Elastomeric Bearings: Plain and Reinforced Plain, unreinforced elastomeric pads are used for short spans on which loads and movements can be accommodated by a single layer of elastomer. As vertical load and movement requirements increase, thin reinforcing plates are combined with multiple layers of elastomer to form a laminated reinforced elastomeric assembly . Steel and fiberglass reinforcement layers have been used; however, fiberglass is weaker, more flexible, and does not bond as well to the elastomer as does steel reinforcement. As a result, the use of thin steel-plate reinforcement has become more common. Neoprene is the most widely used elastomer, but some states also use natural rubber particularly in colder climates, to meet AASHTO low temperature requirements. Natural rubber generally stiffens less than neoprene at low temperatures. Neoprene has greater resistance to ozone and a wide range of chemicals than natural rubber, making it more suitable for some har...
Comments
Post a Comment