OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-1

Design Two design examples follow. The first is a fixed elastomeric bearing. The
Examples second is an expansion elastomeric bearing.

Fixed Elastomeric This example is a continuation of the prestressed girder design example
Bearing Design found in Section 5.8.2. The bearing used in this example is based on
Example Bridge Details Part I B310. The elastomeric bearing pad is designed
using Method A (LRFD 14.7.6). Figure 14.8.1.1 shows the bearing
components. The length, width, and thickness labels used for the
different elements of the bearing are consistent with Detail B310. See
Figure 14.8.1.4.

Figure 14.8.1.1

With the maximum reaction calculated, the bearing design should be

selected from the standard tables found in Section 14.7. If a standard
design will not work due to unusual loads or geometric constraints, a
custom design will be required.

This example will outline the procedure to custom design a fixed

elastomeric bearing. First, design the elastomeric pad. Next determine
the steel plate requirements for the rest of the bearing assembly.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-2

1
A. Design For fixed elastomeric bearings use a /2" thick plain pad.
Elastomeric
Bearing Pad Unfactored reactions from the prestressed beam design example are used
[14.7.6] as the design loads for this example. They are:

Pdl = 145 kips

Pll = 96.3 kips (Does not include dynamic load allowance; IM)

Ps = Pdl + Pll = 241.3 kips

For prestressed beams, the bearing pad width (B) shall be 2" smaller
than the bottom flange of the beam. For new prestressed concrete
beams, B is 24".

The allowable compressive stress for plain pads is 0.80 ksi. The
allowable is increased by 10% for a fixed bearing because shear
deformation is prevented.

Allowable σ s = 1.10 ⋅ (0.80) = 0.88 ksi

Mn/DOT specifies a range of permissible values for the shape factor.

5.0 ≤ S ≤ 10.0

Using the vertical load, the allowable compressive stress, and width (B)
of the bearing plate, a trial length (A) can be found.

Ps 241.3
A= = = 11.43 in
0.88 ⋅ B 0.88 ⋅ 24

Try a bearing pad with the following dimensions:

A = 12 in, B = 24 in, and hrt = 0.50 in

There are two geometric checks on the bearing pad to ensure that it has
good proportions. First, in plan, the length of the long side can be no
more the 2.5 times the length of the short side. Second, the height of
1
the elastomeric portion can be no more than /3 the length of the short
side of the pad.

2.5 ⋅ A = 2.5 ⋅ 12 = 30 in ≥ 24 in OK

A 12
= = 4 in > 0.50 in = hrt OK
3 3
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-3

Compute the shape factor for a 1/2" x 24" x 12" pad and determine the
allowable compressive stress.

[14.7.5.1] A ⋅B 12 ⋅ 24
Shape factor = S = = = 8.0
2 ⋅ hri ⋅ (A + B) 2 ⋅ 0.50 ⋅ (12 + 24)

5.0 ≤ S = 8.0 ≤ 10.0 OK

Compute the maximum service load stress under total load, σ S

Ps 241.3
Actual σ s = = = 0.838 ksi < 0.880 ksi OK
A ⋅ B 12 ⋅ 24

B. Curved Plate The curved plate has a width that is 2" more than that of the bearing
Design pad.

H = B + 2 = 24 + 2 = 26 in

Begin by checking the thickness for a curved plate with a length of 4.5
inches. If thickness of the bearing plate is more than that of the curved
plate, increase the length of the curved plate. After 4.5 inches, try 6"
increments of 2" thereafter.

Curved Plate length = G = 4.5 ⋅ in

The radius of the contact surface is the first parameter to determine for
the curved plate. The radius of the curved plate is a function of the yield
strength of the steel and the load intensity.

The loaded length is the length of the sole plate embedded in the
prestressed beam less the chamfers at each side, the pintles, and the
associated bevels around each of the pintles. See Figure 14.8.1.2.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-4

Figure 14.8.1.2

Sole Plate contact length is equal to

L sp = 26 − 2 ⋅ (0.125) − 2 ⋅ (0.75) − 2 ⋅ (2.25) = 19.75 in

[14.7.1.4] The minimum radius permitted is determined with LRFD Equation

14.7.1.4-1. D2 is set equal to infinity. Knowing the load to be carried
(Ps), substituting Lsp for W, rearranging the equation to solve for D1, and
dividing by 2 (to compute a radius) results in the following:

⎡ Ps ⎤ ⎡ Es ⎤ ⎡ 241.3 ⎤ ⎡ 29,000 ⎤
R min = ⎢ ⎥⋅⎢ 2⎥ = ⎢ ⎥⋅⎢ 2 ⎥
= 17.1 in
⎣⎢ 2 ⋅ (8) ⋅ L sp ⎦⎥ ⎢⎣ Fy ⎥⎦ ⎣ 2 ⋅ (8) ⋅ 19.75 ⎦ ⎣ 36 ⎦

The B-detail should call out that the minimum radius for the curved plate
in this example is 18" (specify the radius to the next even number). In
no case should the radius be specified to be less than 16".

The required thickness of the curved plate is based on a simple model in

which a uniform pressure is applied to the bottom of the curved plate and
the reaction is a line load. See Figure 14.8.1.3.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-5

Figure 14.8.1.3

Pressure on the curved plate is:

Ps 241.3
σ cp = = = 2.06 ksi
G ⋅ H 4.5 ⋅ 26

Maximum moment on the curved plate on a 1" wide strip is:

⎡G⎤ G 4.5 4.5
Mcp = σ cp ⋅ ⎢ ⎥ ⋅ = 2.06 ⋅ ⋅ = 5.21 kip-in/in width
2
⎣ ⎦ 4 2 4

The required curved plate thickness is determined by finding the

thickness of plate that has sufficient section modulus to carry the
moment. (i.e., σ = M / S, rearranged to S = M / σ ). Past designs based
on allowable stress have performed well. Size the plate with the
maximum bending allowable stress permitted in the Standard
Specifications [Table 10.32.1A].

fs = 0.55 ⋅ Fy = 0.55 ⋅ (36) = 19.8 ksi

OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-6

The required section modulus is:

Mcp 5.21
Sreq = = = 0.264 in3
fs 19.8

Solving for thickness, J

minimum J = 6 ⋅ Sreq = 1.26 in

C. Bearing Plate Per Detail B310, the length (C) is set at 2" longer than the pad length.
Design This provides room for the keeper studs to be attached to the bottom of
the bearing plate. The width (E) is set 10" more than the bearing pad.
This provides room on each side for the anchor rods.

E = B + 10 = 24 + 10 = 34 in

C = A + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14 in

The bearing plate is assumed to act as a cantilever (See Figure 14.8.1.3)

that carries the bearing pad pressure back to the curved plate. The
cantilever length is half the difference in length between the bearing pad
and the curved plate.

A G
L cr = − = 3.75 in
2 2

2
L cr 3.752
Mbp = σ s ⋅ = 0.838 ⋅ = 5.89 kip-in/inch width
2 2

Use the same procedure that was used to arrive at a curved plate
thickness.
Mbp 5.89
Sreq = = = 0.298 in3
fs 19.8

minimum F = 6 ⋅ Sreq = 6 ⋅ (0.298) = 1.34 in

If the plate thicknesses differed greatly, consider revising the length (G)
of the curved plate to provide a more balanced design.

Cast bearings are being introduced and shall be used where applicable.
Include details for both options in plan sets. Check bearing components
to verify that the height of the fabricated bearings is identical to the
height of cast bearings. After reviewing the cast bearing details, and the
minimum plate thicknesses calculated above, the thickness of the curved
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-7

3
plate was set at 1 /8" and the thickness of the bearing plate was set at
3
1 /8".

1
D. Anchor The standard 1 /2" anchor rods and pintles with Detail B310 have a
Rods/Pintles service load capacity of 70 kips. For many projects, such as the
superstructure assumed for this design example, the capacity of the
anchor rods and pintles will be adequate by inspection. For projects
where two or more piers are fixed or where significant longitudinal forces
are anticipated, evaluate the capacity of the anchor rods and pintles.

The bearing design is summarized in Figure 14.8.1.4.

OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-8

Figure 14.8.1.4
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-9

Expansion This example illustrates the design of an expansion curved plate

Elastomeric elastomeric bearing. It is a continuation of the steel plate girder design
Bearing Design example found in Section 6.9. The example is based on Detail B355.
Example The elastomeric bearing pad is designed using Method A [LRFD 14.7.6].
Figure 14.8.2.1 labels the primary components for this type of bearing.
The length, width, and thickness variables for the different components
are consistent with Bridge Detail Part I B355. See Figure 14.8.2.3.

Figure 14.8.2.1

With the maximum reaction calculated, the bearing design should be

selected from standard bearing tables in Section 14.7. This example will
outline the procedure to custom design an expansion elastomeric
bearing. First determine the size of the pad required. Next determine
the steel plate requirements for the rest of the assembly.

Two movements are accommodated with this type of bearing, rotation

and horizontal translation. The rotation takes place at the interface
between the sole plate and the curved plate. The horizontal translation
takes place in the reinforced elastomeric bearing pad.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-10

A. Design The bearing pad needs sufficient plan area to ensure that compression
Reinforced stresses are below the limit. It also needs sufficient thickness to
Elastomeric accommodate the horizontal translation. Begin by determining the
Bearing Pad design movements and loads for the bearing.

Design Movements
The plate girder design example is for a two span bridge with equal spans
of 152'-0".

Fixity is assumed at the middle of the bridge. The bearing for this design
example is assumed to be located at one of the abutments.

Only the longitudinal movements are computed for this example. For
wide bridges (more than 60'-0") transverse movements should be
considered as well.

Expansion length = Lexp = 152 ⋅ ft

[6.4.1]
Coefficient of thermal expansion for steel = α steel = 0.0000065

Design temperatures
Mean: Tmean = 45
Low: Tlow = −30
High: Thigh = 120
Fall: Tfall = Tmean − Tlow = 75ºF
Rise: Trise = Thigh − Tmean = 75ºF

Movement for minimum compressive stress (Load Factor = 1.0)

Δ h = 1.0 ⋅ Tfall ⋅ α steel ⋅ L exp = 1.0 ⋅ 75 ⋅ (6.5e − 6) ⋅ 152 ⋅ 12 = 0.89 in

Movement for shear deflection (Load Factor = 1.3 factor)

Δ s = 1.3 ⋅ Tfall ⋅ α steel ⋅ L exp = 1.3 ⋅ Δ h = 1.3 ⋅ 0.89 = 1.16 in

The material properties for 55 durometer elastomer can be found by

interpolating between the values for 50 and 60 durometer materials. The
minimum shear modulus is found to be 0.115 ksi and the maximum is
0.165 ksi.

Design Loads
The design loads for the bearing are obtained from the steel plate girder
design example. They are as follows:

Dead load = Pdl = 105 kips PD = 105 ⋅ kips

Maximum live load = Pll = 113 kips

OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-11

Minimum live load = Pll = -15 kips

The sole plate of the bearing assembly will be welded to the bottom
flange of the steel beam or girder. From the steel plate girder design
example the bottom flange has a width of 20".

Size Elastomeric Bearing Pad

Begin by sizing the elastomeric pad. The total thickness of elastomer
must be at least twice the design movement. The movement with the
1.3 multiplier is used for this check.

[Eq. 14.7.6.3.4-1] minimum hrt = 2 ⋅ Δ s = 2 ⋅ (1.16) = 2.32 in

The bearing is sized with unfactored loads

maximum Ps = Pdl + Pll = 105 + 113 = 218 kips

minimum Ps = Pdl + Pll = 105 − 15 = 90 kips

For preliminary pad sizing, assume the pad allowable compression is 1.0
ksi. Round the pad width and length dimensions to even inch
dimensions.

Try a pad width, B = 20 in

Solve for the minimum pad length (A):

Ps 218
A min = = = 10.9 in
1.0 ⋅ B 1.0 ⋅ 20

Try a pad length, A, of 12".

Thickness of cover elastomer laminate, hcov er = 0.25 in

Thickness of internal elastomer laminate, hri = 0.375 in

Thickness of steel plates, hs = 0.125 in

Determine the number of internal laminates, n, required:

h − 2 ⋅ hcov er 2.32 − 2 ⋅ (0.25)
n = rt = = 4.85 use n=5
hri 0.375

Number of steel plates = ns = n + 1 = 6

Total elastomer thickness hrt = 2 ⋅ (hcov er ) + n ⋅ (hri )

= 2 ⋅ (0.25) + 5 ⋅ (0.375) = 2.375 in

Height of reinforced elastomeric pad, D = hrt + ns ⋅ hs = 3.125 in

OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-12

Shape Factor Check

Check the shape factor of the internal laminate:
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)
S= = = 10
2 ⋅ (A + B) ⋅ hri 2 ⋅ (12 + 20) ⋅ 0.375

5 ≤ S = 10 ≤ 10 OK

Compute the shape for the cover layers for later use in the deflection
computations.
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)
S= = = 15
2 ⋅ (A + B) ⋅ hri 2 ⋅ (12 + 20) ⋅ 0.25

[14.7.6.3.6] Stability Check

Check that the bearing satisfies aspect ratio checks. The smallest side
should be greater than three times the total elastomeric thickness.

3 ⋅ hrt = 3 ⋅ (2.375) = 7.13 inches ≤ A = 12 in OK

[14.7.6.3.2] Maximum Compressive Stress Check

Now check the maximum compressive stress in the pad. Use the
minimum shear modulus for this computation (Gmin = 0.115 ksi).

maximum σ s = 1.0 ⋅ Gmin ⋅ S = 1.15 ksi > 1.0 ksi use 1.0 ksi

Using σs = 1.0 ksi results in a maximum load for the bearing of:

maximum Ps = σ s ⋅ (A) ⋅ B = 1.0 ⋅ (12) ⋅ 20 = 240 kips

which is more than the actual load of 218 kips.

[14.7.6.3.3] Compressive Deflection

[14.7.5.3.3] To ensure that joints and appurtenances perform properly, the vertical
deflection in elastomeric bearings is checked. Due to the nonlinear
behavior of the elastomer, the movement associated with live load is
computed by subtracting the dead load deflection from the total load
deflection.

Begin by determining the average vertical compressive stress in the

bearings under dead load alone and under total load.

Pdl 105
σ dl = = = 0.438 ksi
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)

Ptl 218
σ tl = = = 0.908 ksi
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-13

Using the stress strain figures in the commentary to Article 14.7.5.3.3,

one can estimate the strain in the interior laminates and the cover layers.
To arrive at strain values for 55 durometer bearings, the strains from the
50 durometer figure and the 60 durometer figure are averaged.

50 60 Average
Stress
Laminate Load S durometer durometer Strain
(ksi)
strain strain (Є)
Dead
10 0.438 2.2% 2.0% 2.1%
Load
Interior
Total
10 0.908 4.0% 3.5% 3.8%
Load
Dead
15 0.438 2.0% 1.8% 1.9%
Load
Cover
Total
15 0.908 3.3% 3.0% 3.2%
Load

With five interior laminates and two cover layers the deflection under
total load is:

Δ tl = 5 ⋅ hri ⋅ εri + 2 ⋅ hcov er ⋅ ε cov er

= 5 ⋅ 0.375 ⋅ 0.038 + 2 ⋅ 0.25 ⋅ 0.032 = 0.087 in

The deflection under dead load is:

Δ dl = 5 ⋅ hri ⋅ εri + 2 ⋅ hcov er ⋅ ε cov er

= 5 ⋅ 0.375 ⋅ 0.021 + 2 ⋅ 0.25 ⋅ 0.019 = 0.049 in

The difference between the two deflections is the estimated live load
1
deflection. It should be no greater than /8".

Δ ll = Δ tl − Δ dl = 0.087 − 0.049 = 0.038 in < 0.125 in OK

[14.7.6.3.4] Anchorage Check

[14.7.6.4] Compare one-fifth of the smallest vertical load in the bearing with the
shear force generated when the movement associated with a 75 degree
temperature change is induced in the elastomer.

minimum Ps 90
= = 18 kips
5 5

Next, compute the shear force generated with a 75˚F temperature

change. Use the large shear modulus for this computation.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-14

[14.6.3.1-2] ⎡Δ ⎤ ⎡ 0.89 ⎤
Vh = Gmax ⋅ (A) ⋅ B ⋅ ⎢ h ⎥ = 0.165 ⋅ (12) ⋅ 20 ⋅ ⎢ ⎥ = 14.8 <18 kips OK
h
⎣ rt ⎦ ⎣ 2.375 ⎦

[14.7.5.3.7] Check Service and Fatigue of Steel Plates

Check the service and fatigue limit states for the steel plates. At the
service limit state the following equation must be satisfied:

3 ⋅ hmax ⋅ σ s
hs ≥
Fy
Where the yield strength of the steel plates, Fy, is 36 ksi.

hmax = hri

Ps 218
σs = = = 0.908 ksi
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)

3 ⋅ (hmax ) ⋅ σ s 3 ⋅ (0.375) ⋅ 0.908

hs = = = 0.028 in
Fy 36

which is much smaller than the 0.125 inch plate provided. When
considering the fatigue limit state, the following equation must be
satisfied:

2.0 ⋅ hmax ⋅ σ L
hs ≥
Δ FTH

[Table 6.6.1.2.5-3] Where Δ FTH is 24 ksi (Category A steel detail).

Note that the live load used for this check is not based on reactions from
the fatigue truck. Rather, it is the total live load for the service limit
state.

Pll 113
σL = = = 0.471 ksi
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)

Minimum steel plate thickness for this check is

2.0 ⋅ (hmax) ⋅ σ L 2.0 ⋅ (0.375) ⋅ 0.471

hs = = = 0.015 < 0.125 in OK
Δ FTH 24
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-15

1
Use a 3 /8" x 20" x 1'-0" bearing pad. Composed of 2 cover laminates of
1 3
elastomer, each with a /4" thickness. 5 elastomeric laminates, each /8"
1
thick, and 6 steel plates each with a /8" thickness.

B. Curved Plate The thickness of the plate is H. The curved plate has a width, B, which is
Design equal to the width of the bearing pad. The length, G, is determined in an
iterative process with the thickness. The length has predetermined
values. 4.5", 6", 8", 10", etc.

Try a 20" x 4.5" curved plate (B=20, G=4.5).

First, determine the radius of the contact surface. The radius of the
curved plate is a function of the yield strength of the steel and the load
intensity.

The loaded length is the length of the curved plate less the pintles and
bevels. Refer to Figure 14.8.2.2.

Sole Plate contact length, L SP = 20 − 2 ⋅ (1.75 + 0.25 + 0.25) = 15.5 in

Figure 14.8.2.2
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-16

The minimum radius permitted is determined with LRFD Equation

[14.7.1.4] 14.7.1.4-1. D2 is set equal to infinity. Knowing the load to be carried
(Ps), substituting Lsp for W, rearranging the equation to solve for D1, and
dividing by 2 (to compute a radius) results in the following:

⎡ Ps ⎤ ⎡ Es ⎤ ⎡ 218 ⎤ ⎡ 29,000 ⎤
R min = ⎢ ⎥⋅⎢ 2⎥ = ⎢ ⎥⋅⎢ 2 ⎥
= 19.7 in
⎢⎣ 2 ⋅ (8 ) ⋅ L ⎢
sp ⎥⎦ Fy ⎥ ⎣ 2 ⋅ (8 ) ⋅ 15.5 ⎦ ⎣ 36 ⎦
⎣ ⎦

The B-detail should call out that the minimum radius for the curved plate
in this example is 20" (specify the radius to the next even number). In
no case should the radius be specified to be less than 16".

The thickness of the curved plate is computed next. The required

thickness is found using a simple model where a uniform load is applied
to the bottom of the curved plate and the line load is the reaction.

Ps 218
σ cp = = = 2.42 ksi
B ⋅ (G) 20 ⋅ (4.5)

fs = 0.55 ⋅ (Fy ) = 0.55 ⋅ (36) = 19.8 ksi

⎡G⎤ ⎡G⎤ ⎡ 4.5 ⎤ ⎡ 4.5 ⎤

Mcp = σ cp ⋅ ⎢ ⎥ ⋅ ⎢ ⎥ = 2.42 ⋅ ⎢ ⎥⋅⎢ ⎥ = 6.13 kip-in/inch width
⎣2⎦ ⎣4⎦ ⎣ 2 ⎦ ⎣ 4 ⎦

The required curved plate thickness is found by finding the thickness of

plate that has sufficient section modulus to carry the moment.

Mcp 6.13
Sreq = = = 0.31 in3
fs 19.8
minimum H = 6 ⋅ Sreq = 6 ⋅ (0.31) =1.36 in

3
Use a 1 /8" thick plate.

C. Bearing Plate Now size the thickness of the bearing plate. The bearing plate has plan
Design dimensions that are slightly larger than the bearing pad to provide
adequate space for the attachment of knock-off weld studs. One inch is
provided on all sides for this purpose.

Bearing Plate width, E = 22 in

Bearing Plate length, C = 14 in

The bearing plate is assumed to act as a cantilever that carries the

bearing pad pressure back to the curved plate.
OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-17

The cantilever length is half the difference in length between the bearing
pad and the curved plate.

(A − G) (12 − 4.5)
L cr = = = 3.75 in
2 2

Ps 218
σs = = = 0.908 ksi
A ⋅ (B) 12 ⋅ (20)

2
L cr
Mbp = σ s ⋅ = 6.39 kip-in/inch width
2

Use the same procedure that was used to arrive at a curved plate
thickness.

Mbp 6.39
Sreq = = = 3.23 in3
fs 19.8

Freq = 6 ⋅ Sreq = 6 ⋅ (3.23) = 1.39 in

1
Use a 1 /2" thick plate.

After sizing the plates, the thicknesses of the bearing plate and curved
1
plate should be compared. If they differ by more than /2" the length of
the curved plate should be changed to arrive at a more balanced design.

D. Sole Plate The sole plate is the interface element between the steel beam or girder
Constraints and the bearing. Consequently, it must be of sufficient width to permit
welding to the bottom flange of the superstructure. It must have
1
sufficient thickness (1 /4" min.) to engage the pintles. And lastly, there
may be a need for it to be tapered to accommodate superstructure
grades.

The bearing design is summarized in Figure 14.8.2.3.

OCT 2003 LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN DESIGN EXAMPLE 14-18

Figure 14.8.2.3