Here are typical application cases of elastomeric bearings in bridge engineering, showcasing their versatility across different structural types and complex environmental requirements:
1. Cross-sea Bridge: Dongtou Xia Cross-sea Bridge (Zhejiang, China)
As Zhejiang’s longest composite girder single-tower cable-stayed bridge (main span 248m), its navigation channel bridge uses 12500kN large-tonnage, large-stroke elastomeric bearings at pylon and auxiliary pier positions. With vertical displacement ranges of 115mm downward and 90mm upward, the bearings’ vulcanized rubber-steel lamination design reduces main girder bending moment by ~50% under frequent typhoons (2.5 annual averages) and deep silt geology. This optimizes structural stress while reducing steel and prestressing usage. Their horizontal flexibility absorbs wave-induced displacements, ensuring stability under 100-year return period wind speeds (45.5m/s).
2. High-speed Railway Bridge: South Canal Continuous Girder of Shijiazhuang-Jinan HSR (Hebei, China)
In the 60+100+60m continuous girder crossing the South Canal, TJQZ series spherical elastomeric bearings are applied, including longitudinal bearings (pre-offset 61.2mm), multi-directional bearings, fixed bearings, and lateral bearings. The longitudinal bearings use disc springs to enable symmetric thermal expansion/contraction of the girder, coordinating multi-pier force distribution and eliminating rail expansion joints for smoother high-speed operation. Designed for a service life >50 years, they meet AASHTO seismic requirements (0.25× vertical reaction for horizontal loads).
3. World-class Project: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (Guangdong, China)
The world’s longest cross-sea bridge employs ultra-high damping rubber bearings (HDR) in piers, resistant to magnitude 8 earthquakes and designed for 120-year service. Special rubber formulations achieve a damping ratio of 10–16%, dissipating seismic energy as heat while enabling self-centering. Under typhoons and ship impacts, their vertical stiffness (50000kg/cm²) ensures stability, while horizontal flexibility (shear modulus 0.3–0.6MPa) accommodates 1.5m thermal expansion/contraction.
4. International Case: Temburong Bridge (Brunei)
This bridge uses high-damping rubber bearings (HDRB) compliant with European standard EN15129, resisting peak ground acceleration of 0.1m/s². The “bossed” structure optimizes rubber-steel contact area to reduce tearing risks, with segmental vulcanization ensuring quality. Under static loads (1.35× dead load + 1.5× live load), vertical compression <1mm; under dynamic loads (1.5× seismic + bridge displacement), horizontal displacement capacity reaches ±150mm with 12% damping ratio, extending structural natural period to mitigate seismic response.
5. Long-span Arch Bridge: Yiwu Extra-large Bridge of Hangzhou-Wenzhou HSR (Zhejiang, China)
In the 32+168+32m tied-arch bridge, China’s first 70000kN elastomeric constrained multi-functional bearings are applied. Integrating longitudinal 限位 (limiting), elastic constraint, and seamless track optimization, they use spring elements for 0.02rad rotation and ±50mm horizontal displacement, reducing temperature span to <200m and eliminating rail expansion joints. Corrosion-resistant materials and hot-dip galvanizing maintain mechanical properties in humid environments, cutting maintenance costs by >30%.
6. Seismic Retrofit: San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (USA)
The new bridge’s self-anchored suspension structure uses high-damping rubber bearings and lead-rubber bearings (LRB). Lead cores plastically dissipate seismic energy (damping ratio 18%), while rubber layers reset the structure to residual displacements <20mm post-earthquake. During 2013 pre-opening tests, bearings withstood simulated M7.8 seismic loads, reducing horizontal stiffness to 1/3 of ambient values to protect the structure.
7. Special Design: Spring Spherical Hinge Bearings (China)
Combining spring elastic support and spherical hinge functions, these suit structures requiring multi-directional rotation and elastic deformation. For example, a 120m-span highway arch bridge uses such bearings with 50kN/mm spring stiffness, absorbing 60% of vehicle-induced vibration energy. The spherical hinge allows ±0.02rad rotation to compensate for thermal-induced arch rib deformation.
Technological Innovation Trends
- Intelligent Monitoring: Dongtou Xia Bridge embeds fiber-optic sensors in bearings to monitor rubber aging and bolt looseness in real time, transmitting data to the cloud for life prediction.
- Material Upgrades: Temburong Bridge’s bearings use nano-composite rubber, enhancing UV resistance by 50% and maintaining 98% coating adhesion in salt spray tests.
- Structural Optimization: Hangzhou-Wenzhou HSR bearings apply TRIZ theory to integrate disc springs with spherical crown liners, reducing volume by 20% while increasing load capacity by 15%.
These cases demonstrate that elastomeric bearings, through material innovation, structural optimization, and smart monitoring, have become core technologies for modern bridges to tackle complex loads and extreme environments. Their applications span from conventional spans to cross-sea, high-speed rail, and seismic-resistant projects, significantly enhancing bridge safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
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