COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN OF BRIDGE BEARINGS

Abstract

Computer aided design and drafting packages for two metallic steel bearings, rocker bearing and rocker-cum-roller bearing with two rollers, and the reinforced elastomeric bearings have been presented in this study. The design has been carried out according to the Indian Road Congress specifications. The relevant codes are listed under 'References'. Details of the analysis and design are discussed in one of the chapters.ltypical problems one for each bearing type are also included to illustrate the potential of the software packages. Detailed flow charts for each package is given to explain the working of the computer programmes. The softwares have been developed for use in personal computers, but the design portion can be run on any main frame computer as well. Data input is possible either through screen or a -file. The screen mode is especially useful as it does not require the user to go through the input instructions for the data. The packages have been provided with certain built in corrections to meet the specifications while leaving a wide range of options so as to give to the designer enough flexibility essential in the designs. The packages can. thus said to be user friendly. The final design is accomplished in a few trials and in a very short time as the execution time on PC-XT is just a couple of seconds. A few alternatives can therefore be adopted to achieve economical and optimal solutions. The package for elastomeric bearing design automatically gives the various alternative designs..