Instrumented Elastomeric Bridge Bearings

Book excerpt: This report presents the results of tests and analyses performed on elastomeric bridge bearings. The focus of this research was the measurement of bearing deformations in the field and assessment of the feasibility of using instrumented elastomeric bearings to monitor bridge condition. The bearing deformations were successful measured in the field during the deck concrete pour and a static truck test. Shear, compression, rotation, and fatigue tests have been carried out in the laboratory and at the manufacturer's facility. Full scale bearings (shape factor 11) were tested at the manufacturer and installed in the field. Model bearings (shape factor 11 and one-quarter the plan area of the full scale bearings) were tested at the manufacturer and in the laboratory. Test bearings (shape factors 5,7, and 10) were tested in the laboratory. The bearing material was 50 Durometer neoprene. The analyses support the testing and considered the bridge-bearing system. The stiffnesses of the bearings are explicitly included in the analyses. A singular characteristic of this experimental research is the focus on the in-service behavior of the bearings.