Elastomeric bearings for bridges and prefabricated beams
The elastomeric bearings are rubber blocks in which they can be incorporated or vulcanizates of the reinforcing plates. They were born with the purpose of supporting bridges or other structures, in such a way as to allow the load to move slightly horizontally on the support point.
The supports absorb light or moderate horizontal and vertical loads, such as ground movements or thermal expansion and contraction.
It is an efficient solution, easy to install during the construction of a bridge or any structure. This type of bearing is widely used, also because it requires virtually no maintenance over time.
We create elastomeric bearings in neoprene and rubber to measure, according to the designer's indications. Upon request, we also offer a sizing and load resistance verification service.
Advantages of neoprene bearings
The neoprene bearings can be used for precast, prestressed concrete or steel beams. In this application they compress under the vertical load and accommodate both the horizontal rotation and the horizontal shear movement.
The supports allow a uniform and regular transfer of horizontal and vertical loads from the beam to the substructure, and a minimum rotation of the beam at the height of the support. They also allow for lateral and longitudinal movement of the beam caused by thermal expansion.
Standard neoprene bearings have no moving parts, and thermal expansion and contraction are absorbed by the footpad's ability to absorb and transmit forces cutting. Once subjected to forces, in fact, the neoprene support generates return forces which tend to return the rubber block to its undeformed configuration.
In this type of supports, called fixed supports, there is no sliding movement between the support and the beam.
We also make sliding neoprene bearings, consisting of a block of reinforced rubber, a steel plate and a PTFE plate. This combination of material allows the sliding of the beam on the support, and therefore allows translations with a low coefficient of friction.
Our bearings comply with the European CE EN 1337 standards, they are made with high quality rubber and steel plates completely incorporated in the elastomer, and therefore protected from corrosion and other external agents .
Do you also need Road Expansion Joints?
ANELTEC designs and manufactures road joints, which allow to accommodate the movements of the decks.
They consist of a rubber structure in which metal profiles are inserted to modify its stiffness. Find them by clicking here:
