Research Report 299 Characterisation of rubber vulcanizates for bridge bearings

Publication Year

1991

Document Status

Current

Abstract

Summarises the results of research on the properties of elastomeric bearings in ambient and low temperature environments. Sample sheets of typical elastomers were tested as specified in the UK design code BS 5400: Part 9, to obtain an understanding of the test methods. Also the effect of low temperature stiffening was investigated on sample sheets, full-size bearings and test-pieces cut from the bearings. Large increases in modulus were measured in all cases, but there were differences in behaviour between the three types of specimen. Nine sample vulcanizates were supplied in sheet form by elastomeric bridge bearing manufacturers for testing. Only three were found to comply with all of the requirements in BS 5400: Part 9. However, if the ageing resistance requirement is relaxed five would comply in all the other respects.

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