Elastomeric bearings, also known as rubber bearings, are structural elements designed to isolate and support various types of structures. They play a crucial role in reducing vibration, noise, and thermal expansion, thereby enhancing the longevity and performance of buildings and bridges.
Elastomeric bearings come in various types, each with unique characteristics tailored to specific applications.
Plain Elastomeric Bearings:
Steel Laminated Bearings:
Lead-Filled Elastomeric Bearings:
Fabric-Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings:
Elastomeric bearings possess a combination of properties that make them effective for isolation and support.
Elastomeric bearings are used in a wide range of engineering applications, including:
When designing and installing elastomeric bearings, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can compromise their performance.
Story 1: The Bouncing Hotel
During the construction of a new hotel, the engineers used elastomeric bearings to isolate the building from the vibrations of nearby traffic. However, they made the mistake of selecting bearings with insufficient stiffness. As a result, the hotel began to "bounce" when heavy trucks passed, causing discomfort to the guests.
Lesson Learned: It is crucial to select bearings with the appropriate stiffness to prevent excessive deflection under load.
Story 2: The Leaky Bridge
A bridge constructed over a salt marsh experienced premature deterioration of the elastomeric bearings due to water intrusion. The seals around the bearings had not been properly installed, allowing salt water to enter and corrode the metal plates. The bearings failed, causing the bridge to crack and close for repairs.
Lesson Learned: Protect elastomeric bearings from water intrusion by installing proper seals and regularly inspecting them.
Story 3: The Upside-Down Arena
During the construction of a new sports arena, the workers accidentally installed the elastomeric bearings upside down. This resulted in the bearings losing their isolation properties and transmitting vibrations from the crowd into the arena's seating areas. The mistake was discovered during a performance, causing the audience to experience uncomfortable shaking.
Lesson Learned: Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that all components are installed correctly to avoid costly errors.
Elastomeric bearings play a vital role in isolating and supporting structures, reducing vibration, noise, and thermal expansion. They offer a combination of elasticity, vibration isolation, low thermal conductivity, durability, and cost-effectiveness. By understanding the different types, properties, and applications of elastomeric bearings, engineers can design and install them effectively to enhance the performance and longevity of structures.
Table 1: Properties of Common Elastomer Materials Used in Elastomeric Bearings
Elastomer Material | Elasticity Modulus (MPa) | Density (g/cm³) |
---|---|---|
Natural Rubber | 1-10 | 0.93 |
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) | 2-15 | 0.94 |
Chloroprene Rubber (CR) | 5-25 | 1.25 |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) | 10-20 | 0.92 |
Table 2: Applications of Elastomeric Bearings
Application | Purpose |
---|---|
Building Isolation | Reduce vibrations from heavy machinery, traffic, or seismic activity |
Bridge Bearings | Allow for movement and expansion of bridges |
Rooftop Isolation | Absorb vibration and noise from mechanical equipment |
Stadiums and Arenas | Isolate vibration from crowd movement and entertainment events |
Industrial Equipment Isolation | Protect sensitive equipment from vibration and shock loads |
Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Elastomeric Bearing Design and Installation
Mistake | Potential Consequences |
---|---|
Insufficient Load Capacity | Bearing failure under loads |
Incorrect Stiffness | Excessive deflection or insufficient isolation |
Poor Installation | Reduced bearing performance, premature failure |
Environmental Exposure | Deterioration or failure of bearings |
Water Intrusion | Corrosion of metal plates, bearing failure |
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