Development and Tests for Adjustable Bearings Using Wedges to Adjust Elevation

Abstract

This study provides an idea of adjustable bearing using wedges, which adjusts elevation of a superstructure during construction and/or in service. Adjustable bearings can release developed stress in a superstructure causing from settlement and so on. This study prepares a wedged adjustable bearing and assess its performance from a few static loading tests. A tolerance of the bearing to adjust elevation is estimated to be 0.42 mm, which is in good performance. The deformation of 2.0 mm occurs due to loading of 1470 kN and the deformation is removed with releasing the loading. Thus, any residual deformation is not remained. Finally, finite element analyses are conducted to estimate stress in the sole plate of the adjustable bearing, which is distributed uniformally.