Shimmed Elastomeric Bearings
Series bearings can be used for bridges, viaducts and buildings, and for seismuc vibration and isolation and shock absorbing applications.
Shimmed Elastomeric Bearings are the cornerstone of modern structural support, designed to manage immense loads and complex movements in bridges, buildings, and other heavy civil structures. As a leading Canadian supplier, Benchmark provides high-quality, custom-engineered shimmed bearings that meet and exceed CSA standards, ensuring the longevity and safety of your projects from coast to coast.
These bearings combine the flexibility of elastomer with the strength of steel shims, creating a component that effectively accommodates translation, rotation, and load transfer, even in Canada’s most demanding climates
What Are Shimmed Elastomeric Bearings?
A shimmed elastomeric bearing is a multi-layered structural component. It consists of alternating layers of a durable elastomer (like natural rubber or neoprene) and internal steel plates (shims). These layers are bonded together under heat and pressure to form a single, unified unit.
- Elastomer Layers: Allow for shear deformation to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, and compression for load distribution.
- Steel Shim Plates: Reinforce the bearing, preventing lateral bulging and significantly increasing its vertical load capacity.
This synergistic design creates a bearing that is both flexible and incredibly strong, capable of supporting thousands of tonnes while allowing for the natural movements of a structure.
Key Benefits & Features for Your Project
Benchmark’s shimmed elastomeric bearings are selected for their proven performance and reliability.
- Exceptional High Load Capacity: The internal steel shims dramatically increase the bearing’s stiffness, allowing it to support very high vertical loads without excessive deformation. This makes them ideal for long-span bridges, heavy industrial buildings, and piers.
- Multi-Directional Movement Accommodation: They effectively handle shear movements (from thermal expansion/contraction) and rotations (from dead, live, and wind loads) simultaneously, protecting the structure from harmful stresses.
- Maintenance-Free & Durable: Once installed, our bearings require no regular maintenance. The high-quality elastomer is resistant to weathering, ozone, and aging, providing a long service life with minimal lifecycle cost.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to more complex mechanical bearing systems, shimmed elastomeric bearings offer a reliable and economical solution without compromising on performance.
- Excellent Damping Properties: The elastomeric core provides inherent vibration damping, enhancing comfort for occupants in buildings and reducing dynamic loads on bridge structures.
Why Choose Benchmark as Your Bearing Supplier in Canada?
When you partner with BMSSI for your shimmed elastomeric bearings, you are choosing a commitment to quality and service.
- CSA Compliance & Custom Engineering: All our bearings are designed and manufactured to comply with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and other relevant standards. We provide custom solutions tailored to your specific load and movement requirements.
- Proven Performance in Harsh Climates: We understand the challenges of the Canadian environment—from freezing temperatures in the North to temperature fluctuations in the South. Our materials are selected to perform reliably.
- Full Technical Support: Our team of engineers provides comprehensive technical support, from the design phase through to installation guidance.
- Nationwide Supply & Logistics: We efficiently supply projects across all Canadian provinces and territories, ensuring your bearings arrive on site, on time.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a plain and a shimmed elastomeric bearing?
A: A plain elastomeric bearing is made of a single homogenous layer of elastomer and is suitable for lighter loads. A shimmed bearing has internal steel plates that reinforce it, allowing it to carry much higher loads with less deformation.
Q: How are shimmed elastomeric bearings installed?
A: They are typically placed on a concrete or steel substrate, often secured with anchor bolts or adhesive. Proper surface preparation and alignment are critical. Benchmark provides detailed installation manuals with every order.
Q: Can you provide custom-shaped shimmed bearings?
A: Absolutely. While rectangular and circular are most common, we can engineer and fabricate custom shapes (polygonal, etc.) to meet unique project geometries and load paths.
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