Project Title: Maximum Horizontal Force and Deformation of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Project Summary: Bridges can be protected from severe damage due to seismic or extreme weather events by supporting the superstructure with elastomeric bearings. These bearings allow for vertical forces to be transferred between superstructure and substructure. It’s assumed that the elastomeric bearings by NYSDOT won’t experience forces large enough to cause significant damage during a seismic event. However, the maximum amount of deformation that the elastomeric bearings can withstand before experiencing permanent damage or ultimately severing is unknown. The objective of this project is to determine the maximum horizontal shear force the bearings can withstand before permanent deformation.
