Bridge Bearings 2

The National Steel Bridge Alliance publishes a book on bearings and joints. It's about 10 years old but still relevant.

You can also try the NYSDOT website and download the Bridge Manual (Chapter 12). It contains a good example for design of elastomeric bearings.

bridgebuster,

thanks for your suggestion. At the National Steel Bridge Alliance I found a problem whereby I couldn't log on without registering as a new user, but I also couldn't register as a new user without logging on!

I have bought "Bridge Bearings and Expansion Joints" David J Lee, published by E & FN Spon. This gives a good description of each type of bearing with the advantages and disadvantages. The section on expansion joints is also useful. A bit expensive, but a good addition to my library.

Zambo

"I couldn't log on without registering as a new user, but I also couldn't register as a new user without logging on!"

Are you sure you didn't click a wrong link somewhere? I just created a new account and then logged in with it.

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines: faq731-376

HgTX,

that's good news, please buy the book for me - I'll give you a mailing address.

Zambo

Har. I guess the website just thinks I'm cuter than you...

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines: faq731-376

try this:

DRC1:

I tried the link you gave and I get the message: "Page canont be found". Please check it and resubmit.

You all seem so knowlegible about Bridge Bearings ,please can I ask a question.
How long will such bearings last ??
I run a "Shotblast and Paint" Company in U.K.
We are presently doing a fairly simple bridge.
15 meters long and 7 mtrs wide; simply supported ; on 12 heavy steel beams approx 16 mtrs long, with a concrete slab deck covering the lot. Built 38 years ago.
What is surprising is the amount of downwards deflection at the ends when traffic comes onto the bridge, and also the expansion joint line is very shabby .
I am wondering whether to point it out to the Engineer in the hope of getting an extension to our Contract. (maybe he has already seen the problem, but I dont think so.)
Almost certainly there has been no work on this bridge since it was built 38 yrs ago. How long do elastomeric bearings last ?? Thanks in anticipation of replies DW

I'm sorry Hope this works better: