mm/m = 6.6 x 10-3 mm

This is a permanent movement

(b) Movement due to the temperature

The movement depends on the length of member and the change
in temperature.
Example: For a span of 22m, and coefficient of expansion of 12
x10-6/oC and change in temperature of 30oC, the longitudinal
movement due to temperature change will be
Ltemp = 22 x 12 x 10-6 x 30 = 7.92 x 10-3 mm
The movement is reversible
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(c) Movement due to creep of concrete

Creep in concrete depends on the stresses in the concrete.
Under tensile stress creep will be positive (increase in dimension),
while under compressive stress, the creep will be negative
(decrease in dimensions). Creep also depends on the length of
the concrete member.
Creep property for concrete is expressed per unit length per unit
stress.

Example: For a span L = 22m, and tensile stress of 10N/mm2

and creep of 50 x 10-6 mm/m per N/mm2
The Longitudinal movement due to creep will be:
Lcr = 22 x 50 x 10-6 x 10 = 0.01mm

The movement is permanent

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d) Movement due to Horizontal forces

The movement depends on the length of the member and the
modulus of elasticity.

Example: Span 22m, E= 20x103 N/mm2 and a force of 450kN

and cross section area of the superstructure is 2.39m2

FL 450  10 3  22  10 3
LF    0.207 mm
AE 2.39  10  20  10
6 3

This is reversible movement.

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(e) Rotation Movement

The Rotation at the bearing is due to
- Self weight of the superstructure
- Imposed loads
Due to dead loads the rotations are permanent
Due to imposed loads the rotations are reversible.
Example: Dead load of superstructure is 60kN/m:
WL3 60  22 3 26 ,620
 DL    radians
24 EI 24 EI EI
- Permanent rotation
If the imposed load is 100 kN/m, the reversible rotation is
given by
WL3 100  22 3 44 ,367
 imp    radians
24 EI 24 EI EI
- Reversible rotation:
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TYPES OF BEARINGS
Elastomer: A compound containing natural or chloroprene rubber
with properties similar to those of rubber.
Roller bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of one or more
steel rollers between parallel upper and lower steel plates [see Figs.
2(a), (b)].
Rocker bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of curved surface
in contact with a flat or curved surface, and constrained to prevent
relative horizontal movement The curved surfaces may be cylindrical
or spherical [Figs. 2(c), and (d)]. Rocker bearings permit rotation by
rolling of one part on another.
Knuckle bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of two or more
members with mating curved surfaces. The curved surfaces may be
cylindrical or spherical. [Figures. 2(e), (g, and (h)]. Knuckle bearings
permit rotation by sliding of one part on another.
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Leaf bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of a pin passing

through a number of interleaved plates fixed alternately to the
upper and lower outer bearing plates, Fig. 2f
Sliding bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of two surfaces
sliding one on the other. [Fig. 2(i)].
Elastomeric bearing: A bearing comprising of a block of
elastomer that may be reinforced internally with steel plates, (steel
laminates) which make it a laminated or restrained elastomeric
bearing.
Laminated bearing: An elastomeric bearing reinforced with steel
plates [Fig. 2(j)].
Plain pad bearing An unreinforced elastomeric bearing.
Strip bearing: A plain pad bearing for which the length is at least
ten times the width.
Pot bearing: A bearing consisting essentially of a metal piston
supported by a disc of unreinforced elastomer that is confined
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within a metal cylinder or 'pot' [Fig. 2(k)].
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Rocker Bearing

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Elastomer Bearings
- Current technology of bearings

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Elastomer Bearings

Shape Factor (S): Individual Layer of Elastomer

The shape factor S is a means of taking account of the shape of

the elastomer in strength and deflection calculations. lt is the
ratio of the effective plan area of an elastomeric layer to its
force-free surface area (free to bulge) and is calculated as
shown in (ii) to (iv).

Note that the factors associated with the effective thickness of the
elastomer t. in the expressions given in (ii) to (iv), allow for the fact
that some slip will take place on faces restrained by friction only.

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(ii) Plain pad bearings: For plain pad bearings, the shape factor S,
is given by:
A
S
l pte ….(7.1)

where A = overall plan area of the, bearing

lp = force-free perimeter of the bearing, excluding that of any
holes if these are not later effectively plugged
te = effective thickness of elastomer in compression, which is taken
as 1.8t and t = actual thickness of elastomer
But for a rectangular bearing without holes, the free-force perimeter
is defined by;
lp = 2(a + b) ….(7.1a)
where b is the overall length of the bearing, and
a is the overall width of the bearing.
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(iii)Strip bearings: For strip bearings,

S = a/2t, ….(7.1b)
where a and t, are as defined in (ii) above.

(iv) Laminated bearings [Fig. 2(j)]. For laminated bearings, the shape
factor S for each individual elastomer layer is given by the expression;
Ae
S ….(7.1c)
l pte
where Ae = effective plan area of the bearing, i.e., the plan area common
to elastomer and steel plate, excluding the area of any holes if these are not
later effectively plugged
lp is as defined in (ii) above.
te = effective thickness of an individual elastomer lamination in
compression; it is taken as the actual thickness, ti for inner
layer, and 1.4ti for outer layers. ti is the thickness of an
individual elastomer layer.

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Note that for a rectangular bearing without holes, such as the one shown
in Figure 4,
Ae = ae be ….(7.1d)
lp = 2(a + b)
where b = effective length of the bearing (= length of
reinforcing plates)
a = effective width of the bearing (= width of reinforcing
plates)

Moduli of Eiastomer
Table 1: Typical elastomer moduli
Nominal hardness Shear modulus Bulk modulus
G [N/mm2] E [N/mm2]
IRHD**
50 0.6
60 0.9 2000
70 1.2
**IRHD means - international Rubber Hardness Scale
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The shear modulus G should normally be obtained experimentally. Table 1

gives typical values of G and also an appropriate value for the bulk modulus Eb.
The variation of the shear modulus with low temperatures should be
established by testing. For temperatures below O0C, the values of G may, in
the absence of test data, be taken as equal to the values in Table 1 multiplied
by:

T
1
25 ….(7.2)

where T = minimum shade air temperature (in 0C).

Note: T is negative for temperatures below O0C, the increased value of G

applies only when variations 'in load and displacement take place at low
temperature

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Recommendations on the Design of

Unreinforced Elastomeric Bearings
i. Plan dimensions. The preferred dimensions of elastomeric bearings are
given in Table 2 below. However, interpolation of plan dimensions can be made
if the situation warrants.

Table 2: Standard plan dimensions of elastomeric bearings

Size Width (a) Length (b)
(Index no.) (mm) (mm)
1 160 250
2 160 320
3 200 320
4 200 400
5 250 400
6 250 500
7 320 500
8 320 630
9 400 630
10 400 800 20
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ii. The vertical (axial) stiffness of the elastomer is represented by its shape
factor. The shape factor S of the elastomer is given by the ratio
(Loaded surface area)/(Surface area free to bulge)

ab (7.3)
S
2t ( a  b )
where a = width of pad
b = length of pad
t = thickness of the pad.
iii. Thickness. The thickness of a bearing is governed by its shear movement.
If u is the translational shear deformation (Fig. 4), then
a b
t

t
u
deformation bearing in 3D
Figure 4: Elastomer bearing
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u = t tan  ….(7.4)
Hc  Hs
tan 
GA
where G = modulus of rigidity in N/mm2
Hc= sustained horizontal load in Newton
Hs = sustained dynamic horizontal load in Newton
The value of u should be less than 0.7t, such that t > 1.43u.
iv.Average compressive stress. This is given by

P
m   2GS ….(7.5)
Ae
where
P = total vertical load in Newton
Ae = effective plan area excluding shear deformation in mm2
and
Ae  ( a  u )b ….(7.6)

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v. To prevent slip. The slip of a bearing is due to high horizontal force and
low vertical force. To avoid slip, the following conditions need to be met with
(a)
P  a
m   1   ….(7.7)
Ae  b

(b) H c  H s   f Pc  Ps  ….(7.8)

where
Pc and Ps = sustained and dynamic vertical load, respectively in Newton
Hc and Hs = sustained and dynamic horizontal load,….(7.9)
respectively in Newton
f = coefficient of friction (average value = 0.3).

vi. To prevent overturning or toppling, the thickness, t, of the bearing shall

conform to the following condition
a
t ….(7.9)
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Elastomeric Bearing Size and Loading Data

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Concrete Bearings

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7.2 BASIS FOR SELECTION OF BEARINGS

The successful behaviour of a bridge structure depends to a large

extent upon the functioning of its bearings as anticipated in the
design. The designer should have a clear understanding of the
nature of forces developed in the structure. Accordingly, only the
bearings which can successfully perform the considered functions,
should be selected. When selecting a bearing, the factors listed
below should be carefully considered:
1. High vertical load taking capability
2. Movement capability to cope with horizontal movements
3. Rotational capability

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4. Capability to resist external horizontal forces like wind

forces and centrifugal forces
5. Good seismic resistance, i.e. capability to dissipate energy
at high displacement levels
6. Overall cost (i.e. initial cost, maintenance cost, etc.) should
be low.
7. Aesthetic considerations - low height bearings will add
pleasing looks to a bridge than high bearings
8. Environmental conditions like physical environment should
be considered for proper functioning of bearings during their
lifespan. Roller bearings and sliding bearings face problems
in dusty and desert conditions. Steel bearings should be
avoided in the vicinity of water.
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WORKED EXAMPLES
Example 7.1
Design a mild steel rocker bearing for transmitting the superstructure
reactive load of 1200 kN.
Allowable pressure on bearing block: 3.8 MPa
Permissible bending stress: 0.66fy = 165 MPa
Permissible bearing stress: 100 MPa
Permissible shear stress: 100 MPa

Design Upper leg

Area of the bedplate
Area = load/permissible bearing stress on block
Rocker pin
A = 1200 x 103/3.8 = 315,789.47 mm2 say 320,000 mm2
A bedplate of size 400 mm x 800 mm can be provided. Lower leg
Bed plate
Width D of the Leg Abutment

The load taken by the rocker leg will be almost in the form of line load. It is
taken as 4D N/mm, where D is the width of the leg in mm. Thus, we have
(4D x 800) = 1200 x103 Or D = 375 mm, say 400 mm

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Rocker pin
With reference to Figure 5, the rocker pin is supported by the legs of the
rocker bearing. It will experience bending in between the two legs, so;

Load on one leg = (0.5) x 1200 x 103 = 600 x 103 N

Distance between the upper and lower legs = 25 + 25 + 15 = 65 mm
Bending moment = 600 x 103 x 65 = 39 x 106 Nmm
Section modulus, Z = M/fb = 39 x 106/165 = 236,363.6 mm3 .
Therefore, from

 d3
Z (for circular section)
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d3 = 236,363.6 x (32/)
or
d = 134.02 mm, say 140 mm

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65

Steel Girder
Upper leg
50

pin
Rocker pin

Lower leg Lower leg

Bed plate
Abutment
t

Rocker Bearing and Reaction Transfer to pin

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Check for bearing stress

Bearing area of the pin = thickness of the leg x diameter
Ab = 50 x 140 = 7000 mm2
Bearing stress = load/bearing area

Load on one leg 600  10 3

f b ,a    85.71 N / mm 2  100 N / mm 2
Bearing area 7000
OK

Check for shear stress

Area of cross-section of the pin,


A d2
4
A = 3.1416 x 1402/4 =15,393.80 mm2
Shear stress = 600 x 103/15,393.80 = 38.97 N/mm2 < 100 N/mm2

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Example 7.2
A reaction of 2500 kN is expected at the supports of a 20.0 m span
T-beam bridge. Design the rocker and roller bearing. The other
details are:
Allowable pressure on rollers: 5 N/mm2 / diameter (in mm length)
Bearing pressure on rocker pin: 30 N/mm2
Allowable pressure on bearing plate: 2000 N/mm2
Allowable pressure on concrete bed block: 3.8 N/mm2
Minimum diameter of roller is 75 mm.

Design
Rocker pin
As the minimum diameter stipulated is 75 mm, try a 120 mm diameter
pin.
Bearing area = Lb = 120 Lb
Thus, P = 120 x Lb x bearing pressure
2500 x 103 = 120 x Lb x 30
Hence, Lb = 694 mm, say 700 mm long pin 33
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Steel Girder

Rocker pin

Roller nest
Bed plate
Bed block
900

1200

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Rollers
100 mm diameter rollers can be tried.
If L is the total length of the rollers, load taken by rollers = 5 x L x diameter
Thus, 5 x L x 100 = 2500 x 103
or L = 5000 mm
Provide 6 rollers of 900 mm length each
(Total length provided = 5400 mm).

Total width of the roller nest with a gap of 50 mm between rollers is

= 6 x 100 + 5 x 50 = 850 mm

Allowance should be made for the movement of the rollers on either side,
normally taken as 0.8 mm/m of span = 0.8 x 16 = 12.8 mm,
say 15 mm which is for one side only.

Therefore, for either side = 15 x 2 = 30 mm

Width of the bearing plate = 850 + 30 = 880 mm, say 900 mm
Area of the bed block required = F/σ = (2500 x 103 )/3.8 = 658 x 103 mm2
Adapt a bed block of 1200 mm x 1200 mm (≈ double of the required area).
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Design of Elastomeric Bearing

Elastomer bearing is made from polymer rubber. The bearing can be
unreinforced or reinforced with steel plates embedded in rubber layers. The
bearing is very special as it takes direct compression and shear forces, and
movement by undergoing appropriate deformation. The advantages of
elastomer bearings are:
1. they have no moving part, hence require no maintenance
2. they have small height, therefore reducing the headroom
height which results in reduced cost of the approaches.
3. In case it becomes defective such as splitting or cracking,
it is easily accessed and replaced

Example 7.3
Design an elastomeric unreinforced neoprene pad bearing to suit the
following data: Vertical load (sustained): 200 kN
Vertical load (dynamic): 40 kN
Horizontal force: 60 kN
Modulus of rigidity of elastomer: 1 N/mm2
Friction coefficient: 0.3
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Design

Total vertical load= 200 + 40 = 240 kN

Horizontal force = 60 kN
Select the preferred dimensions from Table 2
a = 250 mm, b = 500 mm
Thickness (t) should be less than a/5,
select a thickness of 30 mm
Area A = 250 x 500 = 125,000 mm2
tan .. = H/GA = (60 x 103)/(1x125,000)=0.48
u = t tan  = 30 tan  = 30 x 0.48 = 14.40 mm
But, t >1.43u > 1.43 x 14.40 = 20.59 < 30 mm,
therefore the design is safe.

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Axial stress ab 250 x 500

Shape factor (s) =   2.77
2t (a  b ) 2 x 30( 250  500)

 m  P / Ae  2GS
Ae  a  u  b  ( 250  14.40)500  117,800mm 2
P  ( 240 x10 3 ) N

240 x10 3
Therefore, m   2.03  2 x 1 x 2.77  5.54.
117 ,800
Therefore, the design is safe.
Pc a 200 x 10 3 250
'm   (1 )   1.697  ( 1   1.5 )
Ae b 117 ,800 500
Hence the design is OK

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Example 7.4
Design an elastomeric unreinforced neoprene pad bearing to
be placed beneath a girder of a bridge to suit the following
given data:
Span of bridge: 15.0 m
Girder dimensions: 300 x 1400 mm
Number of girders: 2
Slab thickness: 300 mm
Number of notional lanes: 2
Width of lane: 3.00 m wide
HB loading: 30 Units
Shear modulus of elastomer: 1.00 N/mm2
Coefficient of friction: 0.35

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