Bridges & Structures

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

3. Flow Charts

Steel-Reinforced Elastomeric Bearing Design Flow Chart Text - Method B

Return to Flow Chart

1. Determine movements and loads at pier support (S14.4) (Design Step 6.1)
2. Calculate required plan area of the elastomeric pad based on compressive stress limit (S14.7.5.3.2) (Design Step 6.11)
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) (Design Step 6.11)
4. Determine material properties (S14.7.5.2)
5. Check compressive stress. Determine the maximum allowed shape factor using total load and live load stresses for the assumed plan area (S14.7.5.3.2) (Design Step 6.1.2.1)
6. Calculate maximum elastomer interior layer thickness, h_ri. (S14.7.5.1) (Design Step 6.1.2.1)
7. Recalculate the shape factor (S14.7.5.1) (Design Step 6.1.2.1)
8. Check compressive deflection if there is a deck joint at the bearing location (S14.7.5.3.3) (Design Step 6.1.2.2)
9. Check shear deformation (S14.7.5.3.4) (Design Step 6.1.2.3)
10. Check combined compression and rotation (S14.7.5.3.5) (Design Step 6.1.2.4)
11. Check stability of elastomeric bearings (S14.7.5.3.6) (Design Step 6.1.2.5)
12. Did bearing pass all checks?

NO - Change plan dimensions, number of layers, and/or thickness of layers and go back to 7

YES - go to 13.

13. Determine steel reinforcement thickness, hs (S14.7.5.3.7) (Design Step 6.1.2.6)

END.

Return to Flow Chart