Effect of a two bearing lines deck on the bridge substructure

This research evaluated the different types of deck to pier connections effects (one or two elastomeric bearing lines and rigid) on a concrete bridges. Three-dimensional bridge models behavior with different deck to pier connections and different distances of two bearing lines were studied under the service load. Also, the detailed connection system with two elastomeric bearing lines was modeled to evaluate the effect of changing distance between two-lines. Results indicated that the proper location of elastomeric bearings has a major impact on the transferring forces to the substructure. Double elastomeric bearing lines have a behavior between one line and rigid connections. Transferring bending moment to the substructure in two-lines is more than the corresponding value of the one line. Moreover, an increase in the distance of two-lines lead to a significant increase in the rotational stiffness of the connection, and an analytical solution was investigated for their relation. In fact, the semi-rigidity effect of this connection and its change due to the distance of bearings should be considered in the design process.