The wear behaviour of arch bridge bearings

Structural bearings are connections between the substructure and superstructure of the bridge and may allow translations and rotations. They also transmit the external forces, acting on the superstructure, to the foundation. In the past years the traffic loads and intensity on the European traffic system has continuously increased. Bridge bearings are therefore more subjected to the wear. Structural bearings are not only designed and fabricated according to the European standards NENEN 1337, but they are also tested according to these standards. The bearings are however not tested with the forces, translations and rotations which occur in practice. To make a critical judgement regarding these standards, the wear behaviour of a large arch bridge, the first Van Brienenoord Bridge, is analysed. The analysis is performed by means of a linear elastic, finite element model. The bridge model is then subjected to a modified fatigue load model based on the European standards for traffic loads NEN-EN 1991-2 and traffic measurements at the Moerdijk Bridge. Translations and rotation were consequently found along with the simultaneously occurring reaction forces. These results are compared to the qualification tests included in parts 2 (Sliding elements) and 5 (pot bearings) of the European standards for structural bearings.

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Embargo date

2013-01-31

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master thesis

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