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An elastomeric bridge bearing, also known as a pot bearing or elastomeric bearing, is a commonly used modern bridge bearing. The term encompasses several different types of bearings including bearing pads, bridge bearings, laminated
elastomeric An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e. both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. The term, a portmanteau of ''elast ...
bearings, and seismic isolators ... which are all generally referred to as "bridge bearing pads" in the
construction industry Construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations,"Construction" def. 1.a. 1.b. and 1.c. ''Oxford English Dictionary'' Second Edition on CD-ROM (v. 4.0) Oxford University Press 2009 and co ...
. The purpose of the elastomeric bearings is to support a bridge or other heavy structure in a way that permits the load to shift slightly, in a horizontal direction, relative to the ground or foundation. Without such bearings, the bridge support might crack or fracture when it moves due to ground movements or thermal expansion and contraction. Elastomeric bearing pads compress on vertical load and accommodate both horizontal rotation and horizontal shear movement. The internal structure of an elastomeric bearing consists of a three layers: a lower "pot" made of steel, which rests on the foundation or footing; a relatively thin elastomeric pad (a rectangle or disk shape) resting on the lower pot; and a steel plate loosely set on top of the elastomeric disk, on top of which the weight of the bridge rests. The bearings are often produced as a unit, ready to be installed. The elastomeric pad may made from any of several materials, including natural rubber, elastomers,
teflon Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous applications. It is one of the best-known and widely applied PFAS. The commonly known brand name of PTFE-based composition is Teflon by Chemo ...
, or synthetic rubber (such as
neoprene Neoprene (also polychloroprene) is a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene.Werner Obrecht, Jean-Pierre Lambert, Michael Happ, Christiane Oppenheimer-Stix, John Dunn and Ralf Krüger "Rubber, 4. Emulsion R ...
). Elastomeric bearing pads are the most economical solution used in construction of large span bridges and buildings. Elastomeric bearings are often used in applications other than bridges, for example, supporting buildings that are built on soil that may shift slightly and cause a concrete load to crack in the absence of a elastomeric bearing.. Elastomeric bearings are designed and manufactured based on standards and specifications of such organizations as
British Standard British Standards (BS) are the standards produced by the BSI Group which is incorporated under a royal charter and which is formally designated as the national standards body (NSB) for the UK. The BSI Group produces British Standards under the ...
, AASHTO, and European Norms En 1337.


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Pretread page on bridge bearing pads
- a UAE based company which supplies bridge bearing pads Bearings (mechanical) Bridge components {{civil-engineering-stub