Fatigue of Steel‐Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 116, Issue 2
Abstract
Fatigue is an important design criterion for elastomeric bearings, but it is not well understood. This paper examines the design methods currently in use for controlling fatigue. Twenty‐six fatigue tests were performed to evaluate the design methods, and the results are described here. The bearings were tested in cyclic shear or compression. Fatigue cracks formed in the rubber near the steel reinforcement, and they sometimes grew to a significant depth. The important parameters affecting fatigue life are described. Rates of crack growth and location of cracking are presented, and they are correlated with load rate, mean loading, load range, and the material properties. A design method for improving fatigue behavior is then proposed.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Brielmaer, A. A., and Hoblitzell, J. R. (1968). “Neoprene bearing pads under repeated compression and shear.” Highway Res. Rec., 235, 97–104.
2.
Cadwell, S. M., et al. (1940). “Dynamic fatigue life of rubber.” Industrial and Engrg. Chem., Analytical Ed., 12(1), 19–23.
3.
“Design recommendations for elastomeric bridge bearings.” Tech. Memorandum BE1/76, Highways Directorate, Dept. of the Envir.
4.
Lake, G. J., and Lindley, P. B. (1967). “Ozone attack and fatigue life of rubber.” Use of Rubber in Engineering, MacLaren and Sons, Ltd., London, U.K., 56–71.
5.
Lake, G. J., and Lindley, P. B. (1964). “Ozone cracking, flex cracking and fatigue of rubber.” Rubber J., (Oct. and Nov.), 1–16.
6.
Lindley, P. B., and Stevenson, A. (1981). “Fatigue resistance of natural rubber in compression.” Malayasian Rubber Produces Res. Assoc., Mar.
7.
Lindley, P. B., and Teo, S. C. (1977). “Strain concentration factor for bounded blocks with radiused fillets.” Plastics and Rubber Material and Appl. (Nov.) 152–155.
8.
Ozell, A. M., and Diniz, J. F. (1960). “Report on tests of neoprene pads under repeated shear loads.” Transp. Res. Board Bulletin, 242, 20–27.
9.
Roeder, C. W., and Stanton, J. F. (1983). “Elastomeric bearings: State‐of‐the‐art.” J. Struct. Engrg., ASCE, 109(12), 2853–2871.
10.
Roeder, C. W., Stanton, J. F., and Taylor, A. (1987). “Elastomeric bearings, design, construction and materials.” Final Report to Sponsor, NCHRP Report 298, Nat. Res. Council, Nat. Academy of Sci., Washington, D.C.
11.
Standard specification for highway bridges. (1977). 7th Ed., Amer. Assoc. of State Highway and Transp. Officials, Washington, D.C.
12.
Standard specification for highway bridges. (1985). 11th Ed., Amer. Assoc. of State Highway and Transp. Officials, Washington, D.C.
13.
Stanton, J. F., and Roeder, C. W. (1982). “Elastomeric bearings design, construction and materials.” NCHRP Report 248, Transp. Res. Board, Nat. Res. Council, Washington, D.C., Aug., 1–82.
14.
“Steel, concrete and composite bridges.” (1983). BS5400, Parts 9A and 9B, British Standards Inst., London, England.
15.
Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer (UIC). (1962–1963). “Use of rubber for bridge bearings.” Office for Research and Experiments, Question D60, Interim Reports I and II and Final Report, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
16.
Union Internationale des Chemin De Fer. (1973). “Code for the use of rubber bearings for rail bridges.” UIC 772R, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 116 • Issue 2 • February 1990
Pages: 407 - 426
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 ASCE.
History
Published online: Feb 1, 1990
Published in print: Feb 1990
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.