NCHRP Project 10-20 was initiated at the University of Washington in 1981 with the objective of developing design, construction, and materials specifications for unconfined, plain and reinforced, elastomeric, bridge bearings, and this report contains the findings of that study. The first six chapters comprise a logical development of the information available on elastomeric bridge bearings. The major conclusions are summarized in Chapter 7, and the proposed specifications (Method A) are presented in Appendix D. Method A, along with its accompanying commentary, deserves special attention in that it is recommended for immediate adoption as part of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. A second phase of research with the objective of developing further improvements in the specifications for elastomeric bearings is expected to begin early in 1983. Additional information might make it possible for the adoption of a more sophisticated approach, similar to Method B in Appendix E, for use when additional design effort is justified. For the present, however, only Method A is recommended based on the best information available. (Author).
Abstract