In modern construction projects—especially in the building of bridges and various reinforced concrete structures—there is an important component that is often unseen but plays a very crucial role: the elastomeric bearing pad.
An elastomeric bearing pad acts as a flexible support placed between two structural elements, typically between bridge girders and their supporting structures. Its main function is to transfer loads from the upper structure to the substructure while allowing controlled movement within the structure.
Elastomeric bearing pads are usually made from natural rubber or synthetic rubber. In many cases, the elastomer is reinforced with thin steel plates arranged in layers. This reinforcement improves the bearing pad’s compressive strength and helps maintain its shape under heavy loads.
Because elastomer is naturally flexible, the bearing pad can deform under load and return to its original shape when the load is reduced. This flexibility enables the structure to safely accommodate horizontal movements, small rotations, and thermal expansion caused by temperature changes.
Types of Elastomeric Bearing Pads
Different types of elastomeric bearing pads are used depending on the structural design and load requirements.
- Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pad. Plain elastomeric bearing pads are the most basic type. They do not contain internal steel reinforcement and are typically used in structures with lighter loads or simpler movement requirements.
- Laminated Elastomeric Bearing Pad. Laminated bearing pads consist of several layers of elastomer bonded with thin steel plates inside. These steel plates increase compressive strength and help control deformation. Because of their strength and stability, laminated elastomeric bearing pads are widely used in bridge construction, flyovers, and large concrete structures.
- Specialized Elastomer Bearing Systems. In some projects, elastomer is used as part of more advanced bearing systems such as pot bearings or seismic bearings. These systems are designed to handle higher loads and larger structural movements, including those caused by seismic activity.
Key Factors in Selecting Elastomeric Bearing Pads
Selecting the right elastomeric bearing pad is an important step in ensuring the long-term performance of a structure. Since every project has different requirements, several factors should be considered.
- Load Capacity. The bearing pad must be able to support the expected structural loads. These include dead loads, live loads such as vehicles, and other operational loads that the structure may experience during its service life.
- Dimensions and Thickness. The size of the bearing pad should match the structural support area. The thickness of the elastomer layers also plays an important role in determining how much movement or rotation the pad can accommodate.
- Elastomer Material Quality. High-quality elastomer materials ensure durability and reliable performance over time. Important characteristics include: shore hardness, resistance to ozone and weather exposure, and long-term material stability.
- Compliance with Technical Standards. Elastomeric bearing pads should comply with recognized industry standards such as ASTM or the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). These standards ensure the product has been properly tested and meets engineering requirements.
- Environmental Conditions. The project environment can also affect bearing pad performance. For example, coastal structures require materials resistant to corrosion and salt exposure. Meanwhile projects in extreme climates require elastomers that remain stable under significant temperature variations.
PT Samudera Luas Paramacitra manufactures a wide range of customizable high-quality elastomeric bearing pads designed for various construction and infrastructure applications. If you are looking for reliable elastomeric bearing pads or would like to discuss the best solution for your project, feel free to contact us at +62-821-1615-7575 or info@niri-rubber.com.
Our team will be happy to help you find the right elastomeric bearing pad for your specific project requirements.
