Neoprene pads are special types of bridge bearings. Currently, they are used in many of the bridge construction. Because of they have elastomeric property, low maintenance cost, etc. and also many more properties. All you will get to know further in this post.
To understand further, first let's discuss on components of Bridges:
Components of Bridges
Main structural components of a bridge:
- Deck (with surface and parapet)
- Girders / Beams
- Bearings
- Pier cap
- Piers and structures
- Pier base / foundation (piles and pile cap)
Bridge Bearings
Functions:
- Transfer forces from bridge superstructure to substructure
- Gravity Loads (self weight and vehicle load)
- Lateral Loads (earthquake and wind forces)
- It allows movements (translation and rotation) in between girders and pier cap.
- Due to its rubber like structure it loses its energy through deformations.
- It simplify the load transfer mechanism, such that it can be easily analysed.
Types of Bridge bearings:
There are mainly four types of Bridge bearings:
- Rocker Bearings
- Elastomeric Bearings
- Sliding Bearings
- Spherical Bearings
Neoprene pads (Elastomeric bearings)
Neoprene: a family of synthetic rubber (chloroprene polymer).
Elastomeric: It has rubber-like property. Therefore, such material regains their shape back at the removal of load.
Neoprene bearings pads
It is a rectangular block of pads reinforced with steel plates / laminates.
Neoprene bearings specifications :
- It has no moving parts and so has less maintenance.
- It can be used as bridge bearings and for base isolation.
- Also helpful because it allows controlled movement against vertical and lateral loads.
- Due to its structure, loads distributes evenly.
Properties of Neoprene Rubber:
- It remains elastic even under high deformations.
- It has high Poisson's ratio (~0.5) causes bulging.
- Young's modulus varies as it is non-linear elastic.
In below figure, first two blocks are first one is non-laminated and other one is laminated. Under Fx, one can see there is less compression and less bulging in laminated neoprene bearing pads. But for shear force Fy, there is not much difference in deformations.
You can also see an experiment on Neoprene Laminated pads under axial compression load. So as to know about it experimentally.
Neoprene pads prices
There are currently various types are available. Different shapes and quality available for different purposes. Check it out at Indiamart.
Source: My college professor teachings.
So, here is full information regarding bridge bearings.
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