Analysis

Bridge Bearings

Function Of Bearings
Bridge bearings are used to transfer forces from the
superstructure to the substructure, allowing the following
types of movements of the superstructure:
Translational movements; and
Rotational movements
Bridge Bearings

Until the middle of this century, the bearings used consisted of

following types:
Pin
Roller
Rocker
Metal sliding bearings
Pin Bearing

A pin bearing is a type of fixed bearings that accommodates

rotations through the use of a steel
Translational movements are not allowed.
The pin at the top is composed of upper and lower
semicircularly recessed surfaces with a solid circular pin
placed between.
Usually, there are caps at both ends of the pin to keep the pin
from sliding off the seats and to resist uplift loads if required.
The upper plate is connected to the sole plate by either bolting
or welding. The lower curved plate sits on the masonry plate.
Pin Bearing

Steel Pin

Rotational Movement is allowed

Lateral and Translational Movements are Restricted
Roller Type Bearings

Single Roller Bearing Multiple Roller Bearing

Expansion rollers be equipped with substantial side

bars and be guided by gearing or other means to
prevent lateral movement, skewing, and creeping.
Drawback is to collect dust and debris.
Roller Type Bearings

Roller Type Bearing with Gear Arrangement

Longitudinal movements are allowed

Lateral Movements and Rotations are Restricted
Rocker Type Bearing

A rocker bearing is a type of expansion bearing that comes in a

great variety.
It typically consists of a pin at the top that facilitates rotations,
and a curved surface at the bottom that accommodates the
translational movements
Rocker and pin bearings are primarily used in steel bridges.
 Sliding Bearings

A sliding bearing utilizes one plane metal plate sliding against another
to accommodate translations.
Surface produces a frictional force that is applied to the
superstructure, substructure, and the bearing itself.
Sliding Bearings

Sliding Bearings be used alone or more often used as a

component in other types of bearings
Pure sliding bearings can only be used when the rotations
caused by the deflection at the supports are negligible.
 Knuckle Pinned Bearing

Knuckle pin is provided for easy rocking. A knuckle pin is

inserted between the top and bottom casting.
Knuckle pin bearing can accommodate large movements and can
accommodate sliding as well as rotational movement
Pot Bearings
Plain Elastomeric Bearings

13
Laminated Elastomeric Bearings

Elastomeric material interspersed with steel plates

14
Bearing Layout
 Abutment
Forces on Abutment

At-Rest Earth Pressure:

When the wall is fixed rigidly and does not move, the pressure
exerted by the soil on the wall is called At-Rest earth pressure.

Active Earth Pressure :

When a wall moves away from the backfill, the earth pressure
decreases (active pressure)

Passive Earth Pressure:

When it moves toward the backfill, the earth pressure increases
 Abutment
A) EARTH PRESSURE:

At-Rest Earth Pressure:

When the wall is fixed rigidly and does not move, the pressure
exerted by the soil on the wall is called At-Rest earth pressure.

Active Earth Pressure :

When a wall moves away from the backfill, the earth pressure
decreases (active pressure)

Passive Earth Pressure:

When it moves toward the backfill, the earth pressure increases
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Methods for Estimating EARTH PRESSURE :

Coulomb Theory:

Rankines Theory :

Log Spiral Theory:

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Coulomb Theory

Lateral force exerted on a wall by the backfill can be evaluated by

analysis of the equilibrium of a wedge-shaped mass of soil bounded

by the back of the wall, the backfill surface, and a surface of sliding

through the soil. The assumptions in this analysis are

1. The surface of sliding through the soil is a straight line.

2. The full strength of the soil is mobilized to resist sliding (shear

failure) through the soil.

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Coulomb Theory
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Coulomb Theory
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B) Vehicular Surcharge:

A surcharge load uniformly distributed over a large ground surface

area, increases both the vertical and lateral pressures.

The increases in both vertical and horizontal pressures are constant

over the height of the wall. Therefore, the horizontal resultant
force due to a surcharge load is located at mid height of the wall.

As per IRC code, Height of Live Load Surcharge = 1200mm

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C) Dynamic Increment:

Dynamic wall pressures are influenced by the dynamic response of

the wall and backfill
Increase significantly near the natural frequency of the wall-
backfill system.
Dynamic response effect
can also cause deflections
of different parts of
the wall to be out of phase.
 Abutment
D) Wind Load:

E) Vehicular Live Load

F) Breaking Force

G) Earthquake Force

H) Water Current
 Abutment Failure Types:
1) Sliding Failure
2) Overturning Failure
3) Deep Seated Failure
4) Structural Failure
 PIER:
Type Of Piers
 PIER:
Type Of Piers
 PIER:
Loads on Pier
Dead loads
Live loads and impact from the superstructure
Wind loads on the structure and the live loads
Centrifugal force from the superstructure
Longitudinal force from live loads
Drag forces due to the friction at bearings
Earth pressure
Stream flow pressure
Ice pressure
Earthquake forces
Thermal and shrinkage forces
Ship impact forces
Force due to prestressing of the superstructure
Forces due to settlement of foundations
Questions?