Chapter-6 Bridge Bearings

Bridge Bearings
Bridge bearings
are structural
devices placed
between the bridge
superstructure and
substructure.

Functions of Bridge Bearing

1-Load Transmission: Bearings transmit loads (including earthquake loads, wind loads,
traffic loads, and the bridge’s own weight) from the superstructure to the substructure.
This transfer of load allows the following types of movements of the superstructure:
(a) Translation movements: Displacements in vertical and horizontal directions.
(b) Rotational movements: Caused due to moments often due to temperature changes,
load variations, or structural adjustments.
2-Movement Accommodation: Bearing Permit both translational and rotational
movements, essential for thermal expansion, seismic adjustments, and load distribution
and thereby reducing stress.
So basically, bearings accommodate horizontal relative movement between the
superstructure and substructure and also accommodate vertical movement due to support
sinking. Bearing Allow free movement of girders due to temperature variations (contractions
and expansion
3-Energy Dissipation: Neoprene pads (rubber-like structures) dissipate energy through
deformation, reducing structural stress.
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
 4-Load Simplification: Simplify load transfer mechanism so it simplifies the overall
structural analysis.
5-Boundary Definition: Serve as a boundary between the superstructure and substructure,
accommodating both translational and rotational movements.

Classification of Bridge Bearings

Based on Span Suitability
Type of Bearing Suitable for Span
Shallow or Fixed Plate Bearings up to 12 meters
Deep Cast Base Bearings between 12 and 20 meters
Roller Bearing over 20 meters (Generally 18-24 meters)
Rocker Bearings over 20 meters
Sliding Plate Bearings Limited to spans of 15 meters or less (as per railway up to 30 m)

Based on Function
Type of Bearing Function
Fixed(Hinged) Bearings Allow rotational and limited or zero translational movements.
Expansion Bearings Permit both translational and rotational movements to accommodate expansion
As per Railway

Factors for Different Types of Bridge Bearings:

✓ Bridge span
✓ Loading conditions
✓ Performance specifications
✓ Temperature variations

IRC Codes Related to Bridge Bearing: IRC:83

o IRC 83 Part 1 – 2015: Roller & Rocker Bearings
o IRC 83 Part 2 - 1987: Elastomeric Bearings
o IRC 83 Part 3 – 2018: Pot, Pin, Metallic Guide and Plane Sliding Bearings
o IRC 83 Part 4 – 2014: Spherical and Cylindrical Bearings

For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal

For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
 Types of Bridge Bearings
1. Sliding Plate Bearing/Plain Sliding Bearing: A system of two plates, one sliding over
the other makes one of the simplest type of bearings.

✓ These bearings permit translation in longitudinal and transverse directions, unless

specifically restrained in any of these directions.
✓ No rotation is permitted unless specially provided in the form of articulation.
✓ only vertical loads are resisted /transmitted by these bearings.
✓ Not suitable as a fixed bearing.
✓ Generally, plain sliding bearings are provided where span is less than 30 m (for
safer side span up to 15 m), because the movement capacity of these bearings is
generally small.
2. Roller Bearing: Roller Bearing Used in Concrete & Steel Bridges Both because they
provide high load capacity, allow necessary structural movements, and are durable
and adaptable to the unique requirements of both bridge types.
✓ Roller bearing as per IRC- 83(Part 1)
• Steel roller cum rocker bearing permits longitudinal movement by rolling and
simultaneously allows rotational movement.
• Case steel roller has been in general use for major bridges with a span above 20
m. Generally, Roller Bearing is used for Bridge span 18-24 meters.
• The bearing may consist of a single roller, double roller, or a nest of rollers. When a
nest of the roller is used, the rollers are cylinders in shape and clean from dust and dirt.

• The minimum diameter for the roller shall be 75 mm.

• The ratio of length to the diameter of the roller shall not be greater than 6.
• The gap between rollers shall not be greater than 50 mm in the case of multiple
rollers.
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
 3. Rocker Bearing: These are Used for Span more than 20 meters.
What is Rocker: A component with a curved convex surface formed on one face. The
curved surface can be a portion of a cylinder or sphere.
What is Rocker Bearing: A type of bearing in which sliding movement is not allowed but
rotational movement is permitted. Typically used as a fixed bearing for stability.

4. Elastomeric Bearing: These Bearing can tolerate loads and movements exceeding
the design values.
Steel bearings are good but suffer from problems of corrosion and high level of
maintenance. Due to these problems of steel bearings, engineers were on the lookout for a
bearing which could accommodate large movements and at the same time being relatively
maintenance free.

Elastomeric bearings advantage:

1. Requires minimum maintenance compared to all other bearings.
2. Installation is easy.
3. Permits movement of the structure in all directions, depending upon the applied forces.
4. Occupies small space.
5. Serves as a shock absorber due to anti-vibration properties of elastomer.
6. Acts as an aid to better dispersion of longitudinal forces to the approaches.
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
Types of Elastomeric Bearings:
Type of Characteristics Applications
Elastomeric
Bearing
Plain ✓ Used for light or moderate loadings; Light to moderate load
Elastomeric ✓ tend to bulge under heavy loads applications
Pads
Fibre ✓ Reinforced with fiberglass Moderate load
Reinforced ✓ designed for applications where moderate applications
Pads reinforcement is needed
Steel ✓ Reinforced with steel plates to reduce bulging Heavy load
Reinforced ✓ steel sheets are fully encased within elastomer applications
Elastomeric ✓ each layer acts individually for vertical loads; allows
Pads larger lateral movements
Note:
Neoprene Bearing: This is a specific type of elastomeric bearing, where the elastomer used is
neoprene (a type of synthetic rubber). Neoprene bearings are highly durable and resistant to various
environmental factors like ozone, sunlight, and aging. Neoprene bearings are a popular choice for
elastomeric bearings due to their durability.
In summary, all neoprene bearings are elastomeric bearings, but not all elastomeric bearings are
neoprene. Elastomeric bearings can also be made from other materials, like natural rubber.
Some Other Points related to Elastomeric Bearing:
o Composed of rubber layers bonded with steel plates.
o Allows rotation and horizontal movements, suitable for thermal expansion and
minor vertical displacements.
o Commonly used in long-span bridges.
o Can incorporate PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) for greater horizontal
movement.
5. Curved Bearing:
o Allows both rotational and translational movements.
o Generally used in larger bridges for controlled flexibility.
6. Pot Bearing:
o Uses an elastomeric disc enclosed in a steel cylinder, providing vertical load capacity while
allowing rotations.
o Suitable for large-span bridges due to its durability.
7. Disk Bearing:
o Similar to pot bearings, but with a rotating disk mechanism to provide smooth rotational
movement.
o Used in bridges requiring minimal friction and consistent rotational movement.
8. Pin Bearing:
o Fixed bearing that allows rotation through a steel pin.
o Typically consists of a sole plate, stainless steel pin, and rocker assembly.
o Fixed to the concrete pier, suitable for bridges where rotation needs are minimal.
Note: Knuckle Bearing: Provided only for angular movement of the Girder.
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
Ans-4
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
RC Rocker Bearing-----Reinforced Concrete Rocker Bearing
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal
For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU
 KEEP STUDYING……………KEEP SHINING

For More Updates Join our Telegram Group: https://t.me/ToThePointByDhyanPal

For Civil engineering Courses Download our Mobile App: https://clpdiy4.page.link/WUDU