Part 1 — General
1.1 Section Includes
A.Plain elastomeric bearing pads .
B.Steel reinforced elastomeric bearing pads.
C.Components of elastomeric bearings such as masonry, sole and shim plates, shear plates, anchor bolts, guide devices, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfacing.
1.2 Related Sections
A.Section 09972: Painting for Structural Steel
1.3 References
A.AASHTO M 251: Plain and Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
B.AASHTO M 270: Structural Steel for Bridges
C.AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
D.AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications
E.AASHTO/AWS D1.5: Bridge Welding Code
F.AASHTO/AWS D1.6: Structural Welding Code – Stainless Steel
G.ASTM A 240: Chromium and Chromium -Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications
H.ASTM F 1554: Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105- ksi Yield Strength
I.American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
1.4 DEFINITIONS Not Used
1.5 Submittals
A.Working Drawings
1.Detailed shop drawings of fabricat ed materials for review. Include at least the following, as applicable:
a.Total quantity of each type of bearing
b.Plan view and section view showing relative dimensions of each type of bearing
c.The maximum design coefficient of friction for sliding surfaces
d.Materials for bearing elements
e.Welding details for welding process used in bearing manufacture
f.Vertical and horizontal load, rotation and movement capacity
g.Painting or coating requirements
h.Anchorage details
i.Location of fabrication plant
j.Manufacturer’s name and name of the representative responsible for coordinating production, inspection, sampling and testing
2.Jacking Drawings for replacement elastomeric bearings for review when applicable. Include at least the following:
a.Jack locations
b.Jacking sequence
c.Jack technical data
d.Temporary shoring
e.Bridge lift dimens ion and required jack extension
f.Dead loads and live loads
g.Provide supporting calcul ations with design to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, including at least the following : 1) Jacked bridge element analysis, such as diaphragm (member and local) and girder (local) analysis. 2) Jack supporting element analysis, such as concrete bearing strength and falsework analysis. 3) Temporary shoring.
h.Provide the seal of a PE or SE licensed in the State of Utah on drawings and calculations
B.Materials
1.Certified Mill Test Reports (MTR) for steel materials for information
C.Manufacturer’s Certificate of Compliance for the elastomeric bearings.
1.Certify that each bearing satisfies the requirements of the contract documents and the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, Chapter 18.
2.Include the Polytetraflouroethylene ( PTFE ) coefficient of friction as specified in this Section and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications , Article 18.1.5.2.3 where applicable. Include at least the following:
a.Corresponding lot numbers appearing on the shipping package
b.Certification
c.Test location
d.Time and date
e.Results of testing
3.Include documentation of AISC certification. Refer to this Section, Article 2.7.
D.Welding Procedures and Qualifications for review. Include at least the following:
1.Weld Procedure Specifications and Procedure Qualification Records as required by AASHTO/ AWS D1.5 .
2.Welder Qualification Record for each operator, process, and position as required by AASHTO/ AWS D1.5 .
a.Include a letter or continuity log from the fabricator that states the certified welders have been using the process without an interruption of more than six months since being certified.
Part 2 — Products
2.1 Elastomeric Bearing Pad
A.Refer to AASHTO M 251.
B.Satisfy the requirements of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, Section 18.
2.2 Structural Steel
A.AASHTO M 270, Grade 36.
1.Paint non- weathering steel according to Section 09972.
2.3 Polytetrafluoroethylene (Ptfe)
A.Refer to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, Section 18.
B.Use m aterial composed of either filled or unfilled virgin PTFE sheets.
C.Use a thickness of at least :
1.0.25 inch when maximum dimension of PTFE is greater than 24 inches
2.0.1875 inch otherwise
2.4 Stainless Steel Plate
A.Refer to ASTM A 240, Type 304.
B.Use a thickness of at least 1/8 inch.
C.Provide a mirror -like finish of 8 micro inch or less (root mean square) on the side that contacts the PTFE.
2.5 Anchor Bolts , Washers and Nuts
A.Refer to ASTM F 1554, Grade 36, 55, or 105 -ksi.
1.Provide Hot -Dip g alvanize d assemblies .
2.6 Manufacture
A Manufacture according to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, Section 18.1.4 and AASHTO M 251.
1.AISC Highway Metal Components Certification (CPT) is required for fabrication of metal bearing components.
B.Elastomeric bearings with sliding surfaces.
1.Recess and bond PTFE to top plate at manufacturer’s facility.
a.Recess at least one- half of PTFE thickness.
b.Do not bond the PTFE to the stainless steel sliding plate.
c.Make the bonded PTFE surface smooth and free from bubbles.
d.Polish the filled PTFE surfaces.
2.Weld the stainless steel with ⅛ inch continuous fillet welds to the sole plate .
a.Use a single piece of stainless steel.
b.Do not allow the weld metal to project beyond the plane of the sliding surface.
c.Use welding procedures compatible with the stainless steel specified. 1) Refer to AWS D1.6 Structural Welding Code – Stainless Steel.
d.Stainless steel sheet must be flat, free from wrinkles, and in continuous contact with the sole plate after welding.
3.Protect stainless steel and PTFE sliding surfaces during manufacture, shipment, and erection.
a.Clean the sliding surfaces immediately before setting the girder in place.
b.The Department considers the unit damaged when the sliding surfaces are damaged by scratches, weld splatter, gouges, overspray from painting, and other defects.
4.Do not exceed coefficient of friction shown.
2.7 Testing
A.Test according to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications and AASHTO M 251.
Part 3 — Execution
3.1 Installation
A.Do not place bearings or structural steel bearing plates on bearing areas that are improperly finished, deformed, or irregular.
1.Set bearings and bearing plates level with full even bearing.
B.Place bearings within 1/8 inch of position shown.
C.Orient bearings as shown.
1.Align b earings to within an angular tolerance of 0.02 radians ( 1/4 inch per ft ), except for guided bearings with sliding surfaces .
2.Guided bearings with sliding surfaces must align to within an angular tolerance of 0.005 radians ( 1/16 inch per ft ).
3.Place elastomeric bearings so that the identification markings are visible after completion of the bridge.
D.Do not subject the elastomer or its bond to temperatures higher than 250 degrees F.
E.Do not epoxy bond or adhesively bond elastomeric bearing to concrete.
3.2 Replacement Elastomeric Bearings
A.Follow the authorized jacking drawings.
B.Remove existing bearings as shown.
Source: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 1144–1148 of 1,331.