Bridge Bearing s4.6

New Abu Dhabi – Dubai Road, Package A
Tender No. DoT/T/MR/58/11
SECTION S4.6
BRIDGE BEARINGS
S4.6.1 GENERAL
S4.6.1.1 Work Included

Furnish all labour, materials and equipment required for the design, manufacture, supply
and installation of bearings shown on the Drawings and/or in the Specifications and
include the following:
1. Pot-type bearings.
Pot bearings have a cylindrical elastomeric pad confined within a pot, the latter
having a piston cover that transfers the load to the pad. The elastomer is deformed
at constant volume only, which means that it can withstand considerable loads as
well as the rotations of the structure.
2. Spherical-type bearings.
Spherical bearings consist of a spherical rotational component, where typically a
stainless steel convex surface (alternatively made of highly corrosion resistant sliding
alloy) slides against a concave carbon steel plate covered with a low friction sliding
material. This is a compact bearing able to accommodate larger rotations and vertical
loads as it does not depend on the limitations of an elastomeric element.
3. Moulded elastomeric bearing strips.

The elastomeric bearing strip consists of a strip of solid section of elastomer
(Neoprene or natural rubber) installed on the corbel at the back of the abutment back
wall to support the approach slab. It is designed to accommodate the rotational
movement of the approach slab. Stainless steel dowels passing through the bearing
prevent longitudinal movements of the approach slab.
S4.6.1.2 Related Work
1. Examine work done by other trades:

Before commencing fabrication of the work of this Section, the Contractor installing
the bearings is required to inspect and take field measurements of work done by
other trades which may affect the work. Before commencement of the work, the
Contractor shall notify the engineer in writing, of his acceptance of work done under
other Divisions or by other trades. If any conditions exist which will prejudice a proper
installation of the work, the engineer shall be notified in writing, and installation shall
not proceed until deficiencies are corrected and the engineer has received the letter
of acceptance.
2. Cooperation:
Special Specifications, February 2012

Tender No. DOT/T/MR/58/11 Page 225 of 468
Where items of other trades are to be built into the work of this Section or items under
this Section are to be built into the work of other trades, such items shall be procured
and provided in ample time to avoid delay.
The Contractor shall attend upon and cooperate with other trades in respect of the
work of this Section and do everything necessary to enable the work of other trades
to be completed without delay.
S4.6.1.3 Approvals
Prior to manufacturing the bearings and prior to the construction of the bearing seats, the
Contractor shall submit the following information to the engineer for consideration and
approval:
1. The Bearing Manufacturer‘s specification containing detailed information on the

design standards, materials, manufacture and technical data.
2. The Contractor shall submit a Technical Approval document which will guarantee
the working life of the bearings to be not less than 50 years
3. Shop drawings detailing all of the work of this section.
4. Friction properties based on actual tests at a temperature of 70°C conducted on

relevant materials and all other tests completed in accordance with the
specifications.
5. Design calculations clearly indicating how the bearing satisfies the design criteria
indicated on the Drawings and in the specifications
6. Detailed procedures to be followed during the installations of bearings
7. A certificate of compliance from the Bearing Manufacturer of the work to be done

under this section
The Contractor shall submit evidence of the successful installation and operation of
comparable proprietary bearings to the satisfaction of the Engineer. These should
demonstrate the suitability of the system and materials proposed, in particular, for heavy
traffic and for the aggressive environment and high temperatures experienced in the
Middle East.
The approval of the Engineer shall not relieve the Contractor of any responsibility under
the Contract for the successful completion of the work.
The bearing manufacturer shall facilitate one or more visits by the engineer or his
representative to his workshop for the purpose of quality control.
S4.6.1.4 Shop Drawings
The Contractor shall submit shop drawings to the engineer for approval which shall
include, but not limited to, the following information.
1. Erection drawings, plan, elevations and complete details and sections showing all
materials incorporated in the bearings.
2. Bearing preset details, if applicable.
3. Protective coating requirements.
4. The attachment details of the PTFE to the steel substrate (guide bar, piston, top
plate, etc.).
5. Attachment details of the stainless steel plates to the bearing elements.
6. The maximum and minimum vertical loads and co-existing horizontal loads as
well as the maximum horizontal load and co-existing vertical load.
7. Bearing seat and all bearing connection and anchorage details.
8. The location of the top and bottom bearing adapter plates drawn in plan and in
elevation on the deck soffit and on the support structures showing edge
distances.
9. The bearing orientation (uni and multidirectional bearings) with respect to the
point of zero temperature movement of the bridge deck or to other points of
reference as indicated on the drawings.
The drawings and design calculations shall be stamped by a professional engineer

employed by the bearing supplier with at least 5 years of documented history of bearing
design experience.
S4.6.2 STANDARDS
Unless otherwise specified, the design and the manufacture of the bearings shall comply
with the following requirements,
Mandatory Standard AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications
ASTM D5977 Standard Specification for High Load Rotational

Spherical Bearings for Bridge and Structures
ASTM D4014 Standard Specifications for Plain and Steel-

laminated Elastomeric Bearings for Bridges
ASTM D5217 Standard Specifications for High Load Rotational

Confined Elastomeric Bearings for Bridges and Structures
Advisory Standard AASHTO LRFD Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges
Steel Bridge Bearing Selection and Design Guide, Volume II,

Chapter 4, Highway Structures Design Handbook
SCEF Standard 106
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration G9.1 – 2004

NCHRP Report 10-20A, High load Multi-Rotational Bridge

Bearings, Transport Research Board, National Research
Council , Washington D.C.,1993
EN 1337-1 General Design of bearings
EN 1337-3 Elastomeric Bearings
EN 1337-5 POT Bearing
EN 1337-7 Spherical Bearing
Permissible Standard Other approved standards which should be used in special

cases to accommodate design constraints and to be
compatible with the local conditions
All the above and any other documents and specifications referred to in this document
shall be the latest edition or superseding document and specification.
S4.6.3 MATERIALS
Each batch of material (steel, sliding elements, stainless steel plates, lubrication, etc.,)
need the approval from an approved, independent testing authority (Material Testing and
Controlling Institution, BBA or MPA Stuttgart for instance), before assembly of the parts.
The bearings shall be fabricated from only new and unused materials. Reclaimed
materials are not acceptable.
When requested by the engineer, the Contractor shall submit test certificates from the
approved, independent testing authority to show that the respective materials comply
with the specified requirements, or a certificate from the patent holder or designer
certifying that the manufactured item complies in all respects with relevant product
specifications.
Materials shall conform to the following standards:
S4.6.3.1 Structural Steel
All Steel Components of the Bearings including top and bottom adapter plates, top plate,
piston and pot base, spherical and disk bearing steel components, etc., shall be made
from structural steel conforming to the requirements of AASHTO A108, A668/A668M,
A709/A709M, Grade 50W or from Type 304, stainless steel conforming to ASTM A240 or
in accordance to the equivalent EN Norm.
Steel substrates to which the sliding material is bonded shall be grit blasted prior to
applying the epoxy adhesive. Bond over the entire area of the sliding material.
Metal to metal contact surfaces within bearings (inclusive of the top and bottom adapter
plates) shall be prepared either by machining or fine grinding. Machining shall always be
carried out after welding has been finished.

The type and country of origin of the structural steel utilized in the manufacture of the
bearings shall be subject to the Engineers approval
S4.6.3.2 MSA - Highly corrosion resistant sliding alloy in accordance with the
technical approval ETA 06/0131.
The corrosion resistant material shall be approved in the form of a ―Technical Approval‖
released by the Ministry of Traffic from a country with experienced suppliers of spherical
bearings.
If used for the manufacture of the convex element of a spherical bearing, the following
properties shall be at least equal to that of stainless steel for the proper functioning of the
bearing during its design life:
1. Hardness of surface
2. Durability of surface. Resistant to wear during life of bridge.
3. Frictional resistance with the sliding material
4. Bright annealed mirror (No. 8) finish (less than 0.2 µm RMS) for the surface in
contact with the sliding material
5. Capacity to resist vertical loads during bearing rotation
The permissible combination of materials of the tribological systems (main sliding

surfaces) adjacent to the convex plate (spherical part) of a spherical bearing shall consist
of MSM (See 3.5.2) with stored silicone grease against
1. Austenitic steel for the flat sliding surface and
2. Highly corrosion resistant sliding alloy MSA for the curved sliding surface
S4.6.3.3 Stainless Steel Sheet
Shall conform to ASTM A167 and A264, Type 304 or equivalent to EN 10088, and be
continuously welded to the steel plate. Face of the stainless steel in contact with the
sliding material: bright annealed mirror (No. 8) finish (less than 0.2 µm RMS).
Locate the weld outside the contact area with the sliding material surface.
Finishes on curved metallic surfaces shall not exceed 0.4 µm RMS
S4.6.3.4 Anchor Bolt Assemblies
All anchor bolt assemblies, inclusive of anchor studs/dowels, anchor bolts and washers
shall be of Grade 8.8 steel to suit the applied loads. The anchor bolts and washers shall
be galvanized.
The anchor studs/dowels shall be welded to the outer faces of the top and bottom
adapter plates with holes machined into the welded end of the dowels to receive the
anchor bolts. The anchor studs/dowels shall receive the same corrosion protection as
that of the adapter plates.

A durable, ultra violet resistant plastic cap shall be installed on top of all galvanised
anchor bolt heads for further protection against corrosion.
S4.6.3.5 Sliding Materials
1. Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE):
The PTFE surface shall be made from pure virgin PTFE resin satisfying the
requirements of ASTM D4894 or D4895
It shall be fabricated as:
1. Unfilled sheet made from pure virgin PTFE resin alone
2. Filled sheet made from PTFE resin uniformly blended with either 15% glass
fibre or 25% carbon fibers to reduce creep, i.e., cold flow, and wear, or
3. Fabric woven from PTFE and other fillers.
Sheet PTFE may contain dimples to act as reservoirs for lubricant.
The PTFE shall be etched on the bonding side prior to epoxy bonding in order to
obtain good adhesion.
PTFE exposed to ultra-violet light shall not be attached by bonding alone
Shall be resistant to all acids, alkalis and petroleum products, stable at temperatures
from -220°C to +260°C, non-flammable and non-absorbing of water.
It shall meet the following test requirements:
Physical Property ASTM Test Method Requirement

Ultimate tensile strength D4894 20 MPa
Ultimate elongation D4894 200%
2. MSM - Low friction Sliding Material:
MSM is a special sliding material made of modified UHMWPE - Ultra high molecular
weight polyethylene
The use of the proprietary MSM material as a sliding surface shall require the
necessary certificates proving compliance with the German Institute for Civil
Engineering National Technical Approval Z-16.4-436.
MSM‘s constant performance in service as a low friction material shall be confirmed

by a long term test by an independent testing institute (Material Testing and
Controlling Institution, MPA Stuttgart for instance) with the following conditions:
1. Average test contact pressure 60N/mm²

2. Constant test sliding velocity 15mm/s
3. Test sliding path 50km
Sliding material with low friction behaviour (µ < 2,0% with temperature range of -50 to
+ 70 °C).
Maximum sliding coefficient during –35°C test shall not exceed µ < 3,5% over the
long term testing distance.
Because of the hot ambient temperatures, the characteristic permissible pressure of

the sliding material shall not less than:
1. with room temperature (20°C) fk = 180N/mm²
2. with 70°C fk = 90N/mm²
Creep behaviour with both value shall be confirmed by testing of an independent test
institute (Material Testing and Controlling Institution, MPA Stuttgart for instance).
3. Alternative sliding materials to PTFE and MSM
Alternative sliding materials to PTFE and MSM, such as ROBO SLIDE may be
permitted provided that it can be demonstrated to the Engineer that such materials
are fully compatible with all other requirements of this specification. Alternative
materials shall not be used without the written approval of the Engineer.
S4.6.3.6 Lubricant
Silicone grease shall be used as lubricant for sliding surfaces
S4.6.3.7 Adhesive Material
The adhesive material used for bonding the sliding material shall be an epoxy resin
satisfying the requirements of ASTM C 881/C 881M, FEP film or equal, as approved by
the engineer.
It shall be stable from -40ºC to 125ºC.
Care shall be taken to ensure that the adhesive is applied uniformly over the entire
surface of the sliding material so as not to cause an uneven sliding surface that could
lead to premature wear.
S4.6.3.8 Elastomeric Material for Pot Bearings
The raw elastomer shall be either Neoprene (polychloroprene) or virgin natural rubber
(polyisoprene) moulded in one piece. No layering or stacking of discs will be permitted.
Cuts, gouges or nicks from machine cutting or flash trimming will be cause for rejection.

The sealing groove shall be molded integrally. It shall be square to the pad top surface
and the same nominal dimensions as the brass sealing rings.
A silicone grease shall be used as the lubricant to be applied to the top and bottom
surfaces of the elastomer to prevent its abrasion during cyclic rotation
The minimum thickness of the elastomeric disc shall be determined by the following
formula: rotation capacity x (pot inside diameter ÷ 0.3).
Physical properties of the natural rubber to meet the following outlined requirements:
Natural Rubber
Property Test
Requirements
Hardness, ° Shore A ASTM D2240 55 ± 2
Tensile Strength MPa ASTM D412 Min. 17.2
Ultimate Elongation % ASTM D573 70 hr. @ 70°C
Heat Resistance
Change in Hardness,  Shore A Max. + 10
Change in Ultimate Elongation % Max. –25
Compression Set % ASTM D395 Method B 22 hr. @ 70°C. Max.
25
Ozone ASTM D518 Mounting 22 pphm., 48 hr.
Procedure @ 20% Strain No Cracks, 540 ±2°C
Bond During Vulcanization kg m-1 ASTM D429 Method B Min. 893
Brittleness @ -40°C ASTM D746 Procedure B No Failure
Low Temperature Crystallization ASTM D2240 168 hr. @ -25°C
Increase in Hardness,  Shore A Max. + 15
S4.6.3.9 Brass Sealing Rings:
ASTM B36, half-hard alloy 260
Three rectangular brass sealing rings shall be provided to prevent the elastomer
extruding between the piston and pot wall.
The rings shall be finished to a smoothness of 1.6 µm RMS or better.
The gap between the ring and the wall shall nowhere exceed 2 mm.
The width of each ring shall be ≥ 0.02 x the outside diameter of the ring or 6mm and shall
be ≤ 20mm. The depth of each shall not be ≥ 0.2 x its width.
Each ring shall be circular in plan but shall be cut at one point around its circumference.
The faces of the cut shall be on a plane at 45º to the vertical and to the tangent of the
circumference with a gap of 1 mm. The gaps shall be staggered a minimum of 90º
relative to one another when the rings are in place

PTFE coal will be considered as an internal sealing ring as a replacement for the brass
rings if the bearing manufacturer produces documental evidence proving its successful
use in practice and will be subject to the engineers approval
S4.6.3.10 Seals for Pot and Spherical Bearings:
The bearings shall be provided with tight-fitting seals to prevent the ingress of dust or
deleterious matter onto the moving parts. The seals shall be of an approved type and
sufficiently durable to last in excess of 50 years
The pot and piston are to be sealed by a continuous preformed closed cell seal between
the top of the pot wall and the underside of the piston flange.
S4.6.4 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The following minimum requirements shall be provided.
S4.6.4.1 General:
1. Serviceability Limit State:
The design should be such that bearings will not suffer damage which would affect
their correct functioning or incur excessive maintenance costs during their intended
life.
In general, bearings are not recommended for horizontal to vertical load ratios of over
40%. In such cases allowance for external restraint shall be provided
2. Ultimate Limit State:
The strength and stability of bearings should be adequate to withstand the ultimate
design loads and movement of the structure.
3. Design Life:
Bearings and their installations should be designed to be compatible with the design
life of the bridge; taking into account the consequences of maintenance and/or
replacement.
4. Durability:
Bearings should be detailed to exclude crevices and the like which allow moisture
and dirt to be trapped. The materials used in their manufacture and the protective
and maintenance measures adopted against corrosion and deterioration due to
environmental effects should be such as to ensure that bearings continue to function
correctly throughout their design life.

5. Replacement of bearings:
The substructure and superstructure design shall permit the bearings to be removed
for inspection or rehabilitation with minimal jacking of the structure.
Sufficient space shall be made available on top of bridge supports (at abutments and
piers) and on the soffit of bridge superstructures within the width of deck diaphragms
to enable the location of jacks during bearing replacement.
Bearings shall be designed so that they can be replaced by lifting the deck no more
than 15 mm or the distance specified.
6. Top (sole) and bottom (masonry) adapter plates:
Top and bottom adapter plates shall be provided to allow for simple bearing
replacement.
The fixing arrangement of the bearing to the top and bottom adapter plates shall be
such as to enable the bearings to be replaced without the need for cutting into the
bridge superstructure or substructure.
The plates shall be designed to distribute the bearing loads into the surrounding
substructure and/or superstructure.
The allowable bending stress shall be 0.63 x Fy.
The thickness shall not be less than 20 mm.
The top and bottom adapter plates shall be sufficiently stiff to remain rigid under all
service load conditions.
The surfaces of the adapter plates in contact with the bearing elements shall be
prepared by either machining or fine grinding to ensure full contact of surfaces during
loading and shall have an evenness of at least 0.0003xlength of the diagonal of the
attached bearing element. Machining shall always be carried out after welding has
been finished.
7. Average Bearing Stress on Concrete:
The outer plates of bearings should be so proportioned that concentrated loads are
sufficiently distributed to ensure that the permissible stresses on the adjacent bridge
structure are not exceeded.
The maximum average contact stress and maximum edge stress from the bearing on
the concrete shall not exceed 0.5 and 0.6 times the 28-day cube characteristic
compressive strength under the serviceability limit state respectively, unless
otherwise prescribed by the engineer. As a minimum it shall be designed in
accordance to AASHTO LRFD Clause 5.10.9.7.1

8. Rotation of the bearings:
The rotational capacity of all types of bearings about any horizontal axis, which
includes rotations due to all applicable service loads and movements, maximum
rotations caused by fabrication and installation tolerances, and allowance for
uncertainty, should be at least ± 0.02 radians.
Rotation of Pot and Disk bearings about a horizontal axis shall be limited such that
vertical strain induced at the perimeter of the rotation element (elastomer or disk)
under combined vertical, rotational and eccentric loads including creep does not
exceed 15% of the nominal rotation element thickness. Design calculations,
supported by test results, if required by the Consultant, to be submitted for review.
Vertical and horizontal clearance between the rotating and non-rotating bearing
components, including fasteners, shall be no less that 5mm when rotated to 150% of
the design rotation
9. Dust Covers:
Dust covers shall be provided on the circumference of the top adapter plates. They
shall preferably be made up of a GRP fiberglass, transparent, ultraviolet resistant
material to allow for ease of inspection and be replaceable.
S4.6.4.2 Sliding Materials
Methods of attachment:
1. Horizontally installed sliding material shall be recessed and/or bonded into its
steel substrate. The bearing manufacturer shall guarantee the performance in
service of the sliding material during the warrantee period of the bearing. He
shall take into consideration possible ―out of alignment‖ errors during installation
on site between the base and upper elements of the bearing. Unless proven
otherwise bonding is recommended whenever there are difficulties in creating,
readjusting or retaining the parallelism of the contact surfaces between the base
and upper elements of the bearings.
2. The connection of the sliding material to the steel substrate shall be subject to the
approval of the engineer.
3. Vertically installed sliding material sheet shall be bonded and recessed into or
bonded to and mechanically fastened to its steel substrate
4. The recess into the steel substrate shall be designed in accordance to the
technical approval of the bearing for the sliding material sheet thickness but shall
be at least one half of the thickness of the sliding material. The shoulders of the
recesses shall be sharp and square.
1. PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene) Sheets:
For all application the minimum thickness of the PTFE is as follows:

Maximum dimension Minimum thickness

≤ 600 mm of recessed sheet 4.5 mm
> 600 mm of recessed sheet 6.0 mm
Woven fabric (mechanically interlocked 1.5 mm
over a metallic substrate)
After completion of the bonding operation the PTFE surfaces shall be smooth and
free of blisters and bubbles.
Coefficient of friction
1. The recommended design coefficients of friction for bearings with stainless

steel sliding on pure PTFE continuously lubricated are given in the following
table:
Bearing stress (N/mm2) Coefficient of friction

5 0.08
10 0.06
20 0.04
30 and over 0.03
2. In the absence of test data, the coefficient of pure unlubricated PTFE on

stainless steel should be taken as twice the values for lubricated PTFE
3. For guides with filled PTFE sliding on stainless steel, the coefficient of friction
should be taken as four times the values in the table above
Wear may ultimately cause the need for replacement of the PTFE, so it is wise to
allow for future replacement of the PTFE in the original design.
Contact stress between the PTFE and the mating surface shall be determined at the
SLS using the nominal area:
1. Stresses shall not exceed those given in the following table:
Average Contact Stress Edge Contact Stresses

(MPa) (MPa)
Material Permanent All Loads Permanent All Loads
Loads Loads
Unfilled PTFE:
Unfilled Sheets 10 17 14 21
Filled Sheets with 21 31 24 38
maximum Filler Content
Confined Sheet PTFE 21 31 24 38
Woven PTFE Fiber over a 21 31 24 38
Metallic Substrate
Reinforced Woven PTFE 28 38 31 48
over a Metallic Substrate

2. Extreme fibre stresses occur as an edge stress under rotation and vertical
load conditions.
2. MSM sheets:
MSM (Maurer Sliding Material) consists of modified UHHMPE – Ultra high molecular
weight Polyethylene. This low friction sliding material has been implemented in the
place of PTFE to further enhance the characteristics (durability and strength) of the
spherical bearings in particular.
It shall be designed strictly in accordance with the material manufacture‘s

specifications and recommendations. Limiting stresses on the material shall be in
accordance with the material manufacture‘s specifications.
MSM or any other PTFE replacement materials proposed by the bearing supplier
shall be demonstrated by tests from approved laboratories to perform at least equal
to or better than PTFE in all aspects of bearing design requirements.
The performance of the replacement materials shall be demonstrated with the use of
lubricants such as silicone grease and in the absence of lubricants. Actual friction
values shall be considered for the design of bridge elements.
3. Alternative sliding materials:
Alternative sliding materials to PTFE and MSM, such as ROBO SLIDE may be
permitted provided that it can be demonstrated to the Engineer that such materials
are fully compatible with all other requirements of this specification.
Other sliding materials shall be subject the engineer‘s approval prior to use in
bearings
S4.6.4.3 Guides
Guides are used to prevent movement in one direction such as in uni-directional bearings.
They shall be designed at the strength limit state for the larger of either :
1. The design horizontal force at the strength limit state
2. 15% of the total vertical force at the serviceability limit state
The top plate shall be restrained by guide bar(s).
Guide bars which are located on the outer edges of the top plate and which use the
bottom or base plate as the restraining device have limited rotational capabilities and
may restrict the free rotation of the bridge at the support where the axis of rotation of
the bridge is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide bars. In such cases special
adaptations to the side guides (such as by the addition of tildingbars) will need to be
considered to accommodate the rotations of the bridge. Such details shall be subject
to the approval of the engineer prior to manufacture.

The guide bar(s) shall be fabricated integral with the bearing base element when they are
centrally located at the top of the piston in pot bearings and at the top of the convex
spherical element in spherical bearings. In such cases bolted down or welded guide
bar(s) shall not be permitted.
Guides which are located along the outer edges of the bearing may be welded to the
bearing top sliding plate. The following shall apply:
1. Under no circumstance shall there be separation between the bearing top plate
supporting the guide and the top adapter plate when the guide is subjected to
150% of the design horizontal force applied to the bearing
2. The transverse dimension of the top plate shall extend to the outer edges of the
guides and shall be in contact with the top adapter plate for at least the top plates
entire width and length. The longitudinal dimension shall be determined by
considering full movement range of deck superstructure and possible movement
of the substructure
3. A full penetration weld shall be used for the connection between the guide and
the top plate. If this is not considered necessary to overcome the bearing design
lateral loads, the bearing manufacturer shall provide to the engineer for his
approval details of his calculations and of the welded connection taking into
consideration long term durability of the bearing.
4. Machining of the inside face of the top plate and guides and that of the top
surface of the top plate shall be done after welding is completed
The guides shall be self-aligning to ensure complete contact of the sliding material and
the stainless steel surfaces along the entire length of the guide providing the lateral
restraint.
The closing of the gap on one side of the guide and locking of the bearing in that position
during transportation and installation may not be utilized to ensure complete contact of
the sliding material and the stainless steel in service.
Guides used for lateral restraint shall be faced with a low-friction material to ensure that
the frictional resistance to movement due to the guides is significantly smaller than that of
the main bearing
The low friction sliding material shall be attached to the guide by either of the following
methods:
1. Bonding and recessing in accordance with the technical approval document. The
recess shall be at least one half of the sliding material thickness. The attachment
of steel plates to the guides to form the recess shall not be permitted.
2. Bonding and mechanical attachment with fasteners, which shall be countersunk

to a depth which ensures that they will not touch the mating material after
allowing for wear.

The low-friction material:
1. It shall be etched prior to bonding by the method approved by the Manufacturer.
2. Filled PTFE or MSM, which have better resistances to creep than pure PTFE, is
preferred for guides
3. PTFE filled with fiberglass or carbon fibres, and a PTFE and sintered metal
mixture have also been used with success
4. Alternative sliding materials to filled PTFE and MSM, such as ROBO SLIDE may
be permitted provided that it can be demonstrated to the Engineer that such
materials are fully compatible with all other requirements of this specification.
5. Other sliding materials shall be subject the engineer‘s approval prior to use in
bearings
The total gap between guides and guided members shall not exceed 2 mm. However it
should be noted that free slip causes the load to be distributed unevenly which could
potentially lead to overloading of one guide/bearing and this needs to be taken into
account in the design.
S4.6.4.4 Multidirectional Bearings:
Bearings which are not required to provide lateral restraint, shall be attached to the
structure by anchor bolts or other approved methods. The friction between the bearing
and the superstructure and substructure shall not be considered to assist in resisting
horizontal forces
S4.6.4.5 Anchor Bolt Assemblies:
The anchor studs/dowels welded to the underside of the bottom adapter plates shall be at
least 30mm in diameter. They shall be corrosion protected together with the bottom
adapter plate. The insides of the anchor bolt holes machined into the top of dowels may
be left unpainted as these holes shall become sealed after tightening of the anchor bolts.
The dowels set in the bearing plinths shall extend beyond the top mat of reinforcement in
the abutment and/or pier
The dowels shall be located in their sockets using an approved high strength shrinkage
compensated cementitious grout applied strictly in accordance with the material
manufacturer‘s recommendations and specifications. The grout shall be subject to the
approval of the engineer
The anchor bolts shall be limited in length by the need to remove the anchor bolts during
future bearing replacement. There shall be no obstruction which will impede the
unfastening of the anchor bolts during bearing replacement
If bearings are not recessed into the adapter plates, the anchor bolts shall be designed to
resist the full horizontal design loads from the bridge superstructure without any reliance

on the frictional forces developed from steel to steel contact between the bearing
elements and the adapter plates
S4.6.4.6 Stainless Steel Sheet:
Stainless steel sheets shall be attached to their backing plates with an approved epoxy to
ensure complete contact and then by continuous welding along their edges so as to
prevent ingress of moisture and shall be clean, sound, smooth, uniform; without overlaps
and ensure that the stainless steel sheet remains flat throughout its service life.
Minimum thickness of the stainless steel sheet:
Maximum dimension of mating surface Minimum thickness

≤ 300 mm 1.5 mm
> 300 mm 3.0 mm
Bonding and/or mechanical fastening of sheets without welding along edges will not be
permitted.
The attachment of the stainless steel and PTFE sheets to the steel substrates shall be
able to withstand a minimum of 20% of the maximum applied bearing load in the shear
plane.
The backing plates shall extend beyond the edge of the stainless steel sheets to
accommodate the welds and the welds shall not protrude above the stainless steel
sheets.
The stainless steel sheets shall completely cover the PTFE sheets in all operating
positions, plus at least 25 mm in the direction of movement.
S4.6.4.7 Welding:
Welding shall be in accordance with AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
S4.6.4.8 Specific design requirements for each type of bearing
1. Pot Bearings:
The pot, piston, top sliding plate and base plate shall be fabricated by machining a solid
steel casting. No welding or bolting or riveting of parts will be permitted.
The inside diameter of the pot cavity shall be nominally equal to the diameter of the
elastomeric pad.
The pot shall be deep enough to permit the seal and piston rim to remain in full contact
with the vertical face of the pot wall under all design loads, movements, and rotations.
Contact between metal components shall not prevent further displacements or rotation.

The pot walls shall be designed to withstand both the internal pressures caused by
vertical loads (considering the elastomer to behave as a fluid) and the design lateral
loads.
The finish of surfaces in contact with the elastomeric pad shall be smoother than 1.5µ-m.
The yield strength and hardness of the piston shall not exceed that of the pot.
The combined thickness of the bottom adapter plate and the base plate of the pot shall
not be less than 6% the inside diameter of the pot. Each of these plates shall individually
not be less than 20mm in thickness.
When at 150% of maximum design rotation, the piston thickness shall be sufficient to
provide at least 5 mm vertical clearance between rotating and non-rotating components of
the bearing assembly.
The thickness of the piston shall not be less than 6% the inside diameter of the pot,
except at the rim.
The outside diameter of the piston shall be 0.5 to 1 mm less than the inside diameter of
the pot.
The minimum vertical load on a pot bearing shall not be less than 20% of the vertical
design load.
For bearings carrying horizontal loads, the piston face shall be designed assuming a
contact area with the pot wall of one-third the pot circumference and allowable
compressive stress not exceeding 0.8 x Fy.
The average stress on the elastomer in Pot Bearings shall not exceed 25 MPa at the
serviceability limit state.
2. Spherical Bearings:
Shall preferably be installed with the concave spherical surface facing down and
horizontal sliding surface above the concave spherical element whenever the resulting
center of rotation is not detrimental to the system geometry.
The concave and convex spherical element will be machined from a solid block of
structural and non-corrosive steel respectively. Other non-corrosive materials such as a
highly corrosion resistant sliding alloy offered as an alternative to the stainless steel may
be considered if documentation of performance and experience acceptable to the
engineer is provided.
The spherical convex element of a spherical bearing shall be manufactured from the
either of the following non-corrosive materials
1. Type 304, stainless steel conforming to ASTM A240.

2. Highly corrosion resistant material MSA – Maurer Sliding Alloy in accordance with
the technical Approval ETA 06/0131.
3. Other non-corrosive materials such as anodized aluminium. This material may

be considered if documentation of experience, acceptable to the engineer, is
provided
4. All non-corrosive materials shall be subject to the approval of the engineer prior
to manufacture.
The use of structural steel with a polished hard chrome finish for the spherical convex
element may be considered if sufficient documented evidence of successful application in
service, acceptable to the engineer is provided.
The finish of the convex spherical element is extremely important because it affects the
coefficient of friction and because of the many variables involved it is best verified by
friction testing.
The sliding material (PTFE, MSM, etc.,) shall be recessed and seated to the steel
substrate. (in case replacement of Sliding sheet)
The vertical design load on a sphere surface of radius R running in a concave seating of
radius R1 should not exceed
3 2 2
170σu [(R1R/(R1-R)] /E
where σu is the nominal ultimate tensile strength of the material and
E is the modulus of elasticity of the material
The minimum center thickness of the concave spherical element and the minimum edge
thickness of the convex spherical element shall be at least 20 mm.
Unseating of the curved spherical surfaces relative to each other shall be prevented by
transferring horizontal forces through specifically designed restraints or by control of the
spherical radius.
If rockers are utilized to allow transversal rotation in uni-directional bearings with outer
side guides they shall be stainless steel type 304 conforming to ASTM A240. Also metal
to metal contact at the base of the rocker shall be between two stainless steel materials to
prevent the onset of corrosion in these areas. Locating pins utilized to prevent the
rockers from sliding out from between the side guides and bearing main element shall
also be of stainless steel type 304.

S4.6.5 EXECUTION
S4.6.5.1 Dimensional Tolerances
1. Bearings shall be located within ±3mm of their correct position in the horizontal plane
and oriented to within an angular tolerance of 0.02 rad and 0.005 rad for guided
bearings
2. Except as noted, all bearing surfaces of steel plates shall have a finish or machined
flat within 1mm per metre. Out-of-flatness exceeding this limit shall be cause for
rejection
3. Overall dimension of assembled bearings shall be ± 3mm in plan and height.
4. Moulded Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings
1. Thickness: -0 / +3mm
Horizontal dimensions: -0 / +6mm.
2. Thickness of individual layers of elastomer: ± 20%
3. The embedded steel shall have a minimum elastomer cover of 6mm.
5. When designed to be parallel, the tolerance of parallelism of any upper surface of a

bearing with respect to any lower surface of the bearing, as datum, shall be 0.2% of
the diameter for surfaces circular in plan and 0.2% of the longer side for surfaces
rectangular in plan.
5. Planar surfaces mating with the sliding material, flatness tolerance in all directions:
0.0002 Lh mm; where L is the length in mm of the bearing surface in the direction
measured and h is the projection of the sliding material in mm above the top of the
confining recess for confined sliding material.
6. Tolerance of flatness of sliding materials: 0.2 mm when the diameter or diagonal is

less than 800 mm and 0.025% of the diameter or diagonal when this dimension is
greater than 800 mm. These conditions apply to the diameter or diagonal dimension
of the inscribing circle or rectangle around the sliding material.
7. Dimensional tolerances on the sliding material as follows:
Tolerance on Tolerance Thickness

Diameter/Diagonal
Plan Dimension Recessed Bonded
up to 600 ±1.0 mm -0 / +0.54 mm -0 /+ 0.12 mm
Over 600 - 1200 mm ±1.5 mm -0 / +0.60 mm -0 /+ 0.18 mm
Above 1200 mm ±2.0 mm -0 / +0.72 mm -0 /+ 0.18 mm
8. Tolerance on size for the recess for confined PTFE or other approved sliding
materials: 0 mm and +1 mm of the corresponding plan dimensions of the PTFE sheet
for plan dimensions up to 500 m and 0 and +0.2% of the corresponding plan
dimensions above 500 mm.

Profile tolerance for the projection of PTFE above its confining recess as follows:
Tolerance on
Max. Dimension of PTFE Maximum Projection Above
Projection
(Diameter or Diagonal) Thickness Recess
Above Recess
Up to 600 mm 4.5 mm -0 /+ 0.5 mm 2.0 mm
Over 600 - 1200 mm 5.0 mm -0 /+ 0.6 mm 2.5 mm
Over 1200 - 1500 mm 6.0 mm -0 /+ 0.8 mm 3.0 mm
Make all measurements on PTFE at a temperature of 25°C.
For other approved sliding materials, refer to the bearing manufacturer‘s

requirements and specifications for maximum dimensions and profile tolerance. The
above table shall however be used as a basis for the other sliding materials.
9. Steel plate finishes: The surface finish between masonry plates and between top
plates and bearing shall conform to ANSI 500.
S4.6.5.2 Corrosion protection of bearings
All exposed steel parts of bearings not made from stainless steel shall be protected
against corrosion by the following approved paint system:
1. The protective coating shall be a HIGH MARINE COATING CORROSION

PROTECTION SYSTEM. Atmospheric corrosively category C5-M. Expected
durability high (H – more than 15 years) according to ISO 12944-5:1998(E)
2. Prepare the surfaces by abrasive blasting to a finish equal to the Sa1/2 finish of
Swedish Standard SIS 05 59 00.
3. Spray the surfaces with zinc dust EP primer with a minimum 80 micrometer
thickness (Zinc Flame Spray).
4. Coat the zinc-sprayed surfaces within 4 hours with two layers (1st and 2nd) of
MIO (micraceous iron oxide) each with minimum thicknesses of 80 µm (two
coats), with the exception of the stainless-steel siding plate
5. Apply a final coat (top layer) of MIO (micraceous iron oxide) minimum 80 µm in
thickness (third and final coat)
6. The total thickness of the protective coating system shall not be less than 320
µm.
7. A transition zone of at least 50mm in width on the circumference of the top and
bottom adapted plates in contact with concrete shall receive the same paint
system
All surfaces of steel parts in contact with concrete and other steel mating surfaces shall
be protected against corrosion by zinc metallization

The bearing manufacturer shall propose an appropriate corrosion protection for the inside
of the pot of pot bearings. Metallization is not recommended as it tends to cause a
rougher surface finish, which leads to significant increases in elastomer damage under
cyclic rotation.
The bearing manufacturer shall guarantee the long term protection against corrosion of
any unpainted surfaces of steel such as the inside of bolt holes, etc.
S4.6.5.3 Identification:
All bearings must be clearly coded by the manufacturer. The coding must prevent mix-up
and remain clearly visible on the bearings.
Each bearing shall be stamped with the manufacturer‘s name, bearing type or model
number, bearing number, direction of installation and the installed location which must
correspond with the information contained on the approved drawings for the bearings.
The stamp shall be on a surface visible after installation
S4.6.5.4 Handling, Transport and Storage:
Protect bearings from damage or distortion during handling, transport, storage and
installation and keep clean and free of all deleterious matter and contaminants including
moisture and dust.
Provide suitable handling devices as required. Use temporary clamping devices to

maintain correct orientation of the parts during handling, transport, storage and
installation but do not use for slinging or suspending bearings unless specifically
designed for this purpose.
All bearings, whether in the fabrication shop or an independent warehouse or at the

bridge site shall be stored on a platform above ground surface, in a clean, dry, covered
facility, away from sunlight, heat, oils and chemicals deleterious to the bearings.
The bearings shall not be staked in a manner or on a surface which will cause distortion
of the bearings.
When in storage the bearings will be kept banded, wrapped and secured in a condition
suitable for shipment.
S4.6.5.5 Installation of bearings in general:
Install bearings in the structure as specified and shown on the drawings and directed by
the bearing supplier. Installation procedure shall be subject to review and approval by the
engineer. The manufacturer will have its technical representative present for the
placement of the first bearing.
Bearings shall be set to the dimensions and offsets prescribed by the manufacturer and
the drawings. When placed, bearings shall be dry, clean, and free from dirt, oil, grease,
or other foreign substances.

They shall be adjusted as necessary to take into account the temperature at time of
installation and future movements of the bridge due to temperature changes, release of
falsework and shortening due to prestressing.
At the option of the manufacturer or the design engineer, the technical representative
may be required to be present for the placement of any number of additional bearings.
Under no circumstances shall bearings be taken apart and reassembled on the site,
except where it is an unavoidable feature of the installation procedure, in which case the
dismantling, installation and reassembly shall be under the supervision of the
Manufacturer or his agent.
Rehabilitation, modification and repair work to the bearings shall be carried out only in the
factory or in an approved engineering works.
Agree to the position of any temporary packing between the outer bearing plates and the
structure with the Consultant.
Locate bearings so that their centre lines are within ± 3 mm of their correct positions.
Level of a single bearing or the mean levels of more than one bearing at any support:
1. Within a tolerance of ± 0.0001 times the sum of the adjacent spans of a

continuous girder but not exceeding ± 5 mm. Set bearings to their correct
inclination to the horizontal within a tolerance of ± 0.1° in any direction.
2. Departures from common planetary of twin or multiple bearings shall be within

tolerances specified by the Consultants
Tighten threaded fixings uniformly to avoid overstressing any part of the bearing. Supply
vibration-resistant type fasteners where significant vibration may occur.
Bed bearings over their entire area. Voids or hard spots after installation are not
acceptable. Care shall be taken to ensure that no air pockets exist below the bearing
bottom adapter plate after installation.
The bedding material shall be capable of transmitting the applied load to the structure
without damage. The bedding mortar thickness shall not be less than 20 mm. The
bedding mortar shall extend beyond the bearing perimeter by at least 50 mm or twice the
thickness of the bedding mortar; whichever is the greater. Fall away the top surface of
this extension from the bearing to prevent the collection of water around the bearing if
applicable.
After installation leave bearings and their surrounding area clean. Remove temporary
transit clamps at a time to be agreed upon by the supplier and the Consultant.
Upon completion of the installation, certify, in writing to the Consultant, that the bearings
have been correctly installed.

S4.6.5.6 Installation of elastomeric bearings:
Elastomeric bearings without external load plates may be placed directly on a concrete or
steel surface provided that it is flat to within a tolerance of 0.005 of the dimension of the
bearing
S4.6.6 LOAD CELLS
At least two Free type (multi-directional) bearings shall be equipped with load cells for
monitoring of bearing loads during construction and up to completion. The Contractor
shall design, supply, maintain and operate the system for recording the loads to an
accuracy of 5% to the satisfaction of the engineer
S4.6.7 DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUPPLIED WITH THE BEARING
The Contractor shall provide all necessary documentation for the long term inspection,
maintenance, and replacement of the bearings. This shall include full documentation of
the design, working drawings, a certificate of compliance from the supplier, third party
testing agency (BBA or MPA) certificates, welding certificates, documentation of the load
tests, quality records and as installed details, procedures for the inspection of the bearing,
procedures for maintenance and a fully detailed method statement for the replacement of
the bearings. The documentation shall include risk assessments and appropriate safety
information. The as-installed records shall include tabulated benchline measurements that
will allow the movement of the structure to be monitored during operation
S4.6.8 SAMPLING, TESTING AND INSPECTION
S4.6.8.1 General
In addition to any tests required by the Specification and Drawings, testing of bearings
shall be carried out in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD and ASTM D5977-03.
The number of tests shall be in accordance with the requirements of AASHTO LRFD
unless otherwise stated in this document. All tests shall be carried out by the Contractor
and witnessed by the Engineer and the Employer.
The shipment of bearings must be accompanied by certificate of origin confirming that

bearing has been manufactured at country of origin.
The manufacturer of the bearings shall provide at his expense for the testing and
inspection of materials and of the completed bearings, in his plant or at an independent
test facility approved by the Engineer or his representative, who shall be allowed free
access to the manufacturer‘s plant and test facility.

S4.6.8.2 Lot Size
A lot shall be defined as those bearings presented for inspection at a specified time and
date.
A lot shall not exceed 25 bearing. It shall consist of those bearings of the same type and
may consist of different vertical load capacities but not exceed a range of capacity by
more than 1500 KN.
The test and number of samples to perform tests shall be in accordance with the following
table:
Test Samples Required
Proof load and compression strain One production bearing per lot
Rotation One production bearing per lot
Coefficient of friction One production bearing per lot (test must be

completed using two identical bearings)
Sliding material (woven or sheet) bond test One production bearing per lot
Physical properties of woven fabric sliding One piece of sliding material fabric per
material project, of a size similar to the smallest
bearing in the lot
Physical properties of sliding material One 250 by 400 mm piece of sliding material
per project
S4.6.8.3 Proof Load Test
A test bearing shall be loaded to 150% of the bearing‘s rated design capacity and
simultaneously subjected to a rotation of 0.2 radian (1.146⁰ ) or design rotation,
whichever is greater, for a period of one (1) hour. Note any deformations, cracks, or
separations (lift off) of plates from each other or from the sliding material.
If all tests performed on the selected bearing in a given load range meet the specified
requirements, all bearings within that load range will be acceptable. In the event that any
test on a bearing in a given load range does not meet the specified requirements, the
tested bearings and all other bearings in that same load range will be rejected unless
each individual bearing is satisfactorily tested and approved by the Engineer.
S4.6.8.4 Test for Coefficient of Friction (applies to expansion bearings only)
The aim of this test is to verify the sliding capability of the bearing. The bearing shall be
loaded in compression with 100% of the full service dead load plus live load for a
minimum of 12 hours, while simultaneously placing them in a rotated condition of 0.02
radians, or design rotation, whichever is greater.

Determine for the first movement the average static and dynamic coefficient of friction for
the two sliding surfaces at a sliding speed of less than 25 mm/min
Subject the bearing to 100 sliding cycles of 25 mm minimum movement at a speed not
exceeding 300 mm/min.
Determine for the 101st movement the average static and dynamic coefficient of friction
for the two sliding surfaces as described for the first movement. Note any deformation or
cold flow of the sliding material.
The sliding coefficient of friction shall be calculated as the horizontal load required to
maintain continuous sliding of one bearing, divided by the bearing`s vertical design
capacity.
S4.6.8.5 Guide Horizontal Test
The aim of this test, in which the bearing is subjected to a combination of vertical and
horizontal load, is to verify the capability of the bearing to withstand horizontal load.
S4.6.8.6 Cold Flow Test
The manufacturer of the bearings shall demonstrate to the Engineer, by approved

methods of testing, the cold flow of the sliding material proposed to be used, filled or
unfilled, will not deform laterally, any more than 1.6mm radially (i.e., the diameter of the
sliding material shall not increase by more than 3.2mm, under a uniform loading of 246
kg/cm² imposed continuously for a period of not less than one hundred hours. The
dynamic loading shall include the sliding of the stainless mating surface in a back and
forth motion of 25mm.
S4.6.8.7 Sliding Material (Woven or Sheet) Bond (applied to expansion

bearings only)
Subject the bearing to the maximum vertical design load and simultaneously, but
transversely, a load equal to 13% of the maximum vertical design load for a period of 1
min.
Note any slip or creep of the sliding material. Any sliding material that is surface
damaged by the testing shall be replaced by material of equal quality to the original
sliding material. Thus surface damage does not cause rejection of the bearing.
S4.6.8.8 Acceptance Criteria upon Inspection after Testing
There shall be no liftoff or separation between plates during rotation. There shall also be
no separation between plates and sliding material under rotation. The sliding material
shall not ravel.
Measured static and dynamic coefficients of friction shall not exceed 4% for bearings
using woven fabric sliding material

Measured static and dynamic coefficients of friction shall not exceed 3% for bearings
using sheet sliding material
Measured startup static and dynamic coefficient of friction on the initial movement shall be
less than 8% for bearings using any of the approved sliding materials
Slip or creep shall not exceed 3 mm during the woven fabric sliding material bond test.
There shall be no cracks, separation, or permanent deformation of the sliding material,

stainless steel, other components, or welds.
Properties of materials shall be within the limits of the specifications
S4.6.9 GUARANTEE
Require the Contractor to provide a written guarantee stating that the bearings have been
fabricated such that they will perform satisfactorily within the design range of movement
and under the design loads for a fifteen year period from the date of substantial
completion. The Contractor shall indicate that they have reviewed the installation
procedures and find it in accordance with the bearing supplier‘s recommendations.
Provide in the guarantee for the replacement (including supply and installation) of the
bearings at no cost to the Owner in the event that the bearings do not perform
satisfactorily within the design range of movement and under the design loads.
The Contractor is to guarantee, in writing, the performance of the bearings for a fifteen
(15) year period from the date of substantial completion. Provide in the guarantee for the
replacement (including supply and installation) of the bearings at no cost to the Owner in
the event that the bearings do not perform satisfactorily in the range of design movement
and under the design loads. Ensure that the bearings are installed in such a manner that
will not void the fabrication guarantee.
The Contractor shall submit the bearing technical approval document for each type of
bearing installed issued by BBA or MPA Stuttgart, which will indicate a working/service
life of the bearing to be not less than 50 years.
S4.6.10 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT
S4.6.10.1 Method of Measurement
The bearings shall be measured and paid for per unit at the relevant price entered in the
Bill of Quantities
S4.6.10.2 Basis of Payment
The tendered rate shall include full compensation for all engineering, labour, design,
fabrication, installation and equipment necessary to complete the work, including all

subsidiary and incidental items thereto for which separate payment is not elsewhere
provided. Payment shall include supply of all materials, protection system, dust cover, all
necessary bedding, anchor bolts, jacking plates (if required) and temporary works, etc.,
and shall include shop drawings, quality control, testing, supply and installation of load
cells for Free type (multi-directional) bearings only, storage and shipping and delivery.
S4.6.11 NEOPRENE BEARING STRIP
S4.6.11.1 General
In addition to the General Specification Section 4.6 the following shall be considered.
This work shall consist of installing a 15 mm thick and 100mm wide continuous Neoprene
Bearing strip between the abutment shelves and approach slabs as shown on the
drawings. Neoprene bearing strips are to include holes for dowel bars, where these items
are both specified on the drawings.
S4.6.11.2 Material and Test Procedure
Neoprene Bearing Strip material and test procedures shall conform to the type specified
for the elastomeric bearings in Section 4.6 of the General Specification.
S4.6.11.3 Construction
The concrete bearing surfaces on which neoprene bearing strips are to be placed shall
be wood float finished to a level plane which shall not vary more than 3mm from a 3 m
long straightedge placed in any direction across the area. The finished bearing seat shall
not vary more than 3mm from the design elevation.
Concrete surfaces on which the neoprene bearing strip are to be set shall be dry, clean
and free from dirt, grease, latency, and contaminants. No bearing pad shall be placed
until the Engineer has inspected and approved the seat conditions.
S4.6.11.3 Method of Measurement
This work shall be measured by linear meter in place of the material installed.
S4.6.11.4 Basis of Payment
The quantities of Neoprene bearings strips measured as provided above, will be paid for
at the per metre rate as entered in the Bill of Quantities.
The unit prices for the neoprene bearing strips shall constitute full compensation for
testing, supplying all materials, preparation, installation, and for all labour, equipment,
tools and all other items necessary for the proper completion of the work.

S4.6.12 PAY ITEM
ITEM 4.6.1 Mechanical Bridge Bearings, Guided type No.
ITEM 4.6.2 Mechanical Bridge Bearings, Free type No.
ITEM 4.6.3 Neoprene Bearing Strip Size 100mm x 15mm m.


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New Abu Dhabi – Dubai Road, Package A

Tender No. DoT/T/MR/58/11

S4.6.1.1 Work Included

3. Moulded elastomeric bearing strips.

S4.6.1.2 Related Work

1. Examine work done by other trades:

Special Specifications, February 2012

1. The Bearing Manufacturer‘s specification containing detailed information on the

3. Shop drawings detailing all of the work of this section.

4. Friction properties based on actual tests at a temperature of 70°C conducted on

6. Detailed procedures to be followed during the installations of bearings

7. A certificate of compliance from the Bearing Manufacturer of the work to be done

S4.6.1.4 Shop Drawings

2. Bearing preset details, if applicable.

3. Protective coating requirements.

5. Attachment details of the stainless steel plates to the bearing elements.

7. Bearing seat and all bearing connection and anchorage details.

The drawings and design calculations shall be stamped by a professional engineer

Mandatory Standard AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications

AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications

ASTM D5977 Standard Specification for High Load Rotational

ASTM D4014 Standard Specifications for Plain and Steel-

ASTM D5217 Standard Specifications for High Load Rotational

Advisory Standard AASHTO LRFD Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges

Steel Bridge Bearing Selection and Design Guide, Volume II,

SCEF Standard 106

AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration G9.1 – 2004

NCHRP Report 10-20A, High load Multi-Rotational Bridge

EN 1337-1 General Design of bearings

EN 1337-3 Elastomeric Bearings

EN 1337-5 POT Bearing

EN 1337-7 Spherical Bearing

Permissible Standard Other approved standards which should be used in special

Materials shall conform to the following standards:

S4.6.3.1 Structural Steel

Special Specifications, February 2012

2. Durability of surface. Resistant to wear during life of bridge.

3. Frictional resistance with the sliding material

5. Capacity to resist vertical loads during bearing rotation

The permissible combination of materials of the tribological systems (main sliding

1. Austenitic steel for the flat sliding surface and

S4.6.3.3 Stainless Steel Sheet

Finishes on curved metallic surfaces shall not exceed 0.4 µm RMS

S4.6.3.4 Anchor Bolt Assemblies

Special Specifications, February 2012

S4.6.3.5 Sliding Materials

It shall be fabricated as:

1. Unfilled sheet made from pure virgin PTFE resin alone

3. Fabric woven from PTFE and other fillers.

Sheet PTFE may contain dimples to act as reservoirs for lubricant.

PTFE exposed to ultra-violet light shall not be attached by bonding alone

It shall meet the following test requirements:

Physical Property ASTM Test Method Requirement

2. MSM - Low friction Sliding Material:

MSM‘s constant performance in service as a low friction material shall be confirmed

1. Average test contact pressure 60N/mm²

Special Specifications, February 2012

2. Constant test sliding velocity 15mm/s

3. Test sliding path 50km

Because of the hot ambient temperatures, the characteristic permissible pressure of

1. with room temperature (20°C) fk = 180N/mm²

2. with 70°C fk = 90N/mm²

3. Alternative sliding materials to PTFE and MSM

Silicone grease shall be used as lubricant for sliding surfaces