A bridge bearing is a component of a bridge that typically provides a resting surface between the bridge piers and the bridge decking. The bearing allows for movement control and thus reduces the stresses occurring within the bridge structure. Possible sources of movement within the bridge structure are thermal expansion and contraction, creep, shrinkage, or fatigue due to the properties of the materials used for the bearing. External sources of movement include the settlement of the ground below, thermal expansion, and seismic activity. This course provides practical information on efficient bearing design and detailing. Steel bridge bearings may be divided into three general types: elastomeric bearings, high-load multi-rotational bearings, and mechanical bearings. This course guides aiding the designer to determine which bearing type is best suited to cost-effectively accommodate the design requirements.

Topics:

Introduction to Bridge Bearings
Types of Bridge Bearings
Elastomeric Bearings (Plain Pads, Steel Reinforced, Cotton Duck, HLMR)
Pot, Disc, Spherical, Mechanical Bearings
Bearing Design Requirements
Loads, Rotation, and Translation
Bearing Style Selection Guidelines
Design, Fabrication, and Testing Limitations
Anchorage to Structure
Sole Plates, Masonry Plates, and Anchor Rods
Lateral and Uplift Restraint
Inspections and Maintenance Audience: This course is intended primarily for transportation, structural, civil, mechanical, and other engineering professionals who have a job description that may require a general knowledge of steel bridge design principles regarding bridge bearings.

Disclaimer: This course on Steel Bridge Design is based on FHWA non-restricted publications in the public domain, dating from 2015 to 2016. All subsequent versions of these courses have become proprietary under a "Rights Reserved" restriction by the AISC and are thus not available as public domain courseware. Design principles and methodologies used in this previous version remain relevant and up to date, as of late 2023. To view the latest versions, please visit the AISC download site at: https://www.aisc.org/nsba/design-and-estimation-resources/steel-bridge-design-handbook