Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
(OP)
I have a condition on a new bridge in service for approximately 2 years. The bridge is a 5 span continuous plate girder bridge on a horizontal curve (r=650'). The round steel reinforced elastomeric bearings at the abutments have formed vertical cracks (typically 3 per bearing at about 120 degrees from each other). Otherwise, the bearing appears to be functioning well with the typical shear translation and compressive bulging in between laminae. Why would this type of cracking occur in this application???





RE: Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
Also, the span arrangement of the bridge might help.
Thanks
RE: Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
This situation you describe is mystifying. Horizontal cracks maybe, vertical I've never seen that.
Have a look at the shop drawings for these bearings, was there extreme cover around the internal shims? If so I was thinking hoop stresses, but 3 cracks, I don't know.
Regards
VOD
RE: Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
The circumferential stresses in a circular bearing are pretty small, so the bearing is very unlikely to start tearing itself apart as a result of the vertical crack. The main danger is that moisture might get in and start corroding the steel plates. If that is perceived as a problem, then someone could go out and re-glue the mastic filler pieces in place."
RE: Elastomeric Bearing Splitting
Thanks for sharing the knowledge on the source of the problem....you get one star from me!