Bridges & Structures

Comprehensive Design Example for Prestressed Concrete (PSC) Girder Superstructure Bridge

3. Flow Charts

Steel-Reinforced Elastomeric Bearing Design Flow Chart Text - Method A (Reference Only)

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1. Determine movements and loads at pier support (S14.4)
2. Calculate required plan area based on compressive stress limit (S14.7.6.3.2)
3. Determine dimensions L and W of the bearing, W is taken to be slightly less than the width of the girder bottom flange (S14.7.5.1)
4. Determine the shape factor for steel- reinforced elastomeric bearings according to S14.7.5.1
5. Determine material properties (S14.7.6.2)
6. Check compressive stress. Determine the maximum allowed shape factor using total load and live load stresses for the assumed plan area (S14.7.6.3.2)
7. Assume elastomer layer maximum thickness and number of layers
8. Recalculate the shape factor
9. Determine maximum stress associated with the load conditions inducing the maximum rotation (S14.7.6.3.5)
10. Check stability of the elastomeric bearing (S14.7.6.3.6)
11. Reinforcement for steel-reinforced elastomeric bearings is designed according to S14.7.5.3.7
12. Did bearing pass all checks?

NO - Change plan dimensions, number of layers, and/or thickness of layers and go back to 8

YES - go to 13

13. Check if the bearing needs to be secured against horizontal movement (S14.7.6.4)

END.

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