SECTION 715 - CASTINGS, FORGINGS AND METALS (Last Revised January, 2017)
715-01 Structural Steel
SCOPE. This specification covers structural steels used in bridge construction that have a minimum specified yield point of 70 ksi, or less. Steel ordered under this specification may be subject to stress in any direction.
715-01 Structural Steel
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. The manufacture, testing, mill inspection and delivery of structural steel shall comply with the requirements of the applicable ASTM Specifications except as modified herein. Requirements for shop inspection of plates and shapes, and provisions for rejection or shop repair of plates and shapes because of rejectable surface or internal discontinuities, are described in the New York State Steel Construction Manual (SCM).
A.Steels to be Furnished. The contract documents will indicate, by ASTM designation, the steel to be used in specific portions of the structure. If the ASTM designation is not indicated in the contract documents, the type to be furnished shall meet the requirements of ASTM A709 -50. All structural steel plates and shapes used in areas subject to tensile stress as designated in the contract documents, or as listed herein, shall meet the minimum Charpy V-Notch toughness requirements. The Contractor shall submit an RFI to the DCES in the event of uncertainty as to the state of stress in a component. The following Structural Steel shall meet the minimum notch toughness requirements:
1.Tension flanges and webs of girders, floorbeams and stringers, floorbeam and stringer connection angles, splice plates and lateral gusset plates welded to members in areas subject to tensile stress.
2.Curved girder diaphragms
3.Truss chords and diagonals, floorbeam and stringer connection angles, cantilever brackets, splice plates, and vertical gusset plates.
4.Components used to repair or reinforce existing steel if the components are subjected to tensile stress.
5.Plates and shapes of specified thickness which are subject to design tensile stress used in overhead sign structures in accordance with §644-2.01. TESTS. Physical (mechanical) tests and chemical analysis shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable ASTM designation, except as modified herein.
A.Charpy V-Notch (CVN) Testing. Material sampling shall be performed in accordance with ASTM A673 Standard Specification for Sampling Procedure for Impact Testing of Structural Steel. Testing methodology and reporting will be in accordance with ASTM A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products. Minimum energy values and testing frequency shall be based on whether the components are fracture-critical or not. For material that is required to be shop inspected, Mill Test Reports (MTRs) shall be provided to the shop inspector, for forwarding to the DCES. For material that is not required to be shop inspected, Mill Test Reports (MTRs) shall be provided to the Engineer.
1.Fracture-Critical Members (FCM). Testing frequency and CVN toughness values will be provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 904 of the SCM. If the ASTM material specification for Temperature Zone 2 has a toughness requirement that differs from the SCM minimums, then the higher value will govern.
2.Non-FCM Material. The minimum toughness values will be in accordance with the ASTM specification for the given material, Temperature Zone 2. Testing shall be at the “H” frequency. For steels where the CVN toughness is not specified in ASTM, minimum CVN values will
715-02 Steel Castings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 depend on yield stress, High Performance designation and plate thickness, as shown in Table 715- 01-1 Table 715-01-1 Charpy V-Notch Impact Requirements Yield Stress (ksi)/ Performance Designation Plate thickness (in.) Min Energy (ft-lbs) below 50 any 15 @ 40°F 50 To 2 incl. 15 @ 40°F 50 Over 2 to 4 20 @ 40°F HPS 50 To 4 incl. 20 @ 10°F HPS 70 To 4 incl. 25 @ -10°F BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Materials that are shop inspected by the Department will be accepted on the basis of conformance with the material requirements and traceability criteria in accordance with Section 508 of the SCM. Materials that are not shop inspected will be accepted on the basis of acceptable Mill Test Reports and a visual inspection by the Engineer. Buy America requirements apply.
715-02 Steel Castings
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for steel casting for highway bridges. GENERAL. Steel castings shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A27. Unless otherwise specified, all steel castings shall be Grade 70-40, Class 1. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS.
A.Fracture. Test specimens shall show a fracture having a silky or fine granular structure throughout.
B.Testing. Additional supplemental testing, as noted in ASTM A27, may be required by the contract documents.
C.Structural Defects. Steel castings shall be true to pattern in form and dimensions, without sharp unfilleted angles, or corners, and shall be free of pouring faults, sponginess, cracks, blow holes and other defects in positions affecting their strength and value for the service intended. Blow holes appearing upon finished castings shall be so located that a straight line laid in any direction will not cut a total length of cavity greater than 1 inch in any 12 inches, nor shall any single blow hole exceed 1 inch in any dimension or have an area greater than 1/2 square inch. Blow holes shall not have a depth injuriously affecting the strength of the casting as determined by the Deputy Chief Engineer (Structures). Minor defects which do not impair the strength may, with the approval of the Deputy Chief Engineer (Structures), be welded by an approved process. The defects shall be removed to solid metal by drilling, grinding, or air-carbon arc gouging followed by grinding. After welding, the castings shall be heat treated again if required by the approved repair procedure. Castings which have been, or are being, welded without prior approval of the repair welding procedure will be rejected. Large castings may be subjected to non-destructive tests if required by the Contract Documents.
715-03 Aluminum Castings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance will be based upon shop inspection at the manufacturing plant by representatives of the Department, or on the basis of inspection by the Engineer. Certified copies of the results of the chemical and physical tests shall be submitted as required under the provisions of “Basis of Acceptance” in 715-01, Structural Steel. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-03 Aluminum Castings
SCOPE. This specification covers the requirements for various aluminum alloys and shapes. GENERAL. Aluminum castings shall conform to the requirements of ASTM Specifications as shown in the following table, and as modified herein and by the plans and specifications. TABLE 715-03 ALUMINUM CASTINGS Commercial Specification Alloy & Temper ASTM Alloy & Temper ASTM Specification Product B443.0-F S5A-F B108 Permanent Mold Castings B443.0-F S5A-F B26 Sand Castings A356.0(modified)1 SG 70-B(modified)1 B108 Permanent Mold Castings 356.0-T6 SG 70A-T6 B26 Sand Castings 356.0-F SG 70A-F B26 Sand Castings 360.0 SG 100-B B85 Die Castings A712.0 ZG 61-B B26 Sand Castings NOTE: 1. Where this material is required, castings shall be solution treated and aged to produce the following mechanical properties (Yield strength need not be determined unless ordered by the Deputy Chief Engineer (Technical Services)): Ultimate Tensile Strength 25 ksi min. Yield Strength (0.2 percent offset) 18 ksi min. Elongation (measured with gage length of four times the diameter of the specimen.) 6 percent min. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS.
A.Quality. The castings shall be of uniform quality and condition, free from cracks, blow holes, porous places, hard spots, or shrinkage defects which affect the suitability of the castings for their intended use. Before inspection the castings shall be smooth and clean.
B.Heat Treatment. Casting shall be heat treated in such a manner as to produce material which will conform to the properties specified herein with the approved uniformity. Castings to be used as bridge railing posts shall be produced under radiographic control. This shall consist of radiographic examination of castings until proper foundry technique, which will produce castings consistently free from harmful internal defects, is established for each mold. Production castings shall be examined as necessary to ensure maintenance of satisfactory quality. Tension test specimens shall be machined from integrally cast test coupons extending sufficiently from one side of the base of the posts to obtain a 0.35 inch diameter test specimen as defined in “Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Materials” ASTM E8, with the exception that the radii at the ends of the reduced section shall not be less than 1/2 inch. The method of test and determination of tensile properties shall be in accordance with ASTM E8.
715-04 Wrought Aluminum
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 A minimum of one percent of the posts in any lot, but not less than one, shall be sampled for tensile testing. For the purpose of sampling, a lot shall consist of not more than 1000 pounds of clean castings when produced from a batch type furnace charged with one heat of ingot of known analysis or not more than 1 ton of clean castings when produced from one continuous furnace in not more than 8 consecutive hours. If the results of any tensile test do not conform to the requirements prescribed, two additional tests shall be taken from the same group of castings, and the average of the three tests must meet the requirements. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. This material is accepted on the basis of a Material Certification as described in “Basis of Acceptance,” 715-01 except as follows, when the material is used in:
A.Bridge Railings. Accepted on the basis of shop inspection by the Department in accordance with Department directives.
B.Fencing. Accepted on the basis of samples secured in accordance with Department directives.
715-04 Wrought Aluminum
SCOPE. This specification covers the requirements for various aluminum alloys and shapes. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS
A.Physical & Chemical Requirements. Wrought aluminum shall conform to the requirements of ASTM specifications as shown in Table 715-04 and as modified herein and by the plans and specifications. Each piece shall be marked with the manufacturer's name or trade mark and with alloy and temper designations in the manner described in the pertinent ASTM specifications. When a clad material is specified, it shall be clad on both sides unless specified otherwise.
B.Mechanical Properties. When alloy 6061-T94 is required by the plans or specifications, it shall be defined as that temper which will produce in the wire the following mechanical properties after weaving:
1.minimum ultimate tensile strength: 54 ksi
2.minimum tensile yield strength: 47 ksi BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. This material will be accepted on the basis of a Material Certification except when this material is used in Bridge Railing when it will be accepted on the basis of shop inspection by the Department in accordance with Department directives, or Fencing when it will be accepted on the basis of samples received in accordance with Departmental directives. TABLE 715-04 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS PRODUCT ALLOY & TEMPERS ASTM SPEC. Sheet and Plate 1100-0 2024-T4 3003-H14 3004-H38 5052-H32,-H38 B209 B209 B209 B209 B209
715-05 Iron Castings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 5154-H38 6061-T6 7075-T6 ALCLAD 2024-T3,-T42 ALCLAD 6061-T6 B209 B209 B209 B209 Wire 1100-H38 3003-H14 5052-H38 6061-T941 B211 B211 B211 B211 Bars and Rod 2024-T4 6061-T6 B211 B211 Extruded Bars and Rods and Shapes 5154-0 6061-T6 6063-T5 B221 B221 B221 Extruded Shapes 6063-T6 6005-T5 6351-T6 B211 B211 B211 Drawn Seamless Tube 6061-T6 6063-T832 B210 B210 Extruded Tube 6061-T6 B241 Pipe 6061-T6 6063-T6 B241 B241 Structural Shapes, Rolled or Extruded 6061-T6 B308 Welding Rods and Bare Electrodes 4043-O 5154-0 Not ASTM2 Not ASTM2 NOTES: 1. See Mechanical Properties.
2.Available from American Welding Society.
715-05 Iron Castings
SCOPE. This specification covers material requirements for iron castings. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Iron castings shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 105, Class 30B or Class 35B, or ASTM A48, Class 30. FABRICATION. Castings shall be true to pattern in form and dimensions, free from pouring faults, sponginess, cracks, blow holes and other defects at locations affecting their strength and value for the service intended. Castings shall be boldly filleted at angles and the arrises shall be sharp and perfect. Castings having blow holes plugged or filled with putty or cement of any kind will be rejected. Grates, covers and curb boxes shall have continuous, full, and uniform bearing contact with their corresponding frames and shall be non-rocking when in place and under the influence of traffic or other loads. Methods that are permissible to achieve secure non-rocking fit between grates, covers and their corresponding frames are: • Ground mating surfaces • Machined and milled mating surfaces (horizontal and/or vertical).
715-06 Steel Forgings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 All cast gratings, covers, frames and curb boxes shall be free of any coatings unless specified otherwise. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Iron castings conforming to the requirements of Standard Sheets “Cast Manhole Frames, Grates and Covers” and “Cast Frames and Curb Boxes and Welded Frames” will be accepted in accordance with the procedural directives of the Department. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-06 Steel Forgings
MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Steel forgings shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A668 Class C (CH), F (FH), or other class approved by the DCES. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of this material will be in accordance with procedural directives of the Department. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-07 Proof Loaded Iron Castings
SCOPE. This specification covers material and testing requirements for proof loaded iron castings. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Iron castings shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M306, except for gray iron may be class 30B or class 35B and ductile iron shall have a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi. Castings shall be true to pattern in form and dimensions, free from pouring faults, sponginess, cracks, blow holes and other defects at locations affecting their strength and value for the service intended, and shall not be galvanized. Grates, covers and curb boxes shall have continuous, full, and uniform bearing contact with their corresponding frames and shall be non-rocking when in place and under the influence of traffic or other loads. Methods that are permissible to achieve secure non-rocking fit between grates, covers and their corresponding frames are: • Ground mating surfaces • Machined and milled mating surfaces (horizontal and/or vertical). All gratings, covers, frames and curb boxes shall be free of any coatings unless specified otherwise. Castings shall be boldly filleted at angles, and the arrises shall be sharp and perfect. Castings having blow-holes plugged or filled with putty or cement of any kind will be rejected.
A.Materials Details. All dimensions, including specified tolerances, in the Material Details shall substantially comply with the dimensions specified on the relevant standard sheets. The class of gray iron and yield strength of ductile iron shall be clearly identified on the drawings.
B.Testing Facility. The Department will conduct the proof load testing for acceptance of the design. SAMPLES AND SUBMISSIONS. The manufacturer/supplier shall provide the following to the Materials Bureau before any testing can begin: • Two (2) copies of the Material Details for each iron casting to be approved • Two (2) samples of each cast article to be load tested • One (1) sample of corresponding approved frame, grate, or cover, and any nuts and bolts required
715-08 (Vacant)
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 for assembly • Two (2) tension test specimens cast within an hour of casting each of the test samples and machined as per AASHTO M 105 Type B. It is the manufacturer/supplier=s responsibility to remove in an expedient manner all supplied material from the Department=s premises after the tests are done.
A.Failure Criteria. The design of an iron casting will be rejected if the following conditions are not met:
1.Permanent Set. This criterion applies to cast iron grate and cover. The maximum permanent set in any article, measured relative to a fixed horizontal plane, shall not exceed the lesser of 1/8 inch or 1/150 of the clear opening.
2.Cracks. All articles will be inspected after the completion of each test. No part of any article shall break or have any cracks.
B.Retests and Re-submissions. If the dimensions of the article(s) do not comply with the dimensions given in the Material Details, either new article(s) or new Details shall be submitted at the manufacturer's option. Upon failure under proof loading no retests will be allowed. Complete new designs shall be submitted for further testing. BASIS OF APPROVAL. Material Details shall be prepared and submitted to the Director of Materials Bureau for approval. The articles will be proof-load tested in accordance to the Department's Test Method "Proof Loading of Cast Iron Frames, Grates, Covers and Curb Boxes", a copy of which may be obtained from the Director of Materials Bureau. After the proof-load tests are successful and the drawings are approved, the manufacturer's name, Material Details and approval date will be placed on the Department=s Approved List. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Cast iron frames, grates, covers and curb boxes will be accepted at the project site based on the manufacturer's name appearing on the Approved List, conformance to the approved Material Details, and a Material Certification. Buy America Requirements Apply. For each type of casting supplied, the following shall be provided to the Engineer:
A.Material Certification. The manufacturer or supplier shall provide certification that every piece of cast iron frame, grate, cover and curb box supplied was manufactured in accordance with these specifications and the approved Material Details.
B.Material Details. One copy of the approved Material Details, as referenced on the Approved List.
715-08 (Vacant)
715-09 Malleable Iron Castings
SCOPE. Malleable Iron Castings shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A47. The Grade shall be Grade 32510. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Castings shall be true to pattern in form and dimensions, free from pouring faults, sponginess, cracks, blow holes and other defects in positions affecting their strength and value for the service intended.
715-10 (Vacant)
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 The casting shall be boldly filleted at angles and the arrises shall be sharp and perfect. The surface shall have a standard quality finish. When galvanizing is required, it shall be in accordance with 719-01 Galvanized Coatings and Repair Methods, Type II. Particular care shall be exercised so as not to embrittle malleable castings when galvanizing. All galvanized castings shall meet specification requirements after galvanizing. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of this material will be in accordance with procedural directives of the Department. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-10 (Vacant)
715-11 Metal Bin Type Retaining Wall
SCOPE. This specification covers the material and quality requirements for metal bin-type retaining walls. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS.
A.Base Metal. The base metal for all components except fasteners shall be manufactured by the open hearth, basic oxygen process or electric furnace process and shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M218. Base metal for the fasteners shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A307. FABRICATION.
A.Details. All members shall be so fabricated that members of the same nominal size shall be freely interchangeable. No drilling, punching or drifting to correct defects in manufacture will be permitted. Any units having holes improperly punched shall be replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the State. The members in the wall shall conform to the gages, surface treatments and descriptions in Table 715-11, as well as the gages and dimensions shown in the plans. All materials receiving the Type IV surface treatment shall have a nominal zinc coating weight of 2.0 oz/sf such that the minimum check limits for the triple-spot and single-spot tests shall be 2.0 oz/sf and 1.8 oz/sf respectively.
B.Configuration. Walls shall consist of a series of pairs of columns, one column in each pair being in the plane of the wall face and the other column being in the plane of the rear of the wall, with the pair of columns spaced longitudinally with overlapping S-shaped facing and rear members (stringers) and transversely with overlapping U-shaped tie-members (spacers). All necessary bolts and appurtenances shall be furnished to form a continuous closed-face wall of connected bins. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. The metal bin-type retaining wall members will be accepted on the basis of the Material Certification and the Engineer's inspection. Buy America Requirements Apply. TABLE 715-11 METAL BIN TYPE RETAINING WALL DETAILS Name Gage Surface Treatment Description Column Column Cap Stringer Stiffener Stringer Connecting Channel Spacer 16,14,12,10 16,14,12
719-01 Type IV
719-01 Type IV
719-01 Type IV
719-01 Type IV
719-01 Type I
719-01 Type IV
Vertical Member, Front & Back Cover for front Column Top flange return Horizontal Longitudinal members, front & rear Connector, Stringer to Column Horizontal Transverse member
715-12 (Vacant)
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 Bottom Spacer Base Plate 5/8 in dia. nuts 5/8 in dia. nuts 5/8 in dia. Spring nuts 16,14,12 ¼ in
719-01 Type IV
719-01 Type I
719-01 Type II
719-01 Type II
None Special bottom transverse member All connections All connections All connections
715-12 (Vacant)
715-13 Prefabricated Adjustment Rings, Frames and Utility Valve Risers
FOR DRAINAGE UNITS, MANHOLES AND UTILITIES SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements and fabrication of adjustment rings, frames and utility valve risers for drainage structures, manholes and utilities. The adjustment rings, frames and utility valve risers shall consist of one of the following types unless otherwise approved by the Director, Materials Bureau: RINGS.
A.Type AR1. Single Height Segmented Unit
B.Type AR2. Single Height - One Cut Unit
C.Type AR3. Single Height - Solid Unit FRAMES.
A.Type AF1. Single Height Segmented Unit
B.Type AF2. Single Height Solid Unit UTILITY VALVE RISERS.
A.Type UVR1. Single Height - Solid Ring Unit
B.Type UVF1. Single Height - Solid Frame Unit MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. All adjustment rings, frames and utility valve risers shall be fabricated from steel, iron castings, a combination of these two materials, or an alternative material or materials as approved by the Director of the Materials Bureau. The steel used for fabrication of rings, frames and utility valve risers shall meet the requirements of ASTM A709-36, A108, A242 or equivalent. If cast iron is used, the cast iron units shall be iron castings meeting the requirements of 715-05, Iron Castings. All welding shall meet the requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual. All bolts, nuts, washers and threaded studs shall be stainless steel meeting the requirements of ASTM A240 or equivalent. FABRICATION. All adjustment rings, frames and utility valve risers shall be designed to allow full bearing of the unit on the existing frame seat. Designs shall include a clamping device capable of securing the adjustment ring, frame or utility valve riser to the existing frame. Alternate methods of securing the rings, frames and utility valve risers to the existing frame shall be approved by the Director, Materials Bureau. All adjustment rings, frames and utility valve risers shall be reinforced to prevent bending during construction and routine service.
715-14 High Strength Bolts, Nuts and Washers
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 Steel rings, frames and utility valve risers shall be galvanized in accordance with 719-01 Galvanized Coatings and Repair Methods. When steel rings, frames and utility valve risers contain no component parts which are less than 1/4 inch in thickness, they may be coated with a bituminous base or coal tar product and will not require galvanizing. Any alternate coating system shall be approved by the Director, Materials Bureau. Cast iron rings, frames and utility valve risers do not require any galvanizing, but may instead be coated with a bituminous based or coal tar product approved by the Director, Materials Bureau.
A.Rings
1.Type AR1 - Single Height Segmented Unit. This ring shall consist of two or more radial segments which may be adjusted to open and close the diameter of the ring. When fully expanded the ring shall bear firmly against the sidewalls and seat of the existing manhole frame.
2.Type AR2 - Single Height - One Cut Unit. This ring shall consist of a single circular unit which is cut through its circumference at one point. The ring shall include an adjusting device that shall enable the ring to be expanded to bear firmly against the sidewalls and seat of the existing manhole frame.
3.Type AR3 - Single Height - Solid Unit. This ring shall consist of a solid unit with no cuts or openings in its circumference. The diameter of this ring is not field adjustable, unless approved by the Materials Bureau..
B.Frames
1.Type AF1 - Single Height Segmented Unit. This frame shall consist of a rectangular, segmented unit which is adjustable for length and width. When expanded the frame shall bear firmly against the sidewalls and seat of the existing frame.
2.Type AF2 - Single Height Solid Unit. This frame shall consist of a solid rectangular unit with fixed lengths and widths.
C.Utility Valve Risers
1.Type UVR1 - Single Height Solid Ring Unit. This unit shall consist of a solid ring with no cuts or openings along its length.
2.Type UVF1 - Single Height Solid Frame Unit. This unit shall consist of a solid rectangular with fixed lengths and widths. BASIS OF APPROVAL. The manufacturer or supplier shall prepare and submit Materials Details and the appropriate material in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau. Upon approval by the Materials Bureau, the name of the manufacturer or supplier along with the drawing number and date assigned to the approved Material Details will be placed on the Approved List. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. The Contractor shall provide two copies of the approved Material Details to the Engineer as evidence of acceptability for the product at least 10 days prior to its use. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-14 High Strength Bolts, Nuts and Washers
SCOPE. This specification covers the requirements for high-strength steel bolts, nuts and washers used for structural steel connections.
715-15 Pins and Rollers
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. The bolts, nuts and washers shall conform to the provisions of ASTM F3125 GRADE A325, A563, & F436, respectively; and 715-01except as modified herein.
A.Bolt and Nut Dimensions. Bolt and nut dimensions shall conform to the current requirements of ASME B18.2.6. Alternate fasteners which differ in dimensions from those specified by the ASME may be used provided that the body diameter and bearing areas under the head and nut, or their equivalent areas, are not less than those of the same nominal dimensions specified by the ASME, and that approval for the use is given by the DCES.
C.Washer Dimensions. Circular washers shall be flat and smooth and their nominal dimensions shall conform to the dimensions given in Table 715-14. Beveled washers for American Standard beams and channels shall be square or rectangular, shall have an average thickness of 5/16 inch, and shall conform to the dimensions and taper in thickness given in Table 715-14. TESTS AND ACCEPTANCE. Tests and acceptance of high strength bolts, nuts and washers will be as described in section 10 of the SCM. Buy America Requirements Apply. TABLE 715-14 WASHER DIMENSIONS1 Circular Washers Beveled Washer for American Standard Beams and Channels Bolt Size Nominal Outside Diam.2 Nominal Diam. of hole Thickness Min. Max. Min. Side Dimensions Slope, or Taper in Thickness 1/2 1 1/16 17/32 0.097 0.177 1 3/4 1:6 5/8 1 5/16 21/32 0.122 0.177 1 3/4 1:6 3/4 1 1/32 13/16 0.122 0.177 1 3/4 1:6 7/8 1 3/4 15/16 0.136 0.177 1 3/4 1:6 1 1/16 0.136 0.177 1 3/4 1:6 1 1/8 2 1/4 1 1/4 0.136 0.177 2 1/4 1:6 1 1/4 2 1/2 1 3/8 0.136 0.177 2 1/4 1:6 1 3/8 2 3/4 1 1/2 0.136 0.177 2 1/4 1:6 1 1/2 1 5/8 0.136 0.177 2 1/4 1:6 1 3/4 3 3/8 1 7/8 0.1783 0.283 - - 2 3 3/4 2 1/8 0.178 0.28 - - Over 2 to 4 incl. 2D-1/2 D+1/8 0.244 0.344 - - NOTES: 1. Dimensions in inches.
2.May be exceeded by 1/4 inch
3.3/16 inch nominal.
4.1/4 inch nominal.
715-15 Pins and Rollers
SCOPE. This specification covers steel pins and rollers used in bridge construction. GENERAL. The material furnished for pins and rollers shall conform to the following requirements:
A.Pins and rollers designed for a minimum yield stress of 36 ksi shall conform to ASTM A668, Class D
715-16 Stainless Steel Connecting Products
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
B.Pins and rollers designed for a minimum yield stress of 50 ksi shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A668, Class F
C.Any pin or roller greater than 12 inches in diameter shall be furnished in conformance with the requirements of ASTM A668, Class G. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Tests are to be performed as required in the applicable ASTM Designation. Certified copies of the results of the specified tests are to be furnished as described in “Basis of Acceptance,” of 715-01 Structural Steel. Acceptance of material will be based on satisfactory test results and dimensional compliance with the contract documents. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-16 Stainless Steel Connecting Products
SCOPE. This specification covers stainless steel bolts, nuts, washers, and set screws used in the construction of sign structures. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS.
A.Stainless steel connecting products shall conform to the following:
1.Hex bolts designed for 85 ksi minimum yield strength shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A193, Grade B6 (AISI 410).
2.Nuts for Grade B6 bolts shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A194, Grade B6 (AISI 416).
3.Hex bolts and U-bolts designed for 30 ksi minimum yield strength shall be either AISI 304 or 305 stainless steel conforming to the requirements of ASTM A193, Grade B8 or Grade B8P, Class 1.
4.Hex bolts and U-bolts designed for 100 ksi minimum yield strength shall be either AISI 304 or 305 stainless steel conforming to the requirements of ASTM A193, Grade B8 or Grade B8P, Class 2.
5.Nuts for Grade B8 or Grade B8P bolts shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A194, Grade B8 (AISI 304).
6.Flat washers shall be circular, flat, smooth, and fabricated from material conforming to the requirements of ASTM A167 (AISI 302B (UNS S30215) or ASTM A240 (AISI 302 or 304 (UNS S30200 or S30400))).
7.Lock washers shall be fabricated in accordance with ANSI B18.21.1 from material conforming to the requirements of ASTM A313 (AISI 302, 304, or 305 (UNS S30200, S30400, or S30500)) with a hardness Rc 35-43.
8.Set screws shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A320, Grade B8F (AISI 303).
B.Cleaning. Following heat treatment, all stainless steel connecting products shall be descaled and cleaned in accordance with the requirements of ASTM A380. After cleaning and descaling the stainless steel hardware shall be passivated. Stainless steel hardware with a black or speckled rusty appearance is acceptable provided the discoloration does not run when installed.
715-17 Steel Sheeting
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
C.Delivery. All stainless steel connecting products shall be delivered to the project site no less than 30 days prior to utilization of the hardware to allow ample time for sampling and testing. SAMPLING AND TESTING. Stainless steel connecting products will be sampled at the project site or supply location. Sampling and testing will be in accordance with procedural directives of the Materials Bureau. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Stainless steel connecting products will be accepted in stock-lot quantities at the project site or supplier's location in accordance with procedural directives of the Materials Bureau. Grade B8 bolts less than 3/8 inch in diameter will be accepted based on chemical properties only. Buy America Requirements Apply.
715-17 Steel Sheeting
SCOPE. This section provides the material and quality requirements for steel sheeting. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Steel sheeting shall meet the requirements of §715-01 Structural Steel and the requirements of ASTM A328M. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. This material will be accepted on the basis of a material certification as described in Basis of Acceptance §715-01 Structural Steel. Buy America Requirements Apply to all permanent and interim applications. Temporary steel which is not removed after completion of the work is considered a permanent application.
715-18 Soldier Piles
SCOPE. This section provides the material and quality requirements for soldier piles. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Soldier piles shall meet the requirements of §715-01 Structural Steel except that the use of ASTM A588M is prohibited. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. This material will be accepted on the basis of a material certification as described in Basis of Acceptance 715-01 Structural Steel. Buy America Requirements Apply to all permanent and interim applications. Temporary steel which is not removed after completion of the work is considered a permanent application.
715-99 for Site Manager Use
SECTION 716 - BEARINGS AND EXPANSION PLATES (Last Revised May, 2016)
716-01 Thru 716-02 (Vacant)
716-03 Polyether Urethane Structural Element
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for Polyether Urethane Structural Element. GENERAL. The polyether urethane structural element used in the construction of disc-design bearings shall be molded from a polyether urethane compound.
716-04 Polytetrafluoroethylene Sheet and Strip
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. The physical properties of the polyether urethane shall conform to the requirements of Table 716-03-1. TABLE 716-03-1 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POLYETHER URETHANE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT Physical Property ASTM Test Method Requirements Min. Max. Hardness, Type D Durometer D2240 57 67 Tensile Stress, psi1 At 100% elongation At 300% elongation³ D412 ------ Tensile Strength, psi1 D412 5000 --- Ultimate Elongation, %1 D412 220 --- Compression Set1,2, % D395 --- 40 NOTES: 1. 10% deviation from specified values is permissible.
2.22 hours at 158°F
3.Only required if 300% is attained SAMPLING AND TESTING. TABLE 716-03-2 POLYETHER URETHANE SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Test Performed By Samples Required Physical Properties Polyether Urethane Rotational Element (except compression set) Materials Bureau One 10 x 15 inch sheet of polyether urethane material (thickness of 1/16 - 1/8 inch) per lot.1 Compression Set of Polyether Urethane Rotation Element Materials Bureau One 4 x 4 inch sheet of polyether urethane material, molded or cut to the thickness requirements of ASTM D395, Method B.2 NOTES:
1.All submitted sample sheets of polyether urethane material shall be certified by the bearing manufacturer as having been taken from the same batch of polyether urethane material as was used in the actual production bearings.
2.The manufacturer shall have the option of supplying four (4) die cut specimens in accordance with ASTM D395, Method B. All submitted specimens of polyether urethane material shall be certified by the bearing manufacturer as having been taken from the same batch of polyether urethane material as was used in the actual production bearings. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Polyether Urethane Structural Element will be considered for acceptance in lot quantities in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-04 Polytetrafluoroethylene Sheet and Strip
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and strip. GENERAL. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and strip shall be manufactured from pure virgin (not processed) unfilled TFE resin; or from TFE resin uniformly blended with either 15% glass fiber or 25% carbon (maximum filler, percent by weight). MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Finished PTFE sheet and strip shall be resistant to all acids, alkalis and petroleum products, stable at temperatures from -360°F to +500°F, non-flammable, non-absorbing of water, and shall conform to the physical requirements of Table 716-04-1.
716-05 Self-Lubricating Bronze Plates
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 TABLE 716-04-1 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF PTFE SHEET AND STRIP Physical Property ASTM Test Method MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Unfilled Filled 15% Glass Filled 25% Carbon Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi Ultimate Elongation, % Specific Gravity D638M D638M D792 2.13 2.18 2.05 SAMPLING AND TESTING. One 10 x 15 inch sheet of PTFE material per lot as per 716-07. Single sheets of PTFE Material from which the bearing has been fabricated may be submitted to the Materials Bureau for consideration of multiple lot acceptance, provided that the thickness of the material does not vary from lot to lot. All submitted sample sheets shall be certified by the bearing manufacturer as having been taken from the same batch of PTFE material as was used in the actual production of bearings. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and strip will be considered for acceptance in lot quantities in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-05 Self-Lubricating Bronze Plates
SCOPE. This specification covers requirements for self-lubricating bronze plates used as bearing plates in expansion bearings. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. Self-lubricating bronze shall conform to the requirements of ASTM B22, Alloy 911. The lubricant shall be of the solid type and shall consist of graphite, metallic substances having lubricating properties and a lubricating binder. Materials which do not have lubricating qualities or promote chemical or electrolytic reactions, shall not be acceptable. The lubricant shall be integrally molded and compressed into the lubrication recesses with hydraulic pressure of at least five times the maximum design unit loading to from a dense, non-plastic lubricant which shall project above the surface of the bronze a minimum of 0.005 inch. The recesses for the lubricant shall consist of annular rings with or without central circular recess with a depth at least equal to the width of the ring or diameter of hole for proper containment of lubricant. The recesses shall be arranged in a geometrical pattern such that successive rows shall overlap in the direction of motion and the distance between extremities of recesses shall be closer in the direction of motion than that perpendicular to motion. The entire bearing area of all surfaces which have provision for motion shall be lubricated by means of these lubricant filled recesses. The total area of these recesses shall comprise not less than 25 percent nor more than 35 percent of the total bearing area of the plate. The bearing plates shall be furnished to the sizes and shapes specified on the plans. The maximum permissible variation in the specified thickness of bronze plates shall be ± 0.01 inch. The lay of the tool marks shall be in the direction of motion or shall be omnidirectional. On flat faces the machined surface shall be flat to a tolerance of 0.0005 inches in each inch of length and width. On curved faces the radius of the machined surface shall have the following tolerances: Positive tolerance Negative tolerance Concave Surface 0.010 inch Zero Convex Surface Zero 0.010 inch The curved surface shall be machined to a tolerance of 0.0005 inches in each inch of length perpendicular to the circular section.
716-06 Disc-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 Surfaces of bronze plates in contact with machined surfaces of steel plates shall be machine finished in accordance with the requirements of the SCM, Section 6, Part 612 (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term “DCES” and replace it with “the Regional Director.”). Machining shall be of the same surface roughness as that required for sliding bearings. The coefficient of friction between the self-lubricating bronze plates and the steel plates in contact with them shall not exceed 0.10 when subjected to the maximum designed unit loading and also at twice the maximum design unit loading. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. The manufacturer shall supply the Engineer with certification that the bronze plate was manufactured in accordance with this specification. This certification must be received by the Engineer prior to the placement of the bronze plate or any fabricated piece containing the bronze plate into any construction work.
716-06 Disc-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for disc-design structural bridge bearings. Bearings furnished under this specification shall adequately provide for the thermal expansion and contraction, rotation, camber changes, and creep and shrinkage of structural members, where applicable. GENERAL. Disc-design structural bridge bearings shall consist of a polyether urethane structural element (disc) confined by upper and lower steel bearing plates. The bearings shall be equipped with a shear restriction mechanism to prevent movement of the disc. Disc-design structural bridge bearings shall be supplied as fixed bearings; guided expansion bearings; and non-guided expansion bearings as designated by the Contract Documents.
A.Fixed Bearings. Fixed bearings shall allow rotation but no longitudinal or transverse movement in the bearing plane.
B.Guided Expansion Bearings. Guided expansion bearings shall allow rotation and longitudinal movement in the bearing plane; transverse movement shall be restricted. To allow longitudinal movement, the upper steel bearing plate shall be faced with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and support a sliding steel top bearing plate. The mating surface of the sliding steel top bearing plate shall be faced with polished stainless steel. To restrict transverse movement, either a guide bar or keyway system shall be used. If required, the guide bar or keyway systems and their mating steel surfaces shall be faced with strips of either PTFE or PTFE-stainless steel.
C.Non-Guided Expansion Bearings. Non-guided expansion bearings shall allow rotation, longitudinal, and transverse movement in the bearing plane. To allow longitudinal and transverse movement, the upper steel bearing plate shall be faced with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and support a sliding steel top bearing plate. The mating surface of the sliding steel top bearing plate shall be faced with polished stainless steel. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. All material shall be new and unused, with no used material incorporated in the finished bearing.
A.Polyether Urethane Structural Element. The polyether urethane structural element shall meet the requirements of 716-03.
B.Steel. All steel, except stainless steel components, of the bearing shall conform to the requirements of the type of steel designated on the Contract Plans and applicable provisions of the New York State Steel Construction Manual.
716-06 Disc-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
C.Stainless Steel. Stainless steel shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A167, or ASTM A240, Type 304. Stainless steel in contact with PTFE shall be polished to a No. 8, bright mirror finish. The minimum thickness of the stainless steel shall be 0.05 inches.
D.Polytetrafluoroethylene Sheet and Strip. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and strip shall meet the requirements of 716-04. FABRICATION. The finish of the mold used to produce the bearing elements shall conform to good machine shop practice. Every bearing shall have the Project Identification Number, NYSDOT Lot Number and individual bearing number indelibly marked with ink on a side that will be visible after erection. The PTFE sheet shall be bonded to its grit blasted steel substrate using an epoxy resin adhesive under controlled factory conditions in accordance with the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer. Alternately, the PTFE sheet may be recessed into its steel substrate for one-half its thickness. The bearing manufacturer shall have the option of bonding recessed PTFE sheet. All steel surfaces exposed to the atmosphere, except stainless steel surfaces and metal surfaces to be welded or metalized, shall be cleaned to meet SSPC-SP10, “Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning” and painted in accordance with section 572, Structural Paint System: Shop Applied. The paint shall be selected from the Department’s Approved List, Structural Steel Paints – Class 1. For bearings used in conjunction with unpainted steel, the color of the finish coat shall Weathered Brown as defined by 708- 05. Except as noted, all bearing surfaces of steel plates shall be finished or machined flat within 0.0008 inch/inch. Out-of-flatness exceeding the greater of 0.01 inch or 0.0008 inch/inch on any plate shall be cause for rejection. The bottom surfaces of lower bearing plates (masonry plates) designed to rest on bearing pads shall not exceed an out-of-flatness value of 0.005 inch/inch. Oxygen cut surfaces shall not exceed a surface roughness value of 1 mil, as defined by ASME B46.1. Repair, when necessary, shall conform to the requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term DCES" and replace it with "the Regional Director). Unless otherwise approved by the Regional Director, all welding shall conform to, and all welders shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements of, the New York State Construction Manual (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term ‘DCES’ and replace it with ‘Regional Director’). Gross bearing dimensions shall have a tolerance of -0, +1/8 inch. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
A.Proof Load. Load the bearing to 150% of the bearing’s design capacity and simultaneously subject it to a rotational range of 0.02 radians for a period of 30 minutes. Remove the load over a period of 30 to 90 seconds, then reapply the load for 30 more minutes. The test result will be evaluated as follows:
1.The bearing will be visually examined both during and after the test. Any resultant visual defects shall be cause for rejection.
2.Continuous and uniform contact shall be maintained between all adjacent elements of the disc- design structural bridge bearing for the duration of the test. Any observed lift-off shall be cause for rejection.
B.Sliding Coefficient of Friction. For all guided and non-guided expansion disc-design structural bearings, the coefficients of friction shall be measured at the bearing's design capacity, on the fifth and fiftieth cycles, at a sliding speed of 1 inch per minute.
716-06 Disc-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 The sliding coefficient of friction shall be calculated as the horizontal load required to maintain continuous sliding of one bearing, divided by the bearing's design capacity vertical load. The vertical load shall have been applied continuously for a minimum of 12 hours prior to testing. The test results will be evaluated as follows:
1.The measured sliding coefficients of friction shall not exceed 75% of the maximum design coefficient of friction.
2.The bearing will be visually examined both during and after the test. Any resultant visual defects (such as bond failure, physical destruction, cold flow of PTFE, or damaged components) shall be cause for rejection. DRAWINGS. The Contractor shall submit detailed shop drawings, drawn by the Manufacturer only, in conformance with the applicable requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual, for approval by the Regional Director prior to the start of fabrication. In addition to the above requirements, the Manufacturer shall note the following on the shop drawings:
A.The Manufacturer's name and the name of the manufacturer's representative who will be responsible for coordinating production, inspection, sampling, and testing with the Materials Bureau.
B.The location of the fabrication plant.
C.The type(s) of steel to be used.
D.If applicable, any welding process used in the bearing manufacture that does not conform to the approved processes of New York State Steel Construction Manual shall be clearly described and detailed.
E.The total quantity of each kind of disc-design structural bridge bearing required, i.e., fixed, guided expansion, or non-guided expansion, grouped first according to type (load range) and then by actual design capacity.
F.The thickness and plan area of the polyether urethane structural elements required.
G.The maximum design coefficient of friction as noted on the Contract Plans.
H.The type of PTFE sheet (filled or unfilled) and, if applicable, the type and amount (by weight) of filler. The Contractor shall also provide the Materials Bureau with written notification thirty (30) days prior to the start of bearing fabrication. This notification shall include all of the information required as identified above. A copy of this notification shall be sent to the Regional Director. SAMPLING AND TESTING. The manufacturer shall perform tests in the presence of the Department’s representative and shall furnish the required number of samples to the Department to perform testing in accordance with Table 716-06.
A.Lot Size. Sampling, testing and acceptance consideration will be made on a lot basis. A lot shall be defined as those bearings presented for inspection at a specific time or date. A lot shall be further defined as the smallest number of bearings as determined by the following criteria:
716-06 Disc-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
1.A lot shall not exceed a single contract or project quantity.
2.A lot shall not exceed 25 bearings.
3.A lot shall consist of those bearings that can be manufactured with polyether urethane structural elements from one batch of polyether urethane material. The mass of one batch shall not exceed 450 lbs.
4.A lot shall consist of those bearings of the same type, regardless of load capacity. Bearing types shall be fixed type bearings or expansion type bearings. Guided and non-guided expansion bearings will be considered as a single type.
B.Schedule. The manufacturer shall inform the Department when the bearings and component materials are ready for sampling and inspection. A minimum of thirty (30) days shall be allowed for the Department's inspection, sampling, and testing of component materials. A minimum of fourteen
14.days of notice shall be given to the Department for testing which will require a Department representative to witness.
C.Sampling Method. The Department’s representative shall select, at random, the required sample bearing(s) from the completed lots of bearings for testing by the manufacturer.
D.Sampling Polyether Urethane and PTFE. The Department's representative shall select, at random, samples of the polyether urethane and the PTFE materials for testing by the Materials Bureau. All samples shall be taken in accordance with the Department's written instructions.
E.Calibration of the Test Equipment. The Manufacturer shall provide to the inspector calibration records which shall include the date tested, device identification number, and calibration test results and shall be certified for accuracy within 2% of the applied certification loads by a qualified independent testing laboratory within the previous year. TABLE 716-06 DISC BEARING SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Test Performed By Samples Required Proof Load Manufacturer One production bearing per lot Coefficient of Friction Manufacturer One production bearing per lot Physical Properties Polyether Urethane Structural Element Materials Bureau See requirements of 716-03 Physical Properties of PTFE Sheet Materials Bureau See requirements of 716-04
F.Oversize Bearings. Sample production bearings of such size that cannot be tested by the manufacturer at 150% design capacity for rotation shall be tested at actual design capacity. Bearings which are tested at actual design capacity will be tested at that capacity because it is not possible, or not practical in the Department's opinion to test them at a higher capacity. Therefore, bearings tested at 150% design capacity which are rejected, will not be retested below 150% design capacity for the purpose of rendering such bearings acceptable. Sample production bearings that cannot be tested by the manufacturer at their actual design capacity for rotation and/or friction shall be tested by an outside laboratory selected by the Materials Bureau. The Manufacturer shall assume the cost of this testing and submit the certified test results to the Materials Bureau.
716-07 Pot-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
G.Finish and Accessories. All exterior surfaces of sampled production bearings shall be smooth and free from irregularities or protrusions that might interfere with testing procedures. Bearings with tapered sole plates which are selected for testing, shall be accompanied by a single unattached matching beveled plate. This plate shall be made of the same material and be the same size and thickness as the tapered plate. Additionally, the single beveled plate shall be so constructed that when placed in contact with the tapered sole plate the two shall form a single body, rectangular in shape and uniform in thickness.
H.Shipping Costs. The Contractor shall assume the cost of transporting all samples. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of Disc Bearings will be based on the manufacturer’s name appearing on the Department’s Approved List for Disc Bearings (716-06) and performance testing results. Bearings will be considered for acceptance in project lot quantities, or portions thereof, at the manufacturing site in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-07 Pot-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for pot-design structural bridge bearings. Bearings furnished under this specification shall adequately provide for the thermal expansion and contraction, rotation, camber changes, and creep and shrinkage of structural members, where applicable. GENERAL. Pot-design structural bridge bearings shall be supplied as fixed bearings; guided expansion bearings; and non-guided expansion bearings as designated by the Contract Documents.
A.Fixed Bearings. Fixed bearings shall allow rotation but no longitudinal or transverse movement in the bearing plane. Fixed bearings shall consist of an elastomeric rotational element, confined and sealed by a steel piston and steel base pot.
B.Guided Expansion Bearings. Guided expansion bearings shall allow rotation and longitudinal movement in the bearing plane; transverse movement shall be restricted. Guided expansion bearings shall consist of an elastomeric rotational element, confined and sealed by a steel piston and steel base pot. To allow longitudinal movement, the upper surface of the steel piston shall be faced with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and support a sliding steel top bearing plate. The mating surface of the sliding steel bearing plate shall be faced with polished stainless steel. To restrict transverse movement, either a guide bar or keyway system shall be used. If required, the guide bar or keyway systems and their mating steel surfaces shall be faced with strips of either PTFE or PTFE-stainless steel.
C.Non-Guided Expansion Bearings. Non-guided expansion bearings shall allow rotation, longitudinal, and transverse movement in the bearing plane. Non-guided expansion bearings shall consist of an elastomeric rotational element, confined and sealed by a steel piston and steel base pot. To allow longitudinal and transverse movement, the upper surface of the steel piston shall be faced with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and support a sliding steel top bearing plate. The mating surface of the sliding steel bearing plate shall be faced with polished stainless steel. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. All material shall be new and unused, with no reclaimed material incorporated in the finished bearing.
A.Elastomeric Rotational Element. The elastomeric rotational element used in the construction of potdesign bearings shall contain only virgin crystallization resistant polychloroprene (neoprene) or virgin natural polyisoprene (natural rubber) as the raw polymer. The physical properties of neoprene
716-07 Pot-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 and natural rubber used in these bearings shall conform to ASTM or AASHTO requirements, with modifications as noted, in Table 716-07-1. TABLE 716-07-1 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF ELASTOMERIC BEARING MATERIAL Elastomeric Compound ASTM Requirement AASHTO Standard Specifications for Bridge Neoprene D2000, Line Call Out M2BC517A14B34 Section 2.25.2, Materials, 50 Durometer Hardness Natural Rubber D2000, Line Call Out M4AA517A13B33 Section 2.25.2, Materials, 50 Durometer Hardness NOTES:
1.The Shore A Durometer hardness shall be 50±10 points.
2.Samples for compression set tests shall be prepared using a Type 2 die. The compression set of the neoprene specimens shall not exceed 35%. The compression set of the natural rubber specimens shall not exceed 25%.
3.For the purpose of determining conformance with these specifications, an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off to the nearest 10 psi for tensile strength, to the nearest 10% for elongation, and to the nearest 1% for the change in aged tensile and aged elongation. Hardness and aged hardness shall be rounded off to the nearest point.
B.Sealant. If used, the type of sealant between the steel base pot and the top steel bearing plate shall be as recommended by the Manufacturer.
C.Sealing Rings. The sealing rings between the steel piston and the elastomeric rotational element shall be brass formed to the size recommended by the Manufacturer.
D.Steel. All steel except stainless steel components of the bearing shall conform to the requirements of the type of steel designated on the Contract Plans and applicable provisions of the New York State Steel Construction Manual (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term DCES and replace it with the Regional Director).
E.Stainless Steel. Stainless steel shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A167, or ASTM A240, Type 304. Stainless steel in contact with PTFE sheet shall be polished to a No. 8. bright mirror finish. The minimum thickness of the stainless steel shall be 0.050 inch.
F.Polytetrafluoroethylene Sheet and Strip. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet and strip shall meet the requirements of 716-04. FABRICATION. The finish of the mold used to produce the elastomeric rotational elements shall conform to good machine shop practices. Every bearing shall have the Contract D#, Project Identification Number, NYSDOT Lot Number and individual bearing number indelibly marked with ink on a side that will be visible after erection. The PTFE shall be bonded to its grit blasted steel substrate using an epoxy resin adhesive under controlled factory conditions in accordance with the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer. Alternately, the PTFE sheet may be recessed into its steel substrate for one-half its thickness. The bearing manufacturer shall have the option of bonding recessed PTFE sheet. All steel surfaces exposed to the atmosphere, except stainless steel surfaces and metal surfaces to be welded or metalized, shall be cleaned to meet SSPC-SP10, “Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning” and painted in accordance with section 572, Structural Paint System: Shop Applied. The paint shall be selected from the Department’s Approved List, Structural Steel Paints – Class 1. For bearings used in conjunction with unpainted steel, the color of the finish coat shall Weathered Brown as defined by 708- 05. Except as noted, all bearing surfaces of steel plates shall be finished or machined flat within 0.0008 inch/inch. Out-of-flatness exceeding the greater of 0.01 inch or 0.0008 inch/inch on any plate shall be
716-07 Pot-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 cause for rejection. The bottom surfaces of lower bearing plates (masonry plates) designed to rest on bearing pads shall not exceed an out- of-flatness value of 0.005 inch/inch. Oxygen cut surfaces shall not exceed a surface roughness value of 1 mil, as defined by ASME B46.1. Repair, when necessary, shall conform to the requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual. The steel base pot of all bearings shall be either integrally machined or continuously welded to its bottom steel masonry plate. Unless otherwise approved by the Regional Director, all welding shall conform to, and all welders shall be qualified in accordance with, the requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term DCES and replace it with the Regional Director). Gross bearing dimensions shall have a tolerance of -0, +1/8 inch. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
A.Sliding Coefficient of Friction. For all guided and non-guided expansion type pot-design bearings, the sliding coefficients of friction shall be measured at the bearing's design capacity, on the fifth and fiftieth cycles, at a sliding speed of 1 inch per minute. The sliding coefficient of friction shall be calculated as the horizontal load required to maintain continuous sliding of one bearing, divided by the bearing's design capacity vertical load. The vertical load shall have been applied continuously for a minimum of 12 hours prior to testing. The test results will be evaluated as follows:
1.The measured sliding coefficients of friction shall not exceed 75% of the maximum design coefficient of friction
2.The bearing will be visually examined both during and after the test. Any resultant visual defects (such as bond failure, physical destruction, cold flow of PTFE, or damaged bearing components) shall be cause for rejection.
B.Rotation. For all pot-design bearings, the elastomeric rotational element shall be capable of maintaining its initial uniform contact with the steel piston and steel base pot throughout a rotation range of 0.02 radians, under a compressive load equal to 150% of the design capacity of the bearing. The test results will be evaluated as follows:
1.The bearing will be visually examined both during and after the test. Any resultant defects shall be cause for rejection
2.The sole plate, top bearing plate, and steel piston shall maintain continuous and uniform contact for the duration of the test. Any observed lift-off will be cause for rejection. DRAWINGS. The Contractor shall submit detailed shop drawings, drawn by the Manufacturer only, in conformance with the applicable requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual, for approval by the Regional Director prior to the start of the fabrication. (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term DCES and replace it with the Regional Director). In addition to the above requirements, the Manufacturer shall note the following on the shop drawings.
A.The total quantity of each kind of pot-design bearing required, (i.e. fixed, guided expansion, or nonguided expansion), grouped first according to type (load range) and then by actual design capacity
B.The thickness and plan area of the elastomeric rotational elements and the internal diameters of the steel base pots required
716-07 Pot-Design Structural Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
C.The maximum design coefficient of friction as noted on the Contract Plans
D.The type of PTFE sheet (filled or unfilled) and, if applicable, the type and amount (by weight) of Filler.
E.The type(s) of steel(s) to be used
F.If applicable, any welding process used in the bearing manufacture that does not conform to the approved processes of the New York State Steel Construction Manual shall be clearly described and detailed. (When the SCM requires DCES approval, delete the term DCES and replace it with the Regional Director).
G.The location of the fabrication plant
H.The Manufacturer's name and the name of the manufacturer's representative will be responsible for coordinating production, inspection, sampling and testing with the Materials Bureau. The Contractor shall also provide the Materials Bureau with written notification thirty (30) days prior to the start of the bearing fabrication. This notification shall include all of the information required as identified above. A copy of this notification shall be sent to the Regional Director. SAMPLING AND TESTING.
A.Lot Size. Sampling, testing and acceptance consideration will be made on a lot basis. A lot shall be defined as the smallest number of bearings as determined by the following criteria:
1.A lot shall not exceed a single contract or project quantity
2.A lot shall not exceed 25 bearings
3.A lot shall consist of those bearings of the same type, regardless of load capacity. Bearing types shall be fixed type bearings or expansion type bearings. Guided and non-guided expansion bearings will be considered a single type.
B.Sampling and Testing Requirements. The manufacturer shall furnish the required number and size of samples to perform testing in accordance with Table 716-07-3. A minimum of thirty (30) days shall be allowed for the Department's inspection, sampling and testing of production bearings and component materials. All exterior surfaces of sampled production bearings shall be smooth and free from irregularities or protrusions that might interfere with testing procedures. The manufacturer shall select, at random, the required sample bearing(s) from completed lots of bearings for testing by the manufacturer. The manufacturer shall complete the required testing and determine compliance with this specification before submitting the lot(s) for inspection, sampling and acceptance consideration. The Department's representative shall select, at random, samples of elastomeric and PTFE materials for testing by the Materials Bureau. All samples shall be taken in accordance with the Department's written instructions. The Contractor shall assume the cost of transporting all samples from the place of manufacture to the Materials Bureau and return, or, if applicable, to the project site.
716-08 (Vacant)
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 TABLE 716-07-3 POT BEARING SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS Test Performed By Samples Required Proof Load Manufacturer One production bearing per lot1 Coefficient of Friction Manufacturer One production bearing per lot1 Physical Properties of Elastomeric Rotational Element Materials Bureau One elastomeric element per lot2 Physical Properties of PTFE Sheet Materials Bureau See requirements of 716-04 NOTES:
1.Sample production bearings of such size that cannot be tested by the manufacturer at 150% design capacity for rotation shall be tested at actual design capacity. Bearings which are tested at actual design capacity will be tested at that capacity because it is not possible, or not practical in the Department's opinion to test them at a higher capacity. Therefore, bearings tested at 150% design capacity which are rejected, will not be retested below 150% design capacity for the purpose of rendering such bearings acceptable. Sample production bearings that cannot be tested by the manufacturer at their actual design capacity for rotation and/or friction shall be tested by an outside laboratory selected by the Materials Bureau. The Manufacturer shall assume the cost of this testing and submit the certified test results to the Materials Bureau.
2.At the time of sampling the Department representative shall remove an elastomeric rotational element from a production bearing (not from a bearing that requires compressive strain testing) and forward it to the Materials Bureau for test. This testing will be destructive and the manufacturer shall, at the cost of the manufacturer, replace the sample elastomeric element. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of Pot Bearings will be based on the manufacturer’s name appearing on the Department’s Approved List for Pot Bearings (716-07). Bearings will be considered for acceptance in project lot quantities, or portions thereof, at the manufacturing site in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-08 (Vacant)
716-09 for Site Manager Use
716-10 Plain Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for plain elastomeric bridge bearings. Bearings furnished under this specification shall be adequate for the specified design load, and provide for the thermal expansion and contraction, rotation, camber changes, creep, and shrinkage of structural members. GENERAL. Plain elastomeric bridge bearings (Type EP bearings) are composed entirely of elastomeric material. They may be used for both fixed and expansion applications without changes in details. The bearings will accommodate longitudinal, transverse, and rotational movements. Elastomeric bridge bearings shall be designed in accordance with New York State Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS. All materials shall be new with no reclaimed material incorporated in the finished bearing. The elastomeric compound used in the construction of these bearings shall contain only virgin crystallization resistant polychloroprene (neoprene) or virgin natural polyisoprene (natural rubber) as the raw polymer. The resulting product shall be free of porous areas, weak sections, bubbles, foreign matter, or other defects affecting serviceability. The physical properties of the cured elastomeric compound shall meet the requirements of Table 716-10-1. The manufacturer shall certify that the elastomeric compound passes Grade 3 Low - Temperature Brittleness as determined by ASTM D746 - Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact Procedure B.
716-10 Plain Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 DRAWINGS. Shop drawings are not required for Type EP bearings. FABRICATION. The finish of the mold used to produce these bearings shall conform to good machine shop practice. Each bearing shall be marked in indelible ink or flexible paint. The marking shall consist of the manufacturer's name and location. The marking shall be placed on at least one side or face that will be visible after erection and, if possible, on two sides or faces. TABLE 716-10-1 PROPERTIES OF ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: ASTM TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS NEOPRENE NATURAL RUBBER Tensile Strength, Min., (psi) Ultimate Elongation, Min., (%) D412 D412 NOTES:
1.Tolerances for samples cut from finished parts have already been applied to each of these requirements. No greater tolerances will be allowed.
2.For the purpose of determining conformance with these specifications, an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off to the nearest 10 psi for tensile strength and to the nearest 10% for elongation. The bearings shall be cast in a mold under pressure and heat to the specified thickness. They may be molded and vulcanized in large sheets and cut to size. Cutting shall not heat the material, and the finish produced shall be equal to a surface roughness average of 2 mils as defined by ANSI B46.1. A type EP bearing that has been cut from a larger piece of material and fabricated to the finished size by bonding or plying smaller pieces together will not be acceptable.
A.Bearing Tolerances. Finished elastomeric bearings shall conform to the design dimensions, with the tolerances listed in Table 716-10-2. TABLE 716-10-2 BEARING TOLERANCES Dimension Tolerance Overall Vertical -0, +1/8 inch Overall Horizontal -0, +1/4 inch Position of Holes and Slots centerline ±1/16 inch from centerline Size of Holes, Slots and Internal Steel Plates -0, +1/16 inch PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
A.Compression Deflection. The compression deflection of each bearing shall not exceed 10.0% of the design effective rubber thickness at a compressive load equal to the actual design load. The compression deflection shall be determined by loading the bearings to 500 psi and 800 psi. At each load a deflection reading will be taken and the readings used to calculate the slope between the two loads. The slope shall then be used to determine the deflection at the bearing's design load. The bearing and ambient temperature shall be 75 F ± 5 F at the time of testing. NOTE: For conformance to this specification an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off (ASTM E29) to the nearest 0.1% for compression deflection.
716-11 Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of this material will be based upon the manufacturer’s name appearing on the Department’s Approved List for Elastomeric Bridge Bearings, and a manufacturer’s certification stating conformance with these specifications.
716-11 Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for steel laminated elastomeric bridge bearings without external load plates. Bearings furnished under this specification shall be adequate for the specified design load, and provide for the thermal expansion and contraction, rotation, camber changes, creep, and shrinkage of structural members. GENERAL. Steel laminated elastomeric bridge bearings (Type EL bearings) are composed of multiple layers of elastomeric material separated by steel plates. They may be used for both fixed and expansion applications without changes in details. The bearings will accommodate longitudinal, transverse, and rotational movements. Elastomeric bridge bearings shall be designed in accordance with New York State Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS. All materials shall be new with no reclaimed material incorporated in the finished bearing.
A.Elastomeric Material. The elastomeric compound used in the construction of these bearings shall contain only virgin crystallization resistant polychloroprene (neoprene) or virgin natural polyisoprene (natural rubber) as the raw polymer. The resulting product shall be free of porous areas, weak sections, bubbles, foreign matter, or other defects affecting serviceability. The physical properties of the cured elastomeric compound shall be determined by using samples taken from bearings and shall meet the requirements of Table 716-10-1. The manufacturer shall certify that the elastomeric compound passes Grade 3 Low - Temperature Brittleness as determined by ASTM D746 - Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact Procedure B.
B.Internal Steel Plates. Steel plates for internal laminates shall be rolled mild steel conforming to the requirements of ASTM A36M, ASTM 1008/A1008/M or ASTM 1011/A1011/M (Grade 33, 36 and 40). DRAWINGS. Shop drawings are not required for Department approval unless a change in the details shown on the plans is proposed. When Department approved shop drawings are required, they shall be furnished in accordance with the Steel Construction Manual (SCM), Section 2, except that in place of two sets of Department approved drawings submitted to the designated Shop Inspection Agency, five sets of Department approved drawings shall be submitted to the Materials Bureau. The Contractor shall submit one copy of these drawings to the Engineer. When the bearing details are identical to the plans, the Contractor shall be responsible for supplying shop drawings prepared by the Manufacturer. The Manufacturer shall certify that the bearings depicted on the drawings are in conformance with the contract documents. The Contractor shall submit one copy of the certified drawings to the Engineer and five copies of their certified drawings to the Materials Bureau. The Department's acceptance procedures will commence subsequent to receipt of these drawings. The Manufacturer shall note the following on all shop drawings:
A.The Contract number, bridge identification number (BIN), feature carried/feature crossed, specification pay item no. and the type, size and quantity of bearings being produced.
716-11 Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
B.The design load (dead load plus live load) for each type and size bearing. If bearings of the same type and size are designed for differing load conditions the maximum design load shall be noted.
C.The effective rubber thickness, typical laminate thickness, compressive area, shear area and shape factor.
D.The Manufacturer's name, the location of the fabrication plant and the name and phone number of the Manufacturer's representative who will coordinate production, inspection, and sampling and testing with the Materials Bureau.
E.The specification reference and grade of steel used. FABRICATION. The finish of the mold used to produce these bearings shall conform to good machine shop practice. Each bearing shall be marked in indelible ink or flexible paint. The marking shall consist of the manufacturer's name, contract number, lot number, and individual bearing number. The marking shall be placed on at least one side or face that will be visible after erection and, if possible, on two sides or faces. Type EL bearings shall be cast as a single unit in a mold and bonded and vulcanized under pressure and heat to the specified size and thickness. The internal steel plate(s) shall be commercially blast cleaned to a condition matching that of SSPC-Vis1, Pictorial Standards A SP6, B SP6 or C SP6, and cleaned of all oil or grease before bonding.
A.Bearing Tolerances. Finished elastomeric bearings shall conform to the design dimensions, with the tolerances listed in Table 716-11 and the following details: TABLE 716-11 BEARING TOLERANCES Dimension Tolerance Overall Vertical -0, +1/8 inch Overall Horizontal -0, +1/4 inch Position of Holes and Slots centerline ±1/16 inch from centerline Size of Holes, Slots and Internal Steel Plates -0, +1/16 inch Edge Cover over External Steel Plates1 1/8 inch min. Bedding Surface (Top and Bottom) Over Internal Steel Plates 1/4 inch min. NOTES:
1.No edge cover will be required over internal details that will not be exposed after erection (i.e.- vertical holes covered by bearing seats or flanges).
2.For 716-12, With external load plate(s) there shall be an effective rubber laminate between the load plate(s) and internal steel plate(s).
1.Internal Steel Plates. The internal steel plates shall be checked for parallelism by measuring the distance between each individual steel plate, and between the top or bottom edge of the bearing to the first adjacent steel plate. For rectangular bearings, take measurements for each plate along the vertical surface of the bearing, located 1 inch from the edge of the four alternate corners. For round bearings, measurements will be taken at four points located at 90 intervals around the perimeter. The smallest of the four measurements shall be recorded for each plate. The cumulative total of these measurements shall not be less than 75% of the design effective rubber thickness.
2.Elastomeric Laminae. The average thickness of individual layers of elastomer in steel laminated elastomeric bearings shall not vary more than ±20% of the design thickness and in no case exceed the design thickness by 1/8 inch. Average thickness will be calculated
716-11 Steel Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 from measurements taken at four points, located at 1 inch from the edge of the four alternate corners for rectangular bearings and at 90 intervals around the perimeter for round bearings. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
A.Compression Deflection. The compression deflection of each bearing shall not exceed 10.0% of the design effective rubber thickness at a compressive load equal to the actual design load. The compression deflection shall be determined by loading the bearings to 500 psi and 800 psi. At each load a deflection reading will be taken and the readings used to calculate a slope between the two loads. The slope shall then be used to determine the deflection at the bearing's design load. The bearing and ambient temperature shall be 75 F ± 5 F at the time of testing.
B.Adhesion. The adhesion of the elastomer to the internal plates shall be demonstrated by subjecting the bearing to a compressive load equal to 150% of the actual design load. Upon visual examination, the bearing shall be free of visual defects. The bearing and ambient temperature shall be 75 F ± 5 F at the time of testing. NOTE: For conformance to this specification an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off (ASTM E29) to the nearest 0.1% for compression deflection. SAMPLING AND TESTING
A.Lot Size. Sampling, testing and acceptance consideration will be made on a lot basis. A lot shall be defined as those bearings presented for inspection at a specific time or date. A lot shall be further defined as the smallest number of bearings as determined by the following criteria:
1.A lot shall not exceed a single contract quantity.
2.A lot shall consist of bearings with the elastomer being of the same dimensions and configuration.
3.A lot shall consist of bearings produced in a continuous manner.
B.Procedure. The Department's representative shall select at random the required sample bearings from completed lots of bearings for testing by the Materials Bureau. Bearings with a plan area of less than 4 sf shall be tested for performance characteristics by the Materials Bureau. Bearings with a plan area greater than 4 sf shall be tested by an outside laboratory approved by the Materials Bureau. The Department shall assume the cost of testing the sampled bearings and the Contractor shall assume the responsibility and cost of transporting the sampled bearings from the place of manufacture to the testing laboratory. After testing, the Contractor has the responsibility for the cost of transporting the sampled bearings back to the bearing manufacturer or, if applicable, to the project site. All samples shall be taken and delivered for tests in accordance with the Department's written instructions. A minimum of thirty (30) days shall be allowed for inspection, sampling and testing by the Materials Bureau. This thirty days is exclusive of shipping time which is the Contractor's responsibility. The sampling procedure and test methods may be obtained from the Materials Bureau. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of this material will be based on the manufacturer's name appearing on the Department's Approved List for Elastomeric Bridge Bearings and in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-12 Elastomeric Bridge Bearings With External Load Plates
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
716-12 Elastomeric Bridge Bearings With External Load Plates
SCOPE. This specification covers the material requirements for elastomeric bridge bearings with external load plates. Bearings furnished under this specification shall be adequate for the specified design load, and provide for the thermal expansion and contraction, rotation, camber changes, and creep and shrinkage of structural members. GENERAL. Elastomeric bridge bearings with external load plates (Type EB bearings) are composed of either plain elastomeric or laminated elastomeric bearings with external steel load bearing plates. The steel load bearing plates are bonded to the elastomer by vulcanization during the primary molding process. These bearings may be used for both fixed and expansion applications with appropriate changes in details, as shown on the contract plans. The bearings will accommodate longitudinal, transverse, and rotational movements. Elastomeric bridge bearings with external load plates shall be designed in accordance with New York State Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS. All materials shall be new with no reclaimed material incorporated in the finished bearing.
A.Elastomeric Material. The elastomeric compound used in the construction of these bearings shall contain only virgin crystallization resistant polychloroprene (neoprene) or virgin natural polyisoprene (natural rubber) as the raw polymer. The resulting product shall be free of porous areas, weak sections, bubbles, foreign matter, or other defects affecting serviceability. The physical properties of the cured elastomeric compound shall be determined by using samples taken from bearings and shall meet the requirements of Table 716-10-1. The manufacturer shall certify that the elastomeric compound passes Grade 3 Low - Temperature Brittleness as determined by ASTM D746 - Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact Procedure B.
B.Internal Steel Plates. Steel plates for internal laminates shall be rolled mild steel conforming to the requirements of ASTM A36, or ASTM 1008/A1008/M ASTM 1011/A1011/M (Grade 33, 36 and 40).
C.External Load Bearing Plates and Steel Backing Plates. External load bearing plates shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A36 and to the requirements of the Steel Construction Manual (SCM), unless otherwise provided for in the contract documents. Except as noted, all bearing surfaces of steel plates shall be finished or machined flat within 0.0008 inch/inch. Out-of-flatness exceeding the greater of 0.01 inch or 0.0008 inch/inch on any plate shall be cause for rejection. The bottom surfaces of lower bearing plates (masonry plates) designed to rest on bearing pads shall not exceed an out- of-flatness value of 0.005 inch/inch. Oxygen cut surfaces shall not exceed a surface roughness value of 1 mil, as defined by ASME B46.1. Repair, when necessary, shall conform to the requirements of the New York State Steel Construction Manual. External load bearing plate surfaces to be welded shall be painted with one coat of lacquer or other protective coatings approved by the Director of the Materials Bureau. This coating shall be removed before welding. All surfaces shall be cleaned and painted in accordance with §572, Structural Steel Paint System, Shop Applied. Color shall match that of the finish coat of other structural steel. For bearing used in conjunction with unpainted steel, the finish coat shall match “Weathered Brown” as defined by 708-05 Standard Paint Colors. DRAWINGS. Department approval of shop drawings are not required unless a change in the details shown on the plans is proposed. When Department approved drawings are required, they shall be furnished in accordance with SCM, Section 2, except that in place of two sets of Department
716-12 Elastomeric Bridge Bearings With External Load Plates
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 approved drawings submitted to the designated Shop Inspection Agency, five sets of Department approved drawings shall be submitted to the Materials Bureau. The Contractor shall submit one copy of these drawings to the Engineer. When the bearing details are identical to the plans, the Contractor shall be responsible for supplying shop drawings prepared by the manufacturer. The manufacturer shall certify that the bearings depicted on the drawings are in conformance with the contract documents. The Contractor shall submit one copy of the certified drawings to the Engineer and five copies of their certified drawings to the Materials Bureau. The Department's acceptance procedures will commence subsequent to receipt of these drawings. The Manufacturer shall note the following on all shop drawings:
A.The Contract number, bridge identification number (BIN), feature carried/feature crossed, specification pay item no. and the type, size and quantity of bearings being produced.
B.The design load (dead load plus live load) for each type and size bearing. If bearings of the same type and size are designed for differing load conditions the maximum design load shall be noted.
C.The effective rubber thickness, typical laminate thickness, compressive area, shear area and shape factor.
D.The Manufacturer's name, the location of the fabrication plant and the name and phone number of the manufacturer's representative who will coordinate production, inspection, and sampling and testing with the Materials Bureau.
E.The specification references and grades of steel to be used.
F.All welding procedures to be used in the manufacture of the bearings. WELDING PROCEDURE. The bearing manufacturer shall submit a Welding Procedure to the Deputy Chief Engineer Structures (DCES) for each welding process to be used in the manufacture of the bearings. No welding shall be performed until the manufacturer receives an approved Welding Procedure. FABRICATION. The finish of the mold used to produce these bearings shall conform to good machine shop practice. Each bearing shall be marked in indelible ink or flexible paint. The marking shall consist of the manufacturer's name, contract number, lot number, and individual bearing number. The marking shall be placed on at least one side or face that will be visible after erection and, if possible, on two sides or faces. The bearings shall be cast as a single unit in a mold and bonded and vulcanized under pressure and heat to the specified size and thickness. They shall be cast as a single unit with the external load plate(s) bonded to the elastomer by vulcanization during the primary molding process. If internal steel plate(s) are required, they shall be commercially blast cleaned to a condition matching that of SSPC-Vis1, Pictorial Standards A SP6, B SP6 or C SP6, and cleaned of all oil or grease before bonding. During any welding, the temperature of the steel adjacent to the elastomer shall not exceed
F.Temperature shall be controlled by welding procedures and temperature indicating crayons, or other devices approved by the Engineer. Unless otherwise approved by the DCES, all welding shall conform to, and all welders shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements of the SCM.
716-12 Elastomeric Bridge Bearings With External Load Plates
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4
A.Bearing Tolerances. Finished elastomeric bearings shall conform to the design dimensions, with the tolerances listed in Table 716-11 and the following details:
1.Internal Steel Plates. The internal steel plates shall be checked for parallelism by measuring the distance between each individual steel plate, and between the top or bottom edge of the bearing to the first adjacent steel plate. For rectangular bearings, take measurements for each plate along the vertical surface of the bearing, located 1 inch from the edge of the four alternate corners. For round bearings, measurements will be taken at four points located at 90 intervals around the perimeter. The smallest of the four measurements shall be recorded for each plate. The cumulative total of these measurements shall not be less than 75% of the design effective rubber thickness.
2.Elastomeric Laminae. The average thickness of individual layers of elastomer in steel laminated elastomeric bearings shall not vary more than ±20% of the design thickness and in no case exceed the design thickness by 1/8 inch. Average thickness will be calculated from measurements taken at four points, located at 1 inch from the edge of the four alternate corners for rectangular bearings and at 90 intervals around the perimeter for round bearings.
B.Performance Characteristics
1.Compression Deflection. The compression deflection of each bearing shall not exceed 10.0% of the design effective rubber thickness at a compressive load equal to the actual design load. The compression deflection shall be determined by loading the bearings to 500 psi and 800 psi. At each load a deflection reading will be taken and the readings used to calculate a slope between the two loads. The slope shall then be used to determine the deflection at the bearing's design load. The bearing and ambient temperature shall be 75 F ± 5 F at the time of testing.
2.Adhesion. The adhesion of the elastomer to the internal plates shall be demonstrated by subjecting the bearing to a compressive load equal to 150% of the actual design load. Upon visual examination, the bearing shall be free of visual defects. The bearing and ambient temperature shall be 75 F ± 5 F at the time of testing. NOTE: For conformance to this specification an observed or calculated value shall be rounded off (ASTM E29) to the nearest 0.1% for compression deflection. SAMPLING AND TESTING
A.Lot Size. Sampling, testing and acceptance consideration will be made on a lot basis. A lot shall be defined as those bearings presented for inspection at a specific time or date. A lot shall be further defined as the smallest number of bearings as determined by the following criteria:
1.A lot shall not exceed a single contract quantity
2.A lot shall consist of bearings with the elastomer being of the same dimensions and configuration
3.A lot shall consist of bearings produced in a continuous manner.
B.Procedure. The Department's representative shall select at random the required sample bearings from completed lots of bearings for testing by the Materials Bureau. The manufacturer
716-99 for Site Manager Use
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Section 700 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 VOLUME 4 shall supply the Department's representative with a copy of an approved Welding Procedure for each welding process used in the manufacture of the bearings. Bearings with a plan area greater than 4 sf shall be tested by an outside laboratory approved by the Materials Bureau. The Department shall assume the cost of testing the sampled bearings and the Contractor shall assume the responsibility and cost of transporting the sampled bearings from the place of manufacture to the testing laboratory. After testing the Contractor has the responsibility for the cost of transporting the sampled bearings back to the bearing manufacturer or, if applicable, to the project site. All samples shall be taken and delivered for test in accordance with the Department's written instructions. A minimum of thirty (30) days shall be allowed for inspection, sampling and testing by the Materials Bureau. This thirty days is exclusive of shipping time which is the Contractor's responsibility. The sampling procedure and test methods may be obtained from the Materials Bureau. BASIS OF ACCEPTANCE. Acceptance of this material will be based on the manufacturer's name appearing on the Department's Approved List for Elastomeric Bridge Bearings and in accordance with the procedural directives of the Materials Bureau.
716-99 for Site Manager Use
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Source: Standard Specifications (US Customary Units), 2026 (Jan) Edition. Pages 1269–1301 of 1,489. View official source ↗