Load bearing pads are used extensively in bridge construction, building, and general industrial applications. The primary function of these solid rubber pads is to absorb the compressive forces of loading, while isolating and absorbing the destructive effects of shock and vibration.
In bridge construction applications, rubber load bearing pads provide a resting surface between the bridge beams and the bridge substructure. Bridge bearing pads permit controlled movement, such as that resulting from thermal expansion/contraction, with the reduction of associated stresses. The pads also isolate and cushion the impact, shock and vibration that results from vertical loading onto the bridge.
Load bearing pads are not only used in bridge construction. These pads are also used extensively in the construction industry where they have application in pre-stressed and pre-cast concrete buildings and structures. They also have use within general industry, where the pads are used in heavy machinery and equipment applications. Other uses include structural steel bearing applications and railway tie pads.
Another example of the use of load bearing pads is in oil and gas pipeline construction. In this application, silicone rubber sheets are applied directly to the pipeline supports, either in the field or during the support manufacturing process. This results in a superior support that fully isolates the pipeline from the support infrastructure, thereby ensuring that there is no metal-to-metal contact that could compromise the integrity of the pipeline.
Canada Rubber Group Inc. (CRGI) can supply load bearing pads fabricated from both neoprene and natural rubber. These pads are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and have proven applicability in bridge bearing, construction, and general industrial applications. The pads feature high compressive loading capacity and represent a cost-effective method for accommodating shock and vibration, whilst mitigating movement caused by deflection and thermal forces.
We offer pads fabricated from quality rubber materials supplied by American Biltrite, Fabreeka, BRP, and other suppliers. If desired, pads can be produced which conform to AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) grades.
We can custom fabricate pads from American Biltrite materials which conform to the following ASHTO grades:
AASHTO Grade AB-168. Natural (NR) sheet rubber meets AASHTO specifications for highway bridge bearing pads.
AASHTO Grade AB-258. Neoprene blend (CR) sheet rubber meets AASHTO specifications for highway bridge bearing pads.
AASHTO Grade AB-268. Neoprene blend sheet rubber meets AASHTO specifications for highway bridge bearing pads.
AASHTO Grade AB-278. Neoprene blend (CR) sheet rubber meets AASHTO specifications for highway bridge bearing pads.
These American Biltrite materials meet AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th edition, 2002, Division II - Construction: Section 18 - Bearings: Table 18.4.5.1.-1B Material Tests - polyisoprene, Grade 4. AASHTO Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, 22nd Edition, 2002, M251-06 (2011), Polychloroprene (Neoprene) Grade 0, 2, and 3 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specification, 3rd edition, 2010, section 18.2. It is not uncommon for certain states to specify requirements other than standard AASHTO specifications. Please identify all requirements prior to ordering.
The BRP Buckfab pad is made from laminated plies of duck fabric and oil-resistant elastomer, and is designed to address conditions of extreme loading, shock, vibration, and noise. The Fabreeka pad is a laminated fabric-reinforced pad which will handle loads of not less than 12,000 psi before breakdown, thus providing additional durability and longevity in service.
CRGI can also supply kSil™ solid silicone sheeting for pipeline construction applications. In this application, cut-to-size adhesive-backed kSil™ sheets are applied directly to the pipeline supports, either in the field or during the support manufacturing process. This results in a superior support that fully isolates the pipeline from the support infrastructure, thereby ensuring that there is no metal-to-metal contact that could compromise the integrity of the pipeline.
CRGI’s expertise in neoprene and natural compounds, elastomeric pads, and silicone rubber pipeline supports results from our 25-plus years of experience in fabricating custom rubber solutions for industry. Together with support from our supply chain partners for servicing all requirements of load bearing applications, we can provide the solution you require.
For more information about our rubber load bearing pads, please contact our sales department directly at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.