Skutki wadliwego doboru mieszanki w mostowych łożyskach elastomerowych

Properly selected compound for elastomeric bridge bearing is a key factor of their reliability and durability. Independently from the compound which will be chosen based on natural or synthetic caoutchouc it should be always resistant on ozone, sunlight, ultraviolet radiation and temperature as well as on oxidation. Over 80-years use of elastomeric bearings in bridge construction confirms their utility as material supporting bridge superstructures. But it is registered from time to time that failed technology or wrong rubber compound are the reason of defects occurred in practice. One such a case was discussed in the paper. Improper of natural rubber compound was a main cause of superficial deep cracks on the whole depth of elastomeric blocks. Material tests carried out on sample cut out from bearing pad revealed low elastomer resistance on ozone and higher temperature action. It was decided that all defected bearings should be replaced.