D.S. Brown efficiently designs, manufactures and tests Versiflex™ high-load multi-rotational (HLMR) pot, disc, and spherical bearing assemblies for all types of construction.
Answer: AASHTO requires beveling sole plates when the girder slope is greater than 0.01 radians (roughly 1%). D.S. Brown prefers that the drop across a plate be at least 1/16” when specifying a bevel. For smaller slopes not using a bevel, or when grouping plate bevels across multiple bearings with slightly varying slopes (D.S. Brown recommends that designers group bevels for fabrication efficiency), the slope difference should be considered by increasing the design rotation capacity of the bearing. If more information is desired, AASHTO/NSBA G9.1 (2022) goes into greater detail on this topic – this document can be found online.
Learn more about D.S. Brown Structural Bearing Assemblies
D.S. Brown is one of the leading suppliers of structural bearing assemblies.
Since 1963, The D.S. Brown Company has provided bearing assemblies and joint seals for bridges around the globe. Bridges and other large structures are supported on bearing assemblies to transmit forces while accommodating all structural movements.
The selection of an appropriate bearing assembly is based on the magnitude of vertical and horizontal forces transmitted through the bearing assembly, as well as the amount of displacement and rotation of the superstructure elements. In addition, special attention to the bearing assembly design may be necessary when, for example, larger than normal horizontal loading or uplift situations exist.
With extensive experience and utilizing the latest technologies, D.S. Brown can efficiently design, manufacture and test Versiflex™ high-load multi-rotational (Versiflex™ HLMR) pot and disc style, spherical and elastomeric bearing assemblies for all types of construction.
D.S. Brown is available to work closely with bridge owners and engineering design consultants to assist in the design, selection and testing of the proper structural bearing assemblies.