elastomeric bearing pads in Cirebon
Bridge Construction
The flexibility of the bridge is mainly achieved by a component called the Elastomeric Bearing Pad. These are usually made of strong and flexible materials such as neoprene - a type of heavy industrial rubber. These bearings are placed between the bridge construction superstructure such as beams and bridge substructure such as vertical supports called docks. Their main function is to distribute the load of the superstructure to the substructure and let the superstructure undergo the necessary movements in irregular environmental conditions without causing dangerous stresses that might jeopardize the structural integrity of the bridge. If the structural integrity of the bridge is disrupted, the bridge can collapse.
Preventing collapse is not the only function of the Elastomeric Bearing Pad. These bearings extend the life of the bridge by reducing wear on the bridge material. These pads help the government save money by delaying the replacement of bridges, just like the way shoes let people walk far. Because elastomeric bridge bearings are very important for bridge designs that are safe and cost-effective, prototypes and tested extensively before being used in production.