I MEMO TO DESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994

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11z/trans
Bridge Bearings
Introduction
AASHTO defines a bearing as "a structural device that transmits loads while
facilitating translation and/or rotation".
1
In the past Caltrans has used a variety of
bearings with varying degrees of success. These include rockers, rollers, pins, pots,
steel girder hangers, PTFE/elastomeric, and elastomeric pads. Of all the bearings
mentioned, the reinforced elastomeric bearing (introduced in 19 55) has been the most
widely used the past four decades.
As design trends have shifted toward designs that favor structures with longer frames
and fewer joints for seismic reasons, not to mention the widespread use of curved and
skewed bridges, the demands on bearings have increased. Provisions must be made
for large longitudinal displacements due to temperature, prestress shortening, shrink-
age, creep and seismic activities, as well as rotations produced by changes in camber,
live load. and misalignment of bearing seats due to construction tolerances. In shon,
Designers need a selection of bearing types to handle varying demands.
Increased demands on bearings have led to the development of "new" bearings (post
World War II). Improvements in engineering materials, particularly plastics and
elastomers are largely responsible for the innovative designs and refinements made
in the past three decades. The three "new" bearing types most widely used today in
the United States are pot, spherical and disk. Collectively, these bearings are known
as High Load Multi-Rotational bearings. Of the three bearing systems mentioned,
spherical bearings have the greatest rotation capacity and most trouble-free mainte-
nance record. Pot bearings have been troublesome in the past and are still not
considered trouble-free. Disk bearings on the other hand have fewer documented
failures than pot bearings; however, up until 1992 they were a patented system made
by a single manufacturer. In addition to the three bearings mentioned above, Caltral}S
has used P'IFEJelastomeric bearings on several structures with large longitudinal
displacements.
Supersedes Memo to Designers 7-1 dated November 1989
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Bearing Selection
Bearing selection is influenced by many factors such as loads, geometry, mainte-
nance, available clearance, displacement, rotation, deflection, availability, policy,
designer preference, constru.ction tolerances and cost. The designer must consider all
the applicable variables early in the design stage and design the structure and bearing
as a unified system. Too often bearings are selected at the last minute when forces and
available space are fixed. Such an approach increases the chances of future mainte-
nance problems.
The official policy of the Division of Structures is to avoid using an alternative
bearing system where a conventional reinforced elastomeric pad can provide the
required characteristics through shear deformation. When the practical limits of
elastomeric bearing pads are exceeded, designers should consider using PTFF1
spherical or PTFE/elastomeric bearings. The three bearing systems mentioned
should provide enough versatility to satisfy the design requirements of most struc-
tures designed by the Division of Structures. Other bearing systems may be appro-
priate for special circumstances; designers should consult with the Bearing Technical
Specialist for unique applications.
On widenings, designers are cautioned against mismatching bearing types. It has
been common practice to use elastomeric bearing pads, a yielding bearing, to widen
structures supported on steel rocker bearings, an unyielding bearing. While this
practice has worked satisfactorily on short to moderate length structures, it has
created problems when thick elastomeric bearing pads have been used on structures
with long spans. 6
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Reinforced Elastomeric Bearing Pads
General
Reinforced elastomeric bearing pads, designed in accordance with Bridge Design
Specifications, Section 14. should be considered the preferred type of bearing for all
structures. Thetypical hinge or abutment configurationusing many small elastomeric
bearing pads has proved highJy reliable and redundant. In addition, these bearings are
extremely forgiving of loads and translations exceeding those considered in design.
Designing and Detailing Notes
The following data illustrates our current practice and provides practical information
about elastomeric bearings. In addition, design examples and various charts in this
memo provide background for the Bridge Design Specification.
Pad thickness is determined in increments of
1
h inch. Minimum laminated pad
thickness is one inch. Maximurn laminated pad thickness is 6 inches at abutments and
4 inches at hinges. Plan dimensions (length, width) are determined in two inch
increments. Maximum dimensions should not exceed 30 inches.
The minimum shape factor (S) for any reinforced bearing shall be 5.0. Unless shear
deformation is prevented, the average compressive stress, Oc, in any layer of any
reinforced bearing with an S 5.0 shall not exceed 800 psi. The minimum average
compressive stress due to dead load will not be less than 200 psi. The Transportation
Laboratory has found that as overall pad thickness increases, the compressive
stiffness of the pad decreases although the shape factor is held constant. 3
Rotational stresses may be minimized by specifying the smallest pad width possible
within the limits of the application. Orient rectangular bearing pads so that the long side
is parallel to the axis about which the largest rotation occurs (see Figure 1, page 9).
All pads at a hingeor abutment should be thesamesize, and oriented similarly. Ensure
that the orientation is clearly detailed.
Bearing pads onskewedstructures should beoriented parallel to the principal rotation
axis (see Figure 1 ). When insufficient seat width exists, the bearing pads may be
oriented normal to the support The effects of skew and/or curvature must be
considered. This may result in varying the pad spacing to accommodate the increased
load at the obtuse comer. Minimum loads must be maintained to ensure that slippage
(movement) of the bearing does not occur.
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Slippage will be prevented by maintaining a minimum compressive force five times
greater than the largest possible shear force under all service load conditions
including live load plus impact
The effects of prestress shortening, creep, shrinkage. and thermal movements will be
included in bearing pad designs. The Bridge Design Specifications (Article 14.2.6)
state that the shear deformation shall be taken as the maximum possible deformation
caused by creep, shrinkage. post tensioning, and thermal effects unless a positive slip
apparatus is installed.
Testing at the Transportation Laboratory with positive slip apparatuses have shown
that prestress shortening may be partially accommodated by placing a greased
galvanized sheet metal plate (sliding bearing) above the pad. The plate should extend
a minim urn ofone inch in all directions beyond the calculated movement (See Figure
2, page 1 0.) Long term tests have demonstrated that 50 percent of the total anticipated
prestress shortening may be relieved by this sliding bearing without any significant
shear deformation of the elastomeric bearing pad. The remaining prestress shorten-
ing, creep and shrinkage must be included in the bearing pad design. Note that
prestress shortening may continue beyond the calculated long term shrinkage,
panicularly in the case of shallow structures with depth/span ratios less than 0.04.
The prestress shortening percentage (50 percent) used to design the bearing pad may
be reduced at hinges that have delayed hinge closure pours when the sliding bearing
detail is utilized. The reduction may be calculated by adding 20 weeks to the duration
of the closure pour waiting period and determining a new shortening value from the
prestress shortening curve (Attachment 1).
The designer needs to specify silicone grease on the plans when using the sliding
bearing to differentiate it from the previously used multipurpose, automotive and
industrial greases. Testing at the Transportation Laboratory _has demonstrated that
multipurpose petroleum base greases do not provide the desired sliding effect and
may damage the elastomer because they are absorbed by the pad in a very short period
of time.
Minimum edge distance to any vertical face (backwall. face of abutment or hinge
seat) should be equal to "t" (pad design thickness), or 3 inches. whichever is greater.
For cast-in-place structures, surround the bearing pads with polystyrene of the same
thickness as the actual pad thickness. (See Figure 3. page 10.)
Plain pads are acceptable during stage construction of precast prestressed girder
superstructures that are continuous for live load where in the final condition the bent
cap becomes monolithic with the girders and slab.
PAGE4 BRIDGE BEARINGS
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Steel reinforced and fabric reinforced pads have different design criteria. Where
possible.thedesignershouldpreparebothdesigns(withonesetofdetails)andallow
thecontractorthechoiceasspecifiedinSection51-1.12HoftheStandard Specifica-
tions. Thefollowing isanexampleofanotethatshould beshownontheplans:
"Fabricreinforcedelastomericbearingpads22"x28"x2"orsteelreinforced
elastomericbearingpads20" x 26"x 2" (elastomeronly)."
Inmostcasesthedesignerneednotbeawareoftheincreasein thicknessduetothe
steelreinforcing,sincethedesignthicknessrelatestothethicknessofelastomer,and
changesduetotheactualthicknessaretakencareofinthespecificationsandduring
construction. Exceptions may include retrofit projects wheretheactual thickness
shouldbeshownontheplans.Inthesecasesasub?titutionwouldnotbeallowed,and
theplansshouldstatethisclearly.
Properties of Elastomer
DurometerHardness..........................555*
CreepinCompression.......................25%ofinitialverticaldeflection
ShearModulus(Adjusted)
@ 70F =135psi
@ 20F 1.10x 135 =149psi
@ 0F 1.25x 135 =169psi
@ -20F 1.90x 135 = 257psi
"Shearmodulus(G), isthemostimportantmaterial propertyfordesign, and itis,
therefore,thepreferredmeansofspecifyingtheelastomer.Hardnesshasbeenwidely
used in the past because the test foritis quick and simple. However, the
obtainedfrom itarevariableandcorrelateonlylooselywithshearmodulus."
1
Theshearmodulusof elastomer,obtainedfrom testing,isapproximately100psiat
70F.3 Thedesignvaluewasincreasedto 135psiat70Ftoincludeasafetyfactor
of35percentagainsthorizontaloverloads.Fordesigncalculationsusethemodulus
at0F,(169 psi),unlesstemperatureswillbesubstantiallylower.
*Railroadsrequire605hardnessontheirstructures.Specificationshandlesthechangeandthere
isnochangeindesign.
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Elastomerproperties arein accordance with the Research Report, "ALaboratory
EvaluationofFullSizeElastomericBridgeBearingPads,"datedJune,1974,bythe
TransportationLaboratoryoftheStateofCalifornia,exceptasnoted.
Design Criteria
1. Temperaturemovementshallbecalculatedaspertheexamplesinthismemoran-
dum.Incalculatingmovement,use1
1
htimesthecoefticients,asitisnotpossible
toalwaysplacethepadata"mean"temperature.Riseandfalltemperaturevalues
aregivenintheBridge Design Specifications, Article3.16.
2. Longterm prestressshortening and shrinkageshall beincluded in the bearing
movementcalculation. Prestressshorteningper100feetof contributorylength
willequal0.10feetforposttensionedconcretestructures,andaminimumof0.01
feetforpretensionedconcretestructures.Shortening(shrinkage)ofconventional
reinforcedconcretestructureswillequalaminimumof0.005feetper100feetof
contributorylength.Fiftypercentoftheprestressshorteningmaybediscounted
when theslidingbearing is used.(SeeFigure2,page10.)
3. Padthicknessshallnotexceed
1
13ofthelengthorwidth,orbelessthantwicethe
calculatedhorizontalmovementMaximumthicknessforplainpadsis1;2 inch.
Maximumthicknessforlaminatedpadsis6inchesatabutmentsand4inchesat
hinges. Minimum thickness forlaminated padsis-1inch {two lh-inch layers).
When design procedures require a pad thickness greater than the maximum
recommendedthickness,investigatetheuseofPTFEbearings.
4. Average pressure on the pad shall not exceed 800 psi under a service load
combination ofdead load plus live load notincluding impact. Forsteel rein-
forced bearing padswith a ShapeFactor;;:: 7.5, theaveragepressureshall not
exceed 1,000psi. Minimum pressureon anypaddueto dead loadshallnotbe
lessthan 200psi.
5. Initialverticaldeflection(compressivestrain)shallnotexceed7percent(exclud-
ingtheeffectofrotation)oftheuncompressedthicknessofthepad.
DeterminetheinitialcompressivestrainfromFigure4Aor4B(page11and 12),
"CompressiveStrain,Percentage",usingthecompressivestressandshapefactor.
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Note:
oneloadedsurfacearea
ShapeFactor=---------
totalfree- to- bulgearea
WxL
=----------------------
2(W+L)x(thicknessperlayer)
Where
L = lengthofbearingpadindirectionof horizontal movement;
W = widthofbearingpadnormaltodirectionofhorizontalmovement.
For laminated pads, since the thickness per layer is always
1
12", the formula
reducesto:
WL
ShapeFactor=--
W+L
6. Ifsomecombination ofserviceloads (including live load plus impact) exists
which causes a shear force greater than
1
A ofthe simultaneously occurring
compressiveforce,thebearingshould besecuredagainsthorizontal movement.
Noexperimentaldetenninationhasbeen madeofthestartingfriction between
bearingpadandconcreteorsteel.Butithasbeenobservedinlaboratorytestson
full sizepadsthatslippagedoes notoccurso long as theshearstressdoes not
exceed 1A thecompressivestressactingon theinterfaces.Therefore, theshear
forceinbearingpaddesignsshouldbelimitedto1A theminimumverticalload,
(usuallyDeadLoad).
ElastomericBearingPadCoefficientofFrictionforSeismicAnalysis
" ".:'6. 0 .,,.
'Sf- ...\ ' ... f
0
"': t ) .. ,.
. SeismicanalysisofeXkfuigstructureswithelastomericbearingpadsoften}equirei"
adeterminationof 1Mfrictioncoefficientbetweenthe bearingpadandconcrete
: .
substructure... . . ., .. ,. . .
" 0 . '\
l: .. '"'i;f' ':. .
0
BearingsonnewstructuresarenormallydesignedtoTesistslippagebyl.inlitingthe
shearforceto1/5theininimorhcompressivestressactingontheneoprene/concrete
interface, coeffiCJ.ent.ofJnctionequals0.20. This valueis conservative and
-.
enSuresthat .outofposition underserviceloadconditions.'
However,tlievalueisunconservativelylowforseismicanalysisandshouldnotbe
usedtodeterminesubsrrucrure.forces.
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 7
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,...' :, - ........ .... 1 jib ....... -
. - .. . Friction dePe!identonmany
, ..,' ... -- #"" :::-- ... .iJ/1 il .. ... .., , .... ..
..
. .,. ;.;:-..,.. valuemustbe 'ensure thaf-substrocture<forces are- notunderestiJilatcu.,.A:'
T ( <r ... "" . '{\)',
reviewofseveraltistl'epOrtsindicates thatfiietion coefficients equalto0.40for
,o.
concretetoneoprene'31ld035forsteeltoneopreneinterfacesaremorerealisticvalues
forseismicanalysis.
_. .-: ; ... --: _ " .:
., ' " "'"'4\R'..' . ....; .. . . . ID'!fu ' .
\. " '5 . ' ... ' ... ..,. :;.$\: "
exertedbythebearingpad
through sheartranslation,priortoslippage,anadeterminewhichCas?oo1_1trols.It is
. ;.:... .-..-='estimate<itbatelastomeric willreSistamaximumshearst:raW.of
: tQ fa!!95; ,
;,ela5torriericbeiuiOg?t:ffiristatetl 1 Jttlieifdesignthickness{100perce'iit
- ,.;. <jill!. ...
shearstrain)_
Equations
PadAreaA=LXW
ByDefinition:
ShearForce
ShearModulus=_S_rre_s_s =__ ___ Pa_d_Area
Strain Deflection
PadThickness
Fs
G= A = Fs T
b.s Ab.
- s
T
. FsT GMs
Rearrangmgtenns, d s=- andFs =--
GA T
SubstitutingG=169psi @ 0FandFsmax= Vs DL
PAGE e
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Jr---1//..,.__ Bearing and
principle rotation axis
Plan
Pad at Centerline of Girder
<t.Abutment
Section 8-8
Figure1. Bearing PadOrientation
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tr
Extend galvanized sheet metal plate beyond pad a
sufficient distance to provide for long-term prestress
shortening + 1h temperature movement (1" minimum
in all directions beyond calculated movement)
14 ga. (0.079 in.) galvanized sheet metal.
Coat top of pad with silicone grease.
Figure 2. Sliding Bearing Detail
Expanded polystyrene, same
thickness as bearing pad
Figure 3. Detail
Note: Abutment shown - hinges similar.
PAGE 10 BRIDGE BEARINGS
--------------
--------------
--------------
--------------
--------------
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BRIDGE BEARINGS
700
Shape
Factor
12
600
500
400
300
Rberglass Reinforced
Bearing Pad
55 Durometer Hardness
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Compressive Strain, percentage
Figure 4A. Recommended Compressive Stress vs. Strain Curve
for Fiberglass Reinforced Bearing Pads
PAGE 11
I .. MEMO TO DESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994
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Shape Factor 12
1,000
Shape Factor 6
200
1 2
Figure 48.
3 4
Compressive Strain, percentage
Recommended Compressive Stress vs. Strain Curves
for Steel Reinforced Bearing Pads
PAGE 12 BRIDGE BEARINGS
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Design Procedures
Example 1. Fabric Reinforced Pad, Steel Girder Structure
Given:
SpanLength- oneendflxed =112feet
ContributoryLength-structuralsteel = 112feet
DL Reaction- ServiceLoad = 69kips
LL Reaction- ServiceLoad = 56kips
BottomFlangeWidth = 16inches
ModerateTemperatureZone- Rise andFall = 50F.
Step1. TemperatureMovement=1.5x 0.0000065x 50x 112x 12=0.66"
Step2. ConcreteShonening-NotApplicable(Steel Girder)
Step3. MinimumThicknessofPad=2xhorizontalmovement=2x0.66= 1.32".
TryT= 1.5''.
W =flangewidth=16"
MaximumPressure= DL+ LL = 800psi
WxL
DL+ LL 125 . . U
L = = = . 98mmtmum. se 10
,
.
0.8xW 0.8x16
TrialPad: 10" x 16"x 1.5''
10
MaximumThicknessofPad: '13 of length=-=3.33">1.5''
3
T= 1.5'' Okay
Step4. CompressiveStress
DL+ IL 125,000 .
------ = =781 pst<800
WxL 16x10
CompressiveStress(DeadLoadOnly)
DL 69,000 .
= =431 pSI>200
WxL 16x10
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 13
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Step5. Initial VerticalDeflection
Wx L 16x10
ShapeFactor = = ( ) =6.15 > 5.0
W+L 16+10
FromFigure4A,forcompressivestress=781 psiandShapeFactor=6.1,
initialcompressivestrain is 5.1 percentofpad thickness<7 percent (by
extrapolation).
InitialThickness=1.50- (1.5x 0.051)= 1.42".
FinalThicknessaftercreep=1.42- (1.5x 0.051)x 0.25= 1.40".
Step6. Calculate the maximum shearforce atslippage (minimum compressive
force=DL inthisexample).
DL 69 .
F'smu =-=-=13.8kips
5 5
. S F F. G A ~ s
ActualDes1gn hear orce s = =
T
Modulusx AreaxMovement=169x160x 0.66= 1. kips
1 9
PadThicknessx1, 000 1.5x1,000
11.9kips< 13.8kips
ThereforeT= H-2" Okay.
Specify"FabricReinforcedElastomericBearingPads10"x 16" x1.5''."
Toreduce rotational(compressive)stresses,orientrectangularbearingpadssothat
thelongsideisparalleltotheaxisaboutwhichthelargestrotationoccurs.
Tocompletethedesign,repeatsteps3through6 usingthedesigncriteriaforsteel
reinforcedpads(ifapplicable)andincludethis designonthecontractplans.
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Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bearing Pads
Background
Our policy has been to standardize on lh" layers of elastomer. Until recently, we used
very thin steel plates and a minimal elastomer cover at the top and bottom for the steel
reinforced pads. The minimal thickness of cover and of steel was ignored and the
bearing thickness shown on the plans was the sum of the lh -inch thick layers. This
resulted in a simple, standard Cal trans procedure for the design and manufacture of
both the fabric reinforced and steel reinforced bearing pads.
Steel reinforcement option was removed frorrt the 1981 Standard Specifications because
the bearing manufactures could not properly mold the bearing with the thinsteel plates.
Current Policy
The current specifications for elastomeric bearings permit the use of the steel
reinforced bearing as an option. However, the proper design of the steel reinforced
bearings requires 14 gauge (0.075 inch) steel plates full lh-inch elastomer layers
between the plates and a lA-inch cover top and bottom. These two
1
.4-inch layers are
considered one lh-inch layer for design purposes. Therefore, because ofthe steel plate
thickness. the steel reinforced bearing will always be slightly thicker than the
corresponding fabric reinforced (fiberglass) bearing pad.
Design
Inpermitting the use of the steel reinforced bearing as an option, the specifications
require that the contractor notify the Resident Engineer of their choice. Ifthe steel
reinforced bea.ring is selected, the bearing seat elevation will be adjusted (lowered)
by the Resident Engineer to allow for the increased thickness. The minor increase in
compression on the steel plates due to the
1
h" side cover may be ignored.
For most cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete and steel superstructures, there
should be no difficulty in adjusting the bearing seat elevation at the time the contractor
selects the bearing type. Ingeneral there is no need for the designer to be concerned
with the choice.
For some applications, the designer may want to limit the bearings to only one of the
two types. Ifthis is the case, the designer should send a memo to the specification
writer who will denote the specific type of pad in the Standard Special Provisions.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 15
I MEMOTODESIGNERS7-1 JUNE 1994
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"Themaximumsizeofsteelreinforcedbearingsisgovernedbythefabricatorsability
to vulcanize a large volume ofelastomer uniformly and completely".
4
Since
elastomers are poorconductors ofheat, achieving a full curein the centerofthe
bearingwithoutovercuringtheoutsidebecomesincreasinglydifficultasthebearing
size increases.
4
Steelreinforcedelastomeric bearingsshould belimited insizeto
approximately500kips basedonan allowablestressof1,000psitoensure proper
vulcanizationoftheelastomer.
The new LRFD Bridge Design Specifications will allow a maximum allowable
compressivestressofupto I,600psi in theabsenceofrotation (servicelimit).To
utilizethehigherstresslimits,thedesignerwillhavetouseamorecomplexdesign
procedure andspecifymorerigoroustesting.ThecurrentBridge Design Specifica-
tions allowalternativedesign proceduresasoutlinedin NCHRPReport298.
Thevariousmodesoffailureforsteelreinforcedpadsare:debonding,fractureofsteel
platesandinstability.
4
Steelreinforcedbearingshaveagreateroverloadcapacitybeforefailurethanfabric
reinforcedpads.TheTransportationLaboratoryreponedthattheultimatecompres-
sivestressofsteelreinforcedpadswasapproximately6,000psi beforethe 14gage
steelyielded.Incomparison,theultimatecompressivestressoffabricreinforcedpads
was approximately 1,800 psi.
2
Therefore, steel reinforced elastomeric bearings
provideagreaterfactorofsafetyagainstoverloadsthandofabricreinforced.
"Holesarestronglydiscouragedinsteelreinforcedbearings.However,if holesare
used,theireffectshouldbeaccountedforwhencalculatingtheshapefactorbecause
they reducethe loaded areaandincrease thearea free to bulge."
1
Suitableshape
formulaeare:
LW -l:trd
2
forrectangularbearings: S= 4
' hn[2L+ 2W+l:mi)
forcircularbearings:
D2-'UJ2
S;=-----
4hn(D+Ld)
where:
L
=
lengthofarectangularbearing(paralleltothelongitudinalbridgeaxis)(in.)
w
=
widthofbearingintransversedirection(in.)
hri
=
thicknessoftheelastomericlayer(in.)
d
=
diameterofthe holeorholesinthe bearing(in.)
PAGE 16 BRIDGEBEARINGS
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D = diameter ofthe projection ofthe loaded surface ofthe bearing in the
horizontalplane(in.)
Toassistthedesigner,thetotalthicknessforsteelreinforcedbearingsistabulatedbelow.
Design Numberof Numberof
AcrualThickness
Thickness 1!2" Layers SteelPlates
Minimum Maximum
1.0" 2 2 1.15 1.29
Jj" 3 3 1.73 1.89
2.0" 4 4 230 2.48
25" 5 5 2.88 3.08
3.0" 6 6 3.45 3.67
35" 7 7 4.03 4.27
4.0" 8 8 4.60 4.86
45" 9 9 5. 18 5.46
5.0" 10 10 5.75 6.05
55" 11 11 633 6.65
6.0" 12 12 6.90 7.24
PlanDimension
Length,Width,orDiameter 1/8 Min.
V4" Max.
1
Internalelastomerlayers
0.075"Plates
SteelLaminatedElastomericBearingPad
1.5'',3-LayerPadShown
*The1,4" layertopandbottomisconsideredonelh'' layerfordesignpurposes.
**Includesconsideration forallowabletolerancesforsteelplatesand thickness.
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 17
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Example 2. Steel Reinforced Pad - CIP PIS Structure
Given:
Span5Hinge,(SeeAttachment2)
StructureLength =740feet
ContributoryLength- 100'(CIPP/S), 156'(PCC) =256feet
DL Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad = 148kips
LL Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad,No Impact = 41 kips
ModerateTemperatureZone- RiseandFall = 35F
SlidingBearingUsed
Step 1. TemperatureMovement=1.5x0.0000060x35x256x 12=0.97"
Step2. ConcreteShortening(slidingbearingaccountsfor50percentofshortening)
PIS Shortening 0.5 X (0.10'/100')X 100X 12"=0.60"
ConcreteShrinkage (0.005'/100')x 156'x 12" =0.09"
Step3. MinimumThicknessofPad=2x horizontalmovement=2x(0.97+0.60
+0.09)=3.32".TryT= 3.5" (elastomeronly)
. p DL+IL .
Maxnnum ressure= = 1000pst
WxL '
148 41
wXL= + = 189in.
2
=13.7"X 13.7''
1.0
TrialPad: 14"x 16"x3.5"
Note: 14X 16pad wasselectedbecause14X 14padhasashapefactorof
only7.0,whichresultsinamaximumcompressivestressof800psi.
MaximumThicknessofPad:
1
;3oflengthorwidth= =4.7
3
T= 3.5" Okay
PAGE 18 BRIDGE BEARINGS
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Step4. CompressiveStress
DL+ LL = 148+ 41 = si< l OOO
843 Okay
Wx L 14 x 16 P '
required)
CompressiveStress(DeadLoadOnly)
148
DL = = 660 si>200 Okay
WxL 14xl6 P
Step5. InitialVerticalDeflection
W xL 14x16
ShapeFactor= = =7.47- 7.5
W+ L 14+16
FromFigure4B,forcompressivestress=843and shapefactor=7.5,initial
compressivestrainis4.5percentofpadthickness<?percent(byextrapolation).
InitialThickness=3.5- (3.5x0.045)=3.34"
FinalThicknessaftercreep=3.34- (3.5x 0.045)x0.25=3.30"
Step6. Calculate the maximum shearforce at slippage (minimum compressive
force=DL in thisexample)
DL 148 .
Fsmax =- =-= 29.6kips(Allowable)
5 5
ActualDesignShearForce=
ModulusxAreaxMovement=169x{16x14)x1.66 = _ kips
18 0
PadThicknessx1,000 3.5x1,000
29.6kips>18.0kips Okay
ThereforeT= 3.5" Okay
Specify"SteelReinforced Elastomeric BearingPads 14" x 16" x 3.5" (elastomer
only)."
Toreducerotational(compressive)stresses,orientrectangularbearingpadssothat
the longsideisparalleltotheaxisaboutwhich thelargestrotationoccurs.
Tocompletethedesign,repeatsteps3through6usingthedesigncriteriaforfabric
reinforced pads(ifapplicable)andinclude thisdesign onthecontractplans.
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 19
AI( illlr
tizltrDnS
Example3. SteelReinforcedPad- CIPPIS Structure
Given:
Span5Hinge,(SeeAttachment2).Duetoconstructionstagingspans5and6will
notbecompletedfor1year.
SpanLength =740feet
ContributoryLength- 100'CIPP/S(Stage 1), 156'PCC(Stage2)=256feet
DL Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad =148 kips
LL Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad,NoImpact = 41 kips
ModerateTemperatureZone- RiseandFall = 35F
SlidingBearingUsed
Step1. TemperatureMovement=1.5x0.0000060x35x256x 12= 0.97"
Step2. ConcreteShortening
P/S Shortening(referto Attachment 1). Entergraph with 72weeksafter
stressing(52weekwaitingperiod+ 20weeksforsliding bearing).
Shonening/100'=0.025'1100'(Stage1after72weeks)
(0.025'/100')X 100'X 11"=0.30"
ConcreteShrinkage (0.005'/100')x 156'x 12"= 0.09"
Step3. Minimum Thickness of Pad = 2 x (0.97" + 0.30" + 0.09") = 2.72".
TryT =3.0"(elastomeronly)
. p DL+ LL
1
OOO .
Max1mum ressure= = , ps1
WxL
148 41
w XL= + =189in.
2
=13.7"X 13.7"
1.0
TrialPad: 14"x 16" x3.0"
Note: 14x 16pad wasselectedbecause14x 14pad hasashapefactorof
only7.0,whichresultsinamaximumcompressivestressof800psi.
PAGE 20 BRIDGE BEARINGS
lr
/1zltrans
MEMO TO D ESIGNERS 7 1 JUNE 1994

14
MaximumThicknessofPad:
1
/J oflen!!thorwidth= =4.7
- 3
7=3.0" Okay
Step4. CompressiveStress
DL+ LL = 148+41= si < l OOO
843 Okay
WxL 14 xl6 p '
required)
CompressiveStress(DeadLoadonly)
148
DL = = 660 si >200 Okay
WxL 14x16 P
Step5. InitialVerticalDeflection
WxL 14xl6
ShapeFactor= = =7.47- 7.5
W+L 14+16
FromFigure4B,forcompressivestress=843andShapeFactor=7.5,initial
compressivestrainis4.5percentofpadthickness< 7percent(byextrapo-
lation).
InitialThickness=3.0- (3.0x 0.045)=2.87"
FinalThicknessaftercreep=2.87- (3.0x 0.045)x 0.25=2.84"
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 21
MEMOTODESIGNERS 71 JUNE 1994
- - - - - - = ~ ~ ~
Gz/atl/16
Step6. Calculate the maximum shear force at slippage (minimum compressive
forceequalsDL inthisexample)
DL 148 .
F'sm:u =- =-= 29.6kips(Allowable)
5 5
Actual DesignShearForce=
ModulusxAreaxMovement=169x{16x14)x1.36= kips
17
.
2
PadThicknessx1,000 3.0x1,000
17.2kips<29.6kips Okay
ThereforeT =3.0" Okay
Specify"SteelReinforced ElastomericBearing Pads 14"x 16" x 3.0" (elastomer
only)."
Toreducerotational(compressive)stresses,orientrectangularbearingpadssothat
thelongsideisparalleltotheaxisaboutwhichthelargestrotationoccurs.
Tocompletethedesign,repeatsteps3through6usingthedesigncriteriaforfabric
reinforcedpads(ifapplicable)andincludethisdesignonthecontractplans.
PAGE22 BRIDGE BEARINGS
41[ jlllr
11z/trans
PTFE Sliding Surfaces
General
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was first used in bridge bearings in the early 1960's
because of its low frictional characteristics, chemical inenness and resistance to
weathering.
4
Many modern bearing systems such as pot, spherical , disk, etc., use
PTFE in contact with stainless steel as a sliding surface.
P1FE is usually used in the form ofsheet resin (filled or unfilled) and woven fabric made
fromPTFE fibers.
4
Although the acrual chemical formulation of P1FE isoflittle interest
to the designer, the physical properties and performance characteristics are.
The two most imponant design aspects of PTFE are the coefficient offriction and the
wear rate.
4
The coefficient of friction controls the forces transmitted to other parts of
the bearing device and the substructure. The wear rate affects the design life and
maintenance of the bearing.
Extensive research and testing by Stanton, Roeder and Campbell has demonstrated
that the coefficient of friction and the wear rate are affected by several variables in
addition to the type of PTFE and mating surface.
PTFE Types
Unfilled PTFE Sheet Resin (Dimpled Lubricated)
Dimpled lubricated PTFE manufactured from unfilled sheet resin has the lowest
coefficient of friction under all load conditions.
4
The dimples function as reservoirs
that store the grease for continuous lubrication. Testing by Stanton, Roeder and
Campbell has shown that the absence of dimples will result in a higher coefficient of
friction as the grease is dissipated. While dimpled lubricated PTFE has the lowest
coefficient of friction, it is also the most sensitive to problems and deficiencies.
4

Woven Fabric PTFE
Woven fabric PTFE made from PTFE fibers has a higher coefficient of friction than
dimpled lubricated PTFE, however, it has a greater resistance to creep. Woven fabric
can take up to 30 times the compressive stress without cold flow as compared to
PTFE resin.
4
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 23
,.,lll!r
tizltrtiiiS
Fil1ed PTFE Sheet Resin
FilledPTFEsheetresinhasthehighestcoefficientoffrictionascomparedtounfilled
PTFEsheetresin and wovenfabric PTFE.Fillerssuchasglassfiber, graphiteand
ceramicsetc.,areincorporatedinPTFEresinstoalterpropenies,suchascoldflow,
compressivestrengthetc.
4
Factors that affect PTFE Performance
4
Friction
Friction increases with decreasing contact pressure, decreasing temperature,
increasingslidingspeedandincreasingnumberofcycles.
Staticfrictionisusuallyhigherthandynamicfriction.
Maximumcoefficientoffriction (spike)occursat theonsetofmovement.
Typeofsurfacefmish onmatingsurfaceaffectsfriction.
DirectionofsurfacefinishonPTFEmatingsurfaceaffectscoefficientoffriction.
Surfacefmishesparalleltothedirectionofslidinggivelowerfrictionvalues.
FrictionincreasestonearstaticvalueifPTFEsurfaceremainsloadedforaperiod
of timewithoutmovement.Thisgenerallyisnotaproblemonhighwaystructures.
Lubricationreducesfriction.
Frictionvaluescouldbe5to 10timeshigheratseismicspeedsas compared to
thermalexpansionspeeds.
Wear and Creep (Cold Flow)
Slidingspeedisthemostsignificantfactoraffectingwear.Increasedslidingspeed
increaseswear.
Decreased temperatureincreaseswear.
Lubricantreducesthewearrateofsheetresin.
Wearandcreepincreasewithincreasingloads.
Sheetresindisksshouldberecessedhalftheirthicknessintotheirbackingplate
to reducecreep.
PAGE 24 BRIDGE BEARINGS
..,illlr
lilltrans
SuggestedValuesforCoeffi cientofFriction
The minimum coefficient offriction used for design shall be as specified by the
bearingmanufactureroras giveninAnicle 15.2.6oftheBridge Design Specifica-
tions. Designersarecautionedagainstusingdesignfrictionvaluesthataretoolow.
Lowfrictionvaluesaresometimesdifficulttoobtaininmanufacturedbearingsand
mayresultin transferoflargerforcestothebearingandsubstructurethancalculated.
SuggestedDesignBearingPr essuresfor PTFESurfaces
TheaveragebearingpressureonPTFEsurfacesduetoallloadsshallnotexceed:
FilledPTFE........ .....................................3,500psi
UnfilledPTFE(Recessed).... ...................3,500psi
Woven FabricPTF............................... .3,500psi
Additionalvaluesmaybefoundin Article15.2.7oftheBridge Design Specifications.
Bearing pressures below 2,000 psi are not recommended as they produce high
coefficientsoffrictionandpoorbearingperformance.UnfilledPTFE(notrecessed)
shouldnotbeusedon DivisionofStructuresdesigns.
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 25
4lf illlr
liz/trans
PTFE/SphericalBearings
General
PTFE/SphericalbearingsdesignedinaccordancewithBridge Design Specifications,
Section15shouldbeconsideredforuseonlywhenthepracticallimitsofreinforced
elastomericbearingpadshavebeenexceeded.
The basic spherical bearing design is comprised of a convex base with a mating
concave element for rotation. On expansion bearings, an upper sliding plate is
added for translation. All contactsurfaces are polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) to
stainlesssteel.
PTFE/SphericalBearingTypes
PTFE/Sphericalbearingsare availablein threedifferentforms,eachdesigned tomeet
differentfunctionalrequirements.Thethreestandardtypesof PTFEJSphericalbearings
inusetodayare:(1)expansion(non-guided),(2)expansion(guided),and(3)fixed.
Expansion non-guided bearings allow horizontal movement and rotation in all
directions, (see Figure 5, page 29). Expansion guided bearings allow horizontal
movementalongonlyoneaxisandrotationinalldirections,(seeFigure6,page30).
Fixed bearings are restrained from horizontal movement in all directions while
allowingrotationinalldirections,(seeFigure7,page31 ).Duetopreviousproblems
experiencedwithguidedbearings,theywillnotbeconsideredforusebytheDivision
ofStructures.
PTFE/Sphericalexpansionbearings(non-guided)arecomprisedoffourbasiccom-
ponents: (1)soleplate,(2)concaveplate,(3)convexplate,and (4)masonryplate.
PTFE/Sphericalfixedbearingsaresimilarexceptthatanonslidingsoleplatemayor
maynotberequired.Thefunctionofthefourcomponentsmentionedaboveandthe
typicalmanufacturingmaterialsareasfollows, (seeFigure8,pages32and33): .
SolePlate- Transferssuperstructureloadstothebearingandprovidesastainless
steelslidingsurfaceforsuperstructuretranslation.Thesole plate is fabricated
from A36/ A36Msteeland hasastainlesssteelsurfacing.
Concave Plate- ProvidesPTFEslidingsurfaceforsoleplateandPTFEconcave
surfacefor rotation. The concaveplateisfabricated from A36N36Msteel. A
woven PTFE pad isepoxy bonded and mechanically fastened to the flat and
concave surfaces. Dimpled lubricated PTFEhas been used bysomemanufac-
PAGE26 BRIDGEBEARINGS
4lf llllr
tizltrtZnS
tures. However, woven PTFEfabric ispreferred for this type ofbearing and
should beusedforDivisionofStructuresdesigns.
Convex Plate - Providesstainlesssteelmatingsurfaceforrotationofconcave
plateandtransfersloadtomasonryplate.Theconvexplateisusuallymadefrom
solidstainlesssteel,orA36/A36Mwithastainlesssteelweldoverlay.
Masonry Plate- Transfersloadfromconvexplatetobearingseat.Themasonry
plateis fabricatedfrom A36/ A36Msteel.
Design Requirements
PTFE/SphericalbearingsaredesignedinaccordancewithSection15oftheBridge
Design Specifications. All loads areserviceloads. Minimumverticalloadsarefor
deadloadsandsuperimposeddeadloads.Maximumverticalloadsarefordeadloads,
superimposeddeadloadsandliveloadsplusimpact.PTFEfabricstressesarelimited
to3,500psimaximum.ThecoefficientoffrictionforfabriccontainingP1FEfibers
variesfrom0.08to0.04atbearingpressuresof500psiand3,500psirespectively.A
design coefficient of friction of0.06 is recommended for designs with bearing
pressuresfrom 2,000psito3,500psi.Bearingpressuresbelow2,000psi(DL only),
shouldnotbeused.
Design Guidelines
Thenucleusofallsphericalbearingsistheconcave/convexplateinterface(spherical
surface).Allloads,verticalandhorizontalaretransmittedthroughtheinterface.Since
thesphericalinterfaceslidesonlowfrictionmaterials(PTFEtostainlesssteel),all
stressesthatpassthroughtheinterfaceareassumedtoberadiallytransmittedthrough
thegeometriccenterofthesphere(seeFigure9,page34).Thelowfrictioninterface
is assumed to provide no frictional resistance to horizontal loads. Due to the
complexity of the analysis required to accurately determine the stresses at the
concave/convex plate interface, simplified design guidelines were developed by
bearingcommitteesandadoptedbyAASHTO.Theproceduretodesigntheinterface,
completewithformuladerivations,andotherPTFE/sphericalbearingcomponentSIs
outlinedbelow.RefertoFigure9forbearinggeometries.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 27
I 16: __ MEMO TO DESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994 _ _ ; ; ; ~ ~ ~
11z/trt111S
PTFE/Spherical Bearing Notations
Ah =totalassemblyheight(inches)
APTFE =P1FEareaofflatslidingsurface(in.
2
)
c =minimumverticalclearancebetweenrotatingandnon-rotatingbearingparts
Cm =minimumconvexchord length(inches)
DBact =minimumconcavebearingpaddiameter(arclength)
Dm =diameterofminimumallowableprojectedbearingarea,concaveplate(inches)
H =heightofconvexsphericalsurface(inches)
Haa =overallheightofconvexplate(inches)
Lcp = lengthandwidthofconcaveplate(inches)
Lm:u. = maximumlongitudinalmovement(inches)
L
0
=sole platesafetyoverhang(inches)
L:rp = longitudinallengthofsoleplate(inches)
Mm = minimummetaldepthof concavesurface(inches)
PHrnax = maximumhorizontalload(kips)
PLrnax = maximumlongitudinalload(kips)
Prrnax = maximumtransverseload(kips)
Pvrnax = maximumverticalload(kips)
Pvmin = minimumverticalload(kips)
Ract = actualradiusofconcavebearingslidingsurface(inches)
Rrnax = maximumallowableradiusofconcavebearingslidingsurface(inches)
Tm = maximumtransversemovement(inches)
Umu. = maximumallowableunitpressureforPTFE(3.5ksi)
W :rp = transversewidthofsoleplate(inches)
arrun = minimumangletopreventuplift(degrees)
f3 = minimumdesignrotationcapacityofbearing,(/3=f3s + f3c), 2degreesminimum
f3c = maximumrotationres ulting from constructiontolerances(0.02radians)
f3s = minimum design rotation capacity ofstructure from: DL, U, camber
changes,and construction/erectionsequences
Ymin = minimumangleofconvexsurface(degrees)
'I'min =minimumangleofconcavebearingsurface(degrees)
PAGE 28 BRIDGE BEARINGS
4'f llllr
t1zlatln6
1
r------------ -- --- --------------
J
r--------------- -- --- -
--- --..... I
I ,..... ;---- .......... ,
I _, .... .,... .,.,... ....,. ..... ''' I
" / ' '
/ / ' '
; ; ' '
I I \ \ 1
I I \ \ 1
I I \ I 1
I 1 I I 1 I
:II Ill +
1
1 I I It
11
I I II
I I I I I I
I \ \ I 1
I \ \ I I
\ \ I I
' ' /
' ' /
/
/
','.... .,...';
.... ..... .., /
..... _..... --: ........
l----- - --==
Plan
AnchorageTypical
StainlessSteel
SlidingSurface
Woven PTFEPad
bonded toflatand
---- ConcavePlate
concavesurfaces
Plate
,_____MasonryPlate
Stainless

SteelConvex
Surface
SectionX-X
Figure 5. PTFEJSpherical Expansion Bearing (Non-Guided)
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 29
- ---------
4lt lll!r
lizluans
I I
I I
lr------ -------------
.. ..,-,------............ ..
.. .,.......... ,..,. ..........'' ..
I' " " ... ' II
II /'," ',', II
1
1
I I \ \ 1l
II I I \ \ 11
II I I I 1
1
t
1111 'Ill +
111 I
1
dr --+--
11 I
III I
III I
II \ I
I \ \
II \ \
I \ '
II ' ...
.. ''.........
.. .... .... :---
II
I'----- - --==
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I Ill

I Ill
I I II
I I II
I I 1
1
I I I
1 I I
-' I I I
, "
,.,. :/
- --:,.,
--
Plan
WovenPTFEPad
bondedtoflatand
concavesurfaces
Stainless
SteelConvex
Surface
Section X-X
Figure 6. PTFE/Spherical Expansion Bearing (Guided)
PAGE 30 BRIDGEBEARINGS
--
I MEMOTODESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994
- - - - - - - = ~ ~ ~
tizltran6
I - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
I ------ ........ ,-
I ,. -
; ""-
f / ,
I / /
/ /
I I I
I I I
I I I
Ill
ll I
- - - - + - - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - - - -
11 I
II I
I I \
I \ \
I \ \
I \ '
' '
I ' '
I ',',
I ' '
......... ---
\--------==
.... '
' '
'
+
' '
' '
' ' I
\ \ I
\ \ I
\ \ 1
Ill
I I I
- - - - - - - - L ~ - - - - ~ ~ - - -
I II
I I I
I I I
I I I
I I
I I I
/ I I
"'/
,':"'
- ;
---,
Plan
WovenPTFEPad
bondedto
concavesurface
Stainless
SteelConvex
Surface
SectionX-X
Figure 7. PTFE/Spherical Fixed Bearing
SolePlate
BRIDGE BEARINGS
PAGE 31
-----
41! jlllr
tbltrans
0 0 0
0
0
StainlessSteel
SlidingSurface
Elevation
Transferssuperstructure loadtothebearingand
providesstainlesssteelslidingsurfacefor
superstructuretranslation.
Plan
Sole Plate
,
; '
'
'
/
'
I \
I \
I
I
WovenPTFEPad.
I
I
Epoxybondedand
mechanically
Elevation
'
,
fastenedtoflatand '
'
'
,
concavesurfaces
Plan
ProvidesPTFEslidingsurfaceforsoleplate
andPTFEconcavesurfaceforrotation.
Concave Plate
Figure8. PTFE/SphericalExpansionBearingComponents
PAGE32
BRIDGEBEARINGS
I MEMOTODESIGNERS7-1 JUNE 1994
= ~ ~ ~
azJaans
Stainless
---- SteelConvex
~ Surface
r777/J7h
Elevation
Plan
Providesstainlesssteelmatingsurfaceforrotationof
concaveplateandtransfersloadtomasonryplate.
Convex Plate
. .
''
Elevation
Transfersbearingloadtobearingseat
Plan
Masonry Plate
Figure 8. PTFE/Spherical Expansion Bearing Components (continued)
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 33
., llllr
t:iz/allll$
,. c 1---- ,,
Concave
Convex Plate . '(_
Center of Sphere
Figure 9. Spherical Bearin_g Geometries
PAGE 34 BRIDGE BEARINGS
__ _ _ _ _ ; ; _ ; ~ ~ ~ MEMOTODESIGNERS71 JUNE 1994
lizltriZIIS
Design Procedure
Concave Plate
Diameter (Dm) of Minimum Allowable Projected Bearing Area
The minimum diameter (Dm) of the concave spherical plate must be large enough to
ensure that the maximum bearing stress ( CTu) on the horizontal projected area of the
plate does not exceed the maximum allowable stress on the PTFE fiber (3,500 psi).
Therefore, the minimum diameter (Dm) may be determined from the maximum
venicalload (Pvm:u. ) and the PTFEmaximum allowable unit pressure (Umv.).
Concave ConcaveSlidingSurface
Plate ProjectedArea
Pvmv. = Maximum Venical Load
, - - ~ .... ---+---.-------
I
, '
\
Umax =Maximum allowable unit
I I
pressure (PTFE =3500 psi)
Derivation:
I
Pvm:u. ]]2 1
Pvm:u. =Area= nD?r, :. Dm = 4 Uma.x :. Dm =2[ Pvmax ]2
Umax 4 1C 1r Unux
[ [
PTFE Area (APTFE) of Rat Sliding Surface
The flat PTFE sliding surface area on the concave plate should be size to the nearest
0.25 inch using the maximum allowable stress on the P1FE fiber (3,500 psi).
Concave
Plate
Pvm:u.
FlatPTFE
Ap1FE =--
Umax
SlidingSurface
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 35
..,lllir
t:izluans
Minimum Angle (lXnun) Required to Prevent Uplift
The minimum angle (amin)is used to calculate the spherical radius required to resist
the greatest ratio ofhorizontal to vertical load without unseating of the concave plate.
On expansion (non-guided) bearings, the maximum horizontal load cannot be
transferred from the sole plate to the concave plate because the sole plate is free to
slide horizontally. Therefore, on expansion non-guided bearings, it is recommended
that a horizontal load equal to 10 percent of the maximum vertical load and a
minimum dead load of 50 percent of the maximum vertical load or the actual
minimum dead load, whichever issmaller, be used to determine amiD.
For fixed bearings, the horizontal to vertical ratio should not exceed 40 percent
when using simplified design procedures. Using the simplified procedure on load
cases above the 40 percent level will result in over stressing the PTFE fabric at the
spherical interface. Hence, external shear devices are required to fix bearings during
seismic activity exceeding the 40 percent ratio.
PHmax= Maxhorizontalload
Pvmin=Minverticalload(includinguplift)
PH max
amin =tan-!_ _ _
Pvrruo
It is evident from the formula above that spherical bearings virtually have no
resistance to horizontal loads unless a vertical load is present Without the presence
of a vertical load, the concave plate willride up and off the convex plate.
PAGE36 BRIDGEBEARINGS
I MEMOTO DESIGNERS7-1 JUNE 1994

li:tltrtln6
Minimum Angle Cvrmm) of Concave Bearing Surface
The minimum angle (V'mio) of the concave bearing surface determines the combined
rotation and horizontal load capacity of the bearing. The minimum design rotation
capacity ({3) for spherical bearings is usually 2 degrees and should include rotations
from DL,U ,camber changes, construction tolerances and erection sequences.
V'mio =asruo +/3
/3 = minimum design rotation capacity of bearing.
(/3 =f3s +/3c), 2 degrees minimum.
Maximum Allowable Radius (Rmu) of Concave Bearing Sliding Surface
The maximum allowable radius (Rmu.) defmes the spherical curvature which resists
the applied horizontal forces and provides rotation. Rmu. is calculated from the
minimum projected diameter (Dm) and the minimum angle (1/fmi
0
). Due to manufac-
turing limitations, Rrrw. should not exceed 36 inches. Hence, the actual radius (Rat;t)
of the concave bearing surface may be less than Rmu.. This limitation isusually not
a problem because the smaller radius will increase the allowable rotation and/or
increase the lateral load capacity.
Derivation:
. Dm/2
smVImin =-Raw.--
Rmu. = .Dm
2sm(V'mio)
If RIJW. >36". use Rmu. =36".
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE37
4'f illlr
l1z/i:J'am;
MinimumConcaveBearingPadDiameter(DBacJ
Theminimumconcavebearingpaddiamter(DBact)isusedtocalculatetheminimum
metaldepth(Mm) ofthecancavesurface,andtheminimumangle(Ymin)of theconvex
surface.
DBact isthearclengthalongtheconcavebearingslidingsurface.
Derivation:
Arclength=radiusxanglein radians
. (Dm/2)
VIm=sm-
1
T.(degrees)
7tl180convertstoradians,multiplyby2 togetdiameter.
MinimumMetalDepth(Mm) ofConcaveSurface
Derivation:
Aic length=radiusxangleinradians
DBact ( )( n )
DBact
-2- = Vlmin 180
- 2-
. _ DBact (180)
VIuun - 2Ract n
y
cos VI min =- - , Y=R;;acosVImin
R;;a
PAGE38 BRIDGEBEARINGS
4lt illlr
lilltrtln6
Use0.09375" thick PTFE for design. Actual values vary form
1
A2'' to Ys" as
specifiedin theStandard Special Provisions.
Note: Some manufacturers attach the PTFEfabric to a substratum which is
attachedto theconcavesurface.
MinimumMetalThicknessatCenterLine(Tmin)
Tmio =0.75" minimum
MaximumMetalThickness(Tmax)
Tm:u=Trruo +Mm +0.125" (Ys''allowsformaximumPTFEthicknessand
andsubstratum
LengthandWidth(Lcp) ofConcavePlate
Lcp =Projecteddiameter(Dm) +1.125"
Note: 1.125" allowsforedgedistance,
substratum,and P'IFE.
Convex Spherical Plate
MinimumAngle(Ymin) ofConvexSurface
Theminimumangle(Yrruo) oftheconvexsurfaceallowsthemaximurnrotationofthe
concaveplatewithoutlossofcontactarea.
Ymin= 'l'rrun +fJ
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 39
__
' MEMOTODESIGNERS7-1 JUNE 1994
Dzltrans
MinimumConvexChord(Cm) Length
Derviation:
sinrmin=Cm/
2
. . Cm =2[Ract(sin(rmin))]
Ract
HeightofConvexSphericalSurface(H)
Derivation:
H= Rad-z
Cm ? 2 2
2
(Cm)
2
(
2
)
=Racl .. z= Rad - 2
2
2 Cm
H=Ract- Rae -
(
2
)
OverallHeightofConvexPlate(HacJ
Hacl=H +0.75"
BactincludesthicknessfromstainlesssteelsurfacingandY4" recessedintomasonry
plate.The0.75inchverticalsidesmaybeincreasedtoprovideminimumclearance,
ortoprovideminimumfilletweldheight
PAGE40 BRIDGEBEARINGS
4'f llllr
Ozltrtul6
MinimumVerticalClearance(c)
Theminimumverticalclearance(c)ensuresthattheconcaveplatedoesnotcontact
thebaseplateduringmaximumrotation.
Sphericalbearingssquareinplan:
c=0.7 Lcp /3+0.125"
Sphericalbearingsroundinplan:
C = 0.5Dm/3 + 0.125"
V

L--_______ ....-- Y 3;] e= 1/s" minimum at
1---------_.JITmaximum rotation
Sole Plate
Thesoleplatemustbesizedsothatitremainsin fullcontactwiththeconcaveplate
underall loadingconditions.
The safetyoverhang(L
0
) providesaminimum edgedistanceandallowsforadditional
sliding surface beyond thecalculated movement The value reflects the certainty or
uncertaintyofthetotalmovementcalculation.
Lcp = lengthandwidthofconcaveplate
Lrrw,. =maximum longitudinal movement (including creep, shrinkage, post-
L
tensioning,thermaleffectsandseismic)
0
= safetyoverhang
Tm =maximumtransversemovement
LongitudinalLengthofPlate(Lsp)
Lsp =Lcp LoL
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 41
fit Ill[;
t:iz/UIUI$
Tranverse Width of Sole Plate (Wsp)
Plate Thickness (Tsp)
Design in accordance with AISC design procedure for column base plates when mounted
on concrete.
Recommended minimum thickness: 0.75 inch.
Anchorage
Anchorage may be accomplished with shear studs, bolts or welding depending on the
structure type. Studs smaller in diameter than 3..4 inch are not recommended.
Bevel
Bevel sole plate to provide a level bearing plate on steel and precast concrete girder
structures.
Masonry Plate
Design in accordance with AISC design procedure for column base plates when
mounted on concrete.
Convert convex plate area to equivalent square area to design plate thickness.
Recommended minimum thickness: 0.75 inch
Length and width to accomodate the seating of the convex plate.
Anchorage may be accomplished with shear studs, sleeved anchor bolts or welding
depending on the structure type. Studs smaller in diameter than 3J4 inch are not
recommended.
PAGE 42 BRIDGE BEARINGS
4lt lllr
liz/trans
Example4. PTFE/SphericalExpansionBearing(Non-Guided)
CIPPISStructure
Given:
Span3Hinge(SeeAttachment3)
SLructureLength =785feet
ContributoryLength- 176'+255'(CIPPIS) =431 feet
DLReaction/Girder- ServiceLoad =271 kips
LL+ IReaction/Girder- ServiceLoad = 50kips
ModerateTemperatureZone- RiseandFall = 35F
f'c = 4ksi
Fy = 36ksi
ConcavePlate
Diameter(Dm) ofMinimumAllowableProjectedBearingArea
Pvm:u (maximum verticalload)=271 +50=321 kips
Um:u (maximumallowablePTFEpressure)=3,500psi
I I
321 000
Dm =2[Pvmv.I1rp=2[ I1rp=10.81 Say 11.00" (Okaytoround)
Umax J 3,500 J
PTFEArea(APTFE) of FlatSlidingSurface
ApTfE = Pvnux = 321,000= 91.7in.2 (min)
Um:u 3,500
(91.7)
1
11 =9.582 use9.75
2
:.APTFE=95in.
2
Pv
MinimumAngle(lXmin) Requiredto PreventUplift
PHmv. (maximum horizontalload)=(0.10)(321)=32.1 kips
011
n(minimumverticalload)=(0.50)(321)=160.5kips<271kips:.use160.Skips
a n =tan-l
p
Hm=>x
)
= tan-l
(
-
32.1 )
- =11.31
011
(
A'nun 160.5
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 43
1111,
liz/trans
Minimum Angle ( V'min) of Concave Bearing Surface
<Xuuo = angle required to resist uplift = 11.31
f3s = Structure rotation, 0.003 radians = 0. 17
f3c=Construction rotation, assume 0.02 radians= 1.15
f3 = f3s+ f3c= 1.32 use 2 min = 2.0
Note: Bridge Design Specifications, Anicle 15.2.2 requires a minimum rotation
capacity of 0.015 radians (0.86).

lj/mjo =<luun + {3 = 11.31 + 2 =13.31
Maximum Allowable Radius (Rmu) of Concave Surface
Rmax = . Dm =
11

00
=23.89"
2sm (lj/oun) 2sin (13.31 )
(Okay to round)

Use Rad = 23.75" < 36" Okay
Minimum Concave Bearing Pad Diameter (DBacJ
1 0012
= 2[23.75[_!!_(sin- 1. )]] = 11.10" (Do not round)
180 23.75
Minimum Metal Depth (Mm) of Concave Surface
M. =R.a - M. =R.a - [ R.a cos(( r!O))]+PTFE Thickness
M. = 23.75 -[2375cos((

)C!
0
) )]+009375"= 0.739" (Do not round)
PAGE 44 BRIDGE BEARINGS
4lt ""
lbltran6
MinimumMetalThicknessatCenterline,(Tmin)
Tmin=0.75"
MaximumMetalThickness,(Tmax)
Tmax= Tmin+Mm +0.125=0.75+0.739+0.125=1.61- 1.625" (Roundup)
LengthandWidth(Lcp) ofConcavePlate
Lcp =Dm +1.125= 11.00"+ 1.125= 12.125" (Okaytoround)
Convex Plate
MinimumAngle(Ymin) ofConvexSurface
0 =( 11.10 )(180)+20=15.390
Ynuo 2(23.75) 1r
MinimumConvexChord(Cm)Length
Cm =2[23.75(sin(15.39))]=12.61" Say12.625" (Okaytoround)
HeightofConvexSphericalSurface(H)
H=23.75-

=0.854"-0.85"
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 45
,.,Jlllr
lizluans
OverallHeightofConvexPlate(HacJ
Hact=H+0.75
Hact=0.85+0.75= 1.60"
MinimumVerticalClearance(c)
c=0.7L,;p/3 +0.125 (/3 isinradians)
c=0.7(12.125{2C;o))+0.125=0.42" minimum required
Actualverticalclearanceprovidedisgreaterthan0.50"(0.75inchverticalsides
ontheconvexplatearerecessed0.25inchintomasonryplate).
SolePlate
L
LongitudinalLengthofPlate(Lsp)
Lsp=Lcp +l..mu(total)+LoL
Lcp=12.125(ConcavePlate)
Temperaturemovement=(1.5)(2)(0.0000060)(35F)(431')(12in/ft)=3.26"
PIS shortening=(0.70)(0.10ft/100ft)(431')(12inlft)=3.62"
SeismicMovement=3.0"
Lrnax =3.26+3.62+2(3.0)=12.88"
0
L =2(1.0)=2.0" (Edgedistance)
Lsp= 12.125+12.88+2.0=27.00"
PAGE 46 BRIDGE BEARINGS
,.,illlr
lbltrans
Notes: 1) Thermalmovementwasmultipliedby2because35Fisriseorfall
temperature.
2) Thermalmovementwasmultipliedby1.5becauseitisnotalways
possibletoplacethesoleplateata"mean" temperature.
3) Positionsoleplateto accountforonedirectionalmovementofP/S
shortening.
4) Approximately 70% ofP/S shortening remains at time ofhinge
closurepour(seeAttachment1).
TransverseWidth ofSolePlate(Wsp)
L cp =12.125"
Tm =1.0" (Seismic)
Lor= 2(1.0)=2.0" (Edgedistance)
Wsp =12.125+(2)(1.0)+2.0=16.125" Say16.00"
PlateThickness(T sp)
DesigninaccordancewithAISCdesignprocedureforcolumnbaseplates.
Lsp =27.00"
Wsp =16.00"
J: =4ksi Fy =36ksi
(Ref.BDS,Article8. 15.2.1.3)
AssumeforthisexamplethatA
2
/A
1
=1.5
Maximum bearingpressure(fb) onloadedarea
/b =0. 30X 4,000X.Jl3 =1,470psi
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 47
4lt ijlllr
D:rlf:r1111S
DetennineRequiredPlate Area
321 000
=218.37in.2
1, 470
Sincethelengthofthesoleplatewasdetenninedforslidingpurposes,detennine
the requiredlengthtodistributetheloadtotheconcrete.
218.37 =13.65" 2.125". ,
16.0
PTFE
Sliding I
Use plate size of 16" x 14" to design Surface io
io C\1
"<:t
thickness. "':
:
.,...
0) C\.i
.,...
Actualbearingpressure(/b)onloadedarea
12.125"
321 000
fb = =1,433psi<1, 470 Okay
16"
14x16
Desi gn Model
Note: Modelshows1"transversemovment(Tm).
Detennine PlateThickness
(AISC3-106,9thEdition)
1433
Tsp=2(4.125) ' =1.65 use1.75" >0.75minimum
36,000
Anchorage
Sincestructureiscast-in-placePIS, useshearstuds.
Bevel
Bevelisnotrequiredforcast-in-placeconcrete.
PAGE 48 BRIDGE BEARINGS
,., lltL'
liz/trans
Masonry Plate
Design in accordance with AISC design procedure for column base plates.
Cm = 12.625"
fb =1,470 psi (A
2
/A1 = 1.5)
1; = 4,000 psi
Determine Required Area
321 000
= 218.37 in.2 = 14.78" X 14.78"
1,470
Use 15" x 15" plate
Lmp =15"
Actual Bearing Pressure (fb) on Loaded Area
321,000 2 . 0 0
15"
fb = =1,4 7 ps1 < 1,47 kay
152
Equivalent
15"
Square Area
Determine Plate Thickness
Convert convex plate area to equivalent square to determine (n)
2
625
Area Convex Plate= n(l
2
) = 125. 19 in.2
4
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 49
4'f 1111,
lilltran.s
125.19in.2=11.19"x 11.19"
n =(15"-11.19)/2=1.91"
1, 427
Tmp =(2)(1.91) =0.76"+recessdepth
36,000
Tmp =0.76+0.25=1.01" use l.OO" plate
Anchorage
Sincestructureiscast-in-place,useshearstuds
DetermineTotalBearingHeight(Ah)
Ah =Tmp +Hac
1
- 0.25 +Trrun + Tsp +2(PTFEthickness)+(soleplatestainless
thickness)
=1.00+1.60-0.25+0.75+ 1.75+2(0.09375)+0.060
=5.10"
Notes:Actualbearingthicknessmayvaryslightlydependingonthethicknessof
thePTFE,substratum,andstainlesssteelused.Minimumandmaximum
valuesaregivenintheStandard Special Provisions.
UseBridgeStandardDetailSheetXS 12-80if possible(seeAttachrnent4).
PAGE50 BRIDGEBEARINGS
I MEMOTODESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994
~ ~ ~ ~
Uz/trans
PTFE/Elastomeric Bearings
General
P1FE/elastomericbearingsdesignedin accordancewith Bridge Design Specifica-
tions, Sections14and15shouldbeconsideredforuseonlywhenthepracticallimits
ofreinforcedelastomericbearingpadshavebeenexceeded.
ThePTFEielastomericbearingconceptanddesignprocedurecoveredinthissection
wasadoptedwithfewexceptionsfromTedJensen'spapertitled"ElastomericrrFE
Bearings",(Ocrober 1987).
The basic PTFE/elastomeric bearing design is simply comprised ofPIFEdisks
slidingonstainlesssteelsurfacestO accommodatethelongitudinalmovementsand
elastomeric bearingpads to accomodatethe rotationalmovements (seeFigure 10,
page58).
P1FE/elastomericbearingsaresuitableforstructureswithmoderatetolargelongi-
tudinal translations,andrelativelysmallrotations. Thisnonproprietary bearingis
simple to design and fabricate. Good performance can be attained with careful
attentiontoloading,rotationandthephysicalproperties/limitationsofthemanufac-
turingmaterials.
PTFE/Elastomeric Bearing Components
PTFE/elastomericbearingsarecomprisedoffivebasiccomponents: (1)sole plate,
(2)PTFEdisk,(3)intermediateplate,(4)elastomericbearingpadand(5)masonry
plate. The function of the five components mentioned above, and the typical
manufacturingmaterialsareasfollows,(seeFigure 10,page58):
Sole Plate- Transferssuperstructureloadstothebearingandprovidesastainless
steelslidingsurfaceforsuperstructuretranslation.Thesole plateisfabricated
from A36/A36M steel and has a stainless steel surfacing. The stainlesssteel
surfaceisbondedtothesoleplatewithepoxyresinandstainlesssteelcapscrews,
orbyperimeterwelding.
PTFE Disk - Providesalowfrictionslidingsurfaceforthesoleplate.ThePTFE
diskismanufacturedfrom I00percentpurevirgin unfilleddimpledsheetresin.
ThePTFEdiskmustberecessedone-halfitsthicknesstocontrolcoldflow.
Intermediate Plate- Transfersloadsfrom PTFEdisk to elastomeric pad.The
intermediateplateismanufacturedfromA36/A36Msteel.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 51
,.,
tizlaans
Elastomeric Bearing Pad- Allowsrotationofthesuperstructurewhilemaintain-
ing 100 percentcontact between the PTFEdiskand thesoleplate. Thesteel
reinforced elastomeric bearing is fully vulcanized to the steel plates. Fabric
reinforcedpadsarenotallowed.
Masonry Plate- Themasonryplatetransfersloadfrom theelastomericbearing
pad and anchorsthe bearingto theseat. The masonryplateis fabricated from
A3/A36Msteel.
Design Requirements
PTFE/elastomericbearingsaredesignedinaccordancewithBridge Design Specifi-
cations, Sections14and 15.Allloadsareser:viceloads.Minimumverticalloadsare
fordeadloadsandsuperimposeddeadloads.Maximumverticalloadsarefordead
loads,superimposeddeadloadsandliveloads(noimpact).
UnfilledPTFEsheetresin stresses arelimited to 3,500psimaximum.The design
coefficient offriction variesfrom 0.08 to0.04atbearingpressuresof500psi and
3,500psirespectively.
Steelreinforcedelastomericbearingpadswithshapefactors2::7.5maybeloadedto
amaximumstressof1,000psi.Theshearmodulus (G) usedfordesignis 100psi.
Design Guidelines
PTFEsurfacesshouldbeloadedtoaminimumof2,000psi(DL only)foroptimum
performance. Adesigncoefficientoffriction of0.06 isrecommendedfordesigns
withbearingpressuresfrom2,000psito3,500psi.Actuallubricatedfrictionvalues
arelower;however,theyshouldnotbeusedfordesignbecausethelongtermeffects
ofthegreaseareunknown.
A minimum and maximum PTFE thickness of3!J6 inch and 114 inch respectively
shouldbeshownonthecontractplans;asthelimitsarenotspecifiedintheStandarfl
Special Provisions.
Toreducerotationalstresses,orientrectangularbearingssothelongsideisparallel
totheaxisaboutwhichthelargestrotationoccurs.
A bearing pad with a low shape factor accomodatesrotation most readily, and a
bearingpadwithahighshapefactorisbestforresistingcompresssion.
1
Therefore,
thebestchoicerepresentsacompromisebetweenthetwo.Aminimumshapefactor
of7.5isrecommended.
PAGE 52 BRIDGEBEARINGS
4'f llllr
lb/tl'tul$
Design Procedure
Elastomeric Bearing Pad
1. Determinethewidth (W)andlength(L) oftheelastomericpadfortheapplied
vertical load(DL +LL notincludingimpact) usingan allowableunitstressof
1,000psi.sTouse 1,000psitheshapefactor(S) 7.5.
DL+U =WxL
1,000psi
2. Checkthecompressivestrainof theelastomerduetodeadloadandliveloadfrom
thestress/straincurvesforvariousshapefactors showninFigure11 (page59).
Thesecurves,developedbytheCaliforniaTransportationLaboratory,
2
arebased
ontestsof padsconstructedwith
1
h inchlayersofelastomersbetweensteelplates
meeting California specifications. To account for compressive creep of the
elastomerundersustained dead load, theinitial deflection from dead load is
increasedby25percentThetotaldeflectionfrom deadload(DL) andliveload
(LL) shallnotexceed0.07 timesthethicknessoftheelastomericbearing.
3. Determinetheinitialthicknessoftheelastomerrequired forstructurerotation.
Thestructurerotationshouldincluderotationsfrom DL, U, camberchanges,
constructiontolerancesanderectionsequences.
The relative rotation between top and bottom surfaces ofthe bearingshall be
limitedby:
LaL +Waw forrectangularbearings
+a?v forcircularbearings
='Lecit; :. =e,otT
'
Therefore,theelastomerthickness(7)maybedeterminedfrom:
LaL +Waw
(rectangularbearings)
2eTot
T +a?v
(circularbearings)
2Tor
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 53
, MEMO TO DESIGNERS 7-1 JUNE 1994
~ ~ ~ ~
Dz/IYIUI$
L = gross length of rectangular bearing parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the bridge (in.)
W =gross width of rectangular bearing perpendicular to longitudinal
axis of the bridge (in.)
D =gross diameter of circular bearing (in.)
a L (aw) =relative rotation oftop and bottom surfaces of bearing about an axis
perpendicular, (parallel) to the longitudinal axis of the bridge (radi-
ans)
l:J.c = instantaneous compressive deflection of bearing (in.)
E.c, = compressive strain of ith elastomer layer (change in thickness
divided by unstressed thickness)
Toe =total compressive strain of elastomer
t; = thickness of ith elastomer layer (in.)
T =total elastomer thickness of bearing (in.)
=I.t;
4. Determine the Maximum Allowable Shear Force (Fs) in the Elastomer
A
F's = G-!:J.s
T
l:J.s = Shear deflection of bearing (in.)
G =Shear modulus of elastomer (psi) at 73F
A = plan area of bearing (in.2)
The maximum allowable shear force in the elastomer must be greater than the
maximum lateral force required to slip the P1FE disk under dead load (see
Figure 12, page 60).
Note that the shear modulus (G) decreases with increasing temperature and
increases with decreasing temperature. A value of 100 psi is recommended for
this calculation.
The maximum shear deflection (6s) in the elastomer shall be limited by:
PAGE 54 BRIDGE BEARINGS
4lt Jill'
l1z/trans
If themaximurnallowableshearforceisexceeded,theareaof theelastomericpad
maybeincreasedtoprovidegreatershearcapacity.Itisevidentfromtheabove
formulasthattheelastomerdesignissensitivetoboththeshearmodulusandthe
frictionforce transmittedthroughthestainlesssteelslidingsurface.
PTFE Disk
1. DeterminetheareaofthePTFEdiskrequiredtosupportverticalloads,(DL+U ,
no impact), using a 3,500 psi maximum compressive stress. Note that the
allowablecompressivestressforthePTFEis3.5timestheallowablestressfor
theelastomer.Tominimizethe thicknessoftheintermediateplateinwhichthe
PTFEisrecessed.thelength,widthorradiusofthePTFEshouldbesuchthatthe
edgedistanceis heldtoaminimum.A2,000psito2,500psi (DL only)design
compressivestresson the PTFEshould provide areasonable intermediatetop
platethickness.
PTFEdisksarerecommended to facilitatefabrication ofthe recessin thesteel
intermediateplate.
2. CalculatetheLateralForce(F
1
) requiredtoslipthePTFEdiskunderDeadLoad.
F
1
=J.1N
J.1 =frictioncoefficient
N=DeadLoad
The friction values given in the "PTFESlidingSurfaces"sectionand Article
15.2.7 of theBridge Design Specifications should beusedforthiscalculation.
Note that the actual coefficient offriction will probably be less because the
stainlesssteelsliderplatewillbecoatedwithsiliconegrease.Initialcoefficients
of fricti on as low as 1 to 2 percent were observed by the Transportation
Laboratoryongreasedsamplesloadedto3,170psi.However,theselowfriction
valuesshouldnotbeusedfordesignbecausethelongtermaffectsofthesilicone
greasearenotknown.
3. Compare the Maximum Allowable ShearForce (Fs) in the elastomerwith the
LateralForce(F
1
) requiredtoslipthePTFEunderDeadLoad.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 55
41' lllir
l1z/trans
Intermediate Plate
1. Size the intermediate plate, length and width to match the dimensions ofthe
elastomericbearingpad.
2. Determine required plate thickness. Design in accordance with AISC design
procedure for column base plates. Suggestion-conven PTFE disk area to
equivalentsquareareato designplatethickness.
Sole Plate
ThesoleplatemustbesizedsothatitremainsinfullcontactwiththePTFEdiskunder
all loadingconditions.
Thesafetyoverhang(L
0
) providesaminimumedgedistanceandallowsfor additional
slidingsurfacebeyondthecalculatedmovement.Thevaluereflectsthecenaintyor
uncertaintyofthe total movementcalculation.
Do = DiameterofPTFEdisk
= Maximum longitudinal movement, (including: creep, shrinkage,post
L
tensioning,thermaleffectsandseismic).
Tm = maximum transversemovement
0
= safetyoverhang
1. LongitudinalLength(Lsp) and TransverseWidth(Wsp) ofSolePlate
SingleDisk
2. PlateThickness(Tsp)
DesigninaccordancewithAISCdesignprocedureforcolumnbaseplateswhen
mountedonconcrete.Recommendedminimumthickness: 0.75inch.
3. Anchoragemaybeaccomplishedwithshearstuds,boltsor weldingdependingon
thestructuretype.Studssmallerindiameterthan3,4 incharenotrecommended.
PAGE 56 BRIDGEBEARINGS
,.,jlllr
liz/trans
Masonry Plate
1. Size the masonry plate, length and width to match the dimensions of the
elastomericbearingpadunlessalargerplateisrequiredforanchorage.
2. Aplatethicknessof0.75inchesisrecommended.
3. Anchorage may be accomplished with shear studs, sleeved anchor bolts or
weldingdependingonthestructuretype.Studssmallerindiameterthan%inch
arenotrecommended.
Testing
Untilrecentlyourpolicywastotestscalebearingsfabricatedinthesamemanneras
thefullsizebearings.Thetestbearingsweredetailedinthecontractplansandtested
attheTransponationLaboratory.ThispracticewasabandonedJune1994afteritwas
determined thatsometest bearings werenotrepresentative oftheactual bearings
deliveredto thejobsite.
ThecurrentspecificationsrequiredthatfullsizedPTFEbearingsbeprooftestedand
evaluatedforcompressionandcoefficientofinitialstaticfrictioninthepresenceof
the Engineer. The specifications also require that the manufacturer furnish one
sample ofelastomeric bearing to theTransportation for testing. Test
bearingsshouldnotbedetailedinthecontractplans.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 57
,., IllEr
11z/trans
Longitudinal
Movement
Sole II!.
Intermediate II!.
Rotation
vc Movement

Elastomeric
c,O
Bearing Pad

)'?"/)



,vt,
Figure 10. PTFE!Eiastomeric Bearing
PAGE 58 BRIDGE BEARINGS
,., 1111,
liz/trans
A
Fs = G-11s
T
T 211s
Ft =J.IN
Ft $ Fslll3X
Fs = shear force in elastomer
G =shear modulus (100 psi @ 70F)
T = total elastomer thickness
!:l.s = shear deflection of bearing
F
1
= force required to slip P1FE disk under DL
N =DL
J.1 = coefficient of friction
Figure 12. Shear Force in Elastomer
PAGE 60 BRIDGE BEARINGS
,.,illlr
tiz/tram;
Example 5. PTFE/Eiastomeric Bearing CIPPIS Structure
Given:
Span3Hinge(SeeAttachment3)
StructureLength =785feet
ContributoryLength- 176'+255'(CIPPIS) =431 feet
DL Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad =271 kips
U Reaction/Girder- ServiceLoad,NoImpact = 43 kips
ModerateTemperatureZone- RiseandFall = 35F
Jc'
= 4ksi
Fy = 36ksi
Elastomeric Bearing Pad
1. DetermineWidth(W) andLength (L)
DL+U =WxL
271 kips+43kips=
314
in.
2
1,000psi 1,000psi
Try 12" x28" Area=336in.2 >314 Okay
Note: Slenderbearingpadselectedtomaximizerotationcapacity.
12 x 28 .
ShapeFactor(S) = =8.4>7.5 :. 1,000ps1 Okay
12+28
Actualloadon elastomer:
271 kips+43 kips = si
934 (DL+ LL)
12x28 P
271 kips =807 si
(DL)
12x28 P
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 61
MEMOTODESIGNERS7-1 JUNE 1994
~ ~ ~ ~
l1zltrans
2. CheckCompressiveStrain
S= 8.4,obtainstrainvaluesfrom thecurvesshownonFigure 11 (page59).
Pn =934psi en=4.4%
PDL =807psi EDL=4.0o/o
ETotal =4.4+( 4.0)(0.25)=5.4%<7.0% Okay
3. DetermineInitialThickness(7)forRotation
assumeWaw negligible
:.T LaL =(l
2
)(0.0IS)=1.67" say2" (elastomeronly)
2ET()( 2(0.054)
StructureRotation f3s =0.003radians
ConstructionRotation f3c =0.01 radians
BridgeDesignSpecificationsrequire0.015radians(minimum)
4. DeterminetheMaximumAllowableShearForce(Fs) intheElastomer
A 12x28 .
F's =G-As= 100X X 1=16.81dps
T 2
T 2 l"
ll =- =- =
smu 2 2
PAGE 62 BRIDGEBEARINGS
,.,lllr
11z/aans
PTFE Disk
l. DetermineAreaofPTFEDisks
UseTwoDiskDesign:
271 kips 1rD
2
0
DLAreaRequired = =-- . . Do =8.3"0
2x2,500psi 4
TryDo=8.5"0
DLStressonPTFE =
271


=2,388psi>2,000psi Okay
2x nx-
4
271

DL+LLonP1FE =

=2,766 psi<3,500psi Okay

2xnx-
4
Usetwo Y4" x 8lh"0PTFEdisks.
2. CalculatetheLateralForce(F
1
) Required toSlipPTFE
J1 =0.06
N=271 kips(DL)
F
1
=0.06X 271,000=16.2kips
3. CompareAllowableShearForce(Fs) withSlipForce(F F)
Fs 16.8> 16.2kips Okay F
1
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 63
MEMOTO DESIGNERS 7- 1JUNE 1994
~ ~ ~ ~
11z/trans
Intern1ediate Plate
1. SizeIntennediatePlateLength (L) and Width (W), to match Elastomeric Pad
Dimensions
L=12"
W=28"
2. DeterminePlateThickness(Tp)
28" 14"
-
n 7 s n
- r------ ..
. I
I I
7.5
I
I
I
I_-- -1
}
PTFEDisks Intermediate
Plate
ActualBearing DesignModel
T. =2nftP
fp =Actualbearingpressureonelastomer
p F.
y
Fy =Steelyieldstrength
Fb=0.75 Fy
Model-ConvertDisktoEquivalentSquaretoDetermine (n)
t: - 271 k+43k- 934 .
JP - 12X28 - pSI
n = 14-7.5=3.25"
2
TotalPlateThickness(Tp) including
1
h"Recess
TP =1.05+0.125" =1.17'' say1.25" thick
PAGE 64 BRIDGEBEARINGS
..,llllr
tizluans
Sole Plate
1. LongitudinalLength(Lsp) andWidth(Wsp)
Temperaturemovement= (1.5)(2)(0.0000060)(35F)( 431')(12in./ft) = 3.26"
PISShortening=(0.70)(0.10ft/100 ft)(431')(12in./ft) = 3.62"
SeismicMovement = 3.0
L
4nv. = 3.26+ 3.62+ 2(3.0) = 12.88"
0
L =2(1.0) (Edgedistance) =2.0"
DD = 8.5"
Tm =(Seismic) = 1.0"
Lsp =DD + 4rw:(total)+ LoL
Lsp = 8.5+ 12.88+ 2 = 23.38" say24.0"
Wsp =DD + Tm + L0
LOT = 2(1.0) (Edgedistance) =2.0"
Wsp = [(2)(8.5)+5.5)+2 (1.0)+2.0 = 26.5"
Notes: 1) Thermalmovementwasmultipliedby2because35Fisriseorfall
temperature.
2) Thermalmovementwasmultipliedby1.5becauseitisnotalways
possibleto placethesoleplateata" meantemperature".
3) Positionsoleplatetoaccountforonedirectional movementofPIS
shortening.
4) 70%ofPIS shorteningremains attime ofhingeclosurepour (see
Attachment1).
2. PlateThickness(Tsp)
Design in accordance with AISC design procedure for column base plates
mountedonconcrete.
Lsp=24.0" Wsp =26.5"
J: =4ksi F
1
=36ksi
/b =0.30j;-.)A2/A
1
$ 0.60J: (Ref.BDS,Article8. 15.2.1.3)
AssumeforthisexamplethatA
2
1A
1
= 1.5
Maximumbearingpressure(fb)onloadedarea:/b = (0.30)(4,000)..Ji5=1,470psi
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 65
4lt illir
liz/trans
3. Determine RequiredPlateArea
271+43= 213.6in.2
1, 470
Sincethelengthofthesoleplatewasdeterminedforslidingpurposes,determine
therequiredlengthtodistributetheloadtotheconcrete.
2
2136
in. =8.1" usediskdiameter + edgedistance(8.5+2)=10.5''
26.5
DesignThicknessfor 26.5" x 10.5'' Plate

I I 1.5

10.5"
I I
JW
I
I I
; .... ; ....
'--- -1 -- -_,
I \ I \
I I I
24"
\
Design Model
Sole Plate
Actual Bearing
ModelInformation
Convertdiskstoequivalentsquare
1"transversemovement(Tm)shown
!b =Actualbearingpressure
Fy=Steelyieldstrength(36ksi)
Fb=0.75 Fy
PAGE 66 BRIDGE BEARINGS
4lt lll!r
liz/trans
.fJ = 271 k+43 k si =
1128
b 2(10.5X13.25) ' p
1 128
Tsp =2X 4.25X =1.50"
36,000
Masonry Plate
1. SizePlateAreatoMatchElastomerArea
Use12" x 28" plate
2. PlateThickness
Aplatethicknessof%"isadequatesincethemasonryplatehasthesameareaand
loadas theelastomericpad.
934 psi < 1,470psi.
3. Anchorage
Sincestructureiscastinplace,useshearstuds.
BRIDGEBEARINGS PAGE 67
4lt ill!r
l1z/trtll1$
SummaryofCalculations
PlanBearings
ElastomericBearingPad
PTFEDisk(2)
Intermediateplate
SolePlate
MasonryPlate
TotalBearingHeight
SolePlate
StainlessSteel
PTFEDisk(lA" thickrecessed
1
h")
IntermediatePlate
Elastomer 2+ (4)(0.075)
MasonryPlate
Total
crmvKJj
A. McKee
2" X 1'-0" X 2'-4"
!A" X 8Yz"0
1
1
/.1" X 1 '-0"X 2'-4"
1
1
12" X 2'-0"X 2'-21;2"
JA'' X 1 '-0" X 2'-4"
1.50
0.060
0.125
1.25
2.30
0.75
5.99"- 6.0"
RL:jgf
Attachments
PAGE 68 BRIDGE BEARINGS
I & MEMOTO DESIGNERS7- 1JUNE 1994
- - - - - - - - - = - ~ ~ ~
11:dtrtzn6
References
1. AASHTO LRFD Design Specification (Version 4.02) Section 14, Joints and
Bearings.
2. "AnEvaluationofFiberglassandSteelReinforcedElastomericBridgeBearing
Pads,"datedJanuary1982bytheTransportationLaboratoryoftheStateof
California.
3. "ALaboratoryEvaluationofFullSizeElastomericBridgeBearingPads,"dated
June1974bytheTransportationLaboratoryoftheStateofCalifornia.
4. NCHRPReport 10-20A"HighLoad Multi-Rotational BridgeBearings,"Final
Report- JohnF.Stanton,CharlesW,Roeder,T.IvanCampbell.
5. Caltrans"ElastomericrrFEBearings,"byTedJensen,P.E.,datedOctober1987.
6. CaltransQAINewsletterNo.3,"SuggestionstoAvoidFutureBridgeProblems,"
August3, 1992.
BRIDGE BEARINGS PAGE 69