Title: Development of a Shear-Restricted Disc Bearing

Author(s): Edward R. Fyfe

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 70

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 807-828

Keywords: bearings; bridges (structures); deflection; loads (forces); mechanical properties; physical properties; polyether resins; shear properties; structural design; tests; urethanes.

DOI: 10.14359/17438

Date: 1/1/1981

Abstract:
The shear-restricted disc bearing with polyether urethane disc element has been used for over 10 years in bridges, buildings and other structures. The long term properties of the polyether urethane disc material in the bearing design have been tested and field proven. The design engineer now has a bearing with full design and high over-design horizontal forces at as low as zero vertical load, rotation capability at low loads (as low as 10 percent of vertical load), high over-load abilities, deflection limiting design capable of extreme rotation situations, low overall height and compact in-plan size, and total flexibility of design with the disc being the only standard component. The design engineer, using the modified up-lift shear-restriction mechanism can accommodate up-lift forces with rotation in all directions within the bearing.