Edition 5 / Revision 1 TRANSPORT FOR NSW

June 2020

TRANSPORT FOR NSW (TfNSW)

QA SPECIFICATION B280

PLAIN ELASTOMERIC BEARING PADS AND STRIPS

NOTICE

This document is a Transport for NSW QA Specification. It has been developed for use with

roadworks and bridgeworks contracts let by Transport for NSW or by local councils in NSW. It is not

suitable for any other purpose and must not be used for any other purpose or in any other context.

Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.

REVISION REGISTER

Ed/Rev

Number

Clause

Number Description of Revision

Authorised

By Date

Ed1/Rev0 First issue. GM,CMS 04.04.91

Ed2/Rev0 Revised to '92 Austroads Bridge Design

Code.

Clause numbers changed.

GM,ECB (per W Ho)

22.03.95

Ed2/Rev1 Converted to MS Word 6.0c. GM, RNIC (per W Ho)

25.07.97

Ed2/Rev2 Annexure

B280/1

New annexure listing Identified Records. GM, RNIC 04.05.00

Ed3/Rev0 1.2 References revised and transferred to new

Annex M.

Specification structure described.

GM, RNIC 11.03.03

2.2, 2.2.5, 4

Annex M

Revised Specifications and Standards.

3 Renumbered as Clause 4.

2.1 Revised elastomer properties.

2.2 Revised sampling and testing requirements.

2.2.7 & 2.3 Bearing Test Report.

Annex 1 Renumbered as Annex C.

Ed 3/Rev 1 Changed fonts. GM, RNIC 07.08.03

Ed 4/Rev 0 Various Text revised to direct imperative style.

”Superintendent” replaced by “Principal”.

Reformatting and minor editing

“shall” replaced by “must”.

GM, RNIC (P Bamford)

01.11.06

Foreword New clause after the Table of Contents

Various Compliance now required to AS 5100.4.

Ed 4/Rev 1 1.3 Use of approved bearings mandated and link

to lists of RMS approved bridge proprietary

products added.

GM, IC 20.04.12

ii

Ed/Rev

Number

Clause

Number Description of Revision

Authorised

By Date

Ed 5/Rev 0 Spec title Spec title changed - term “unreinforced”

replaced with “plain” to accord with

AS 5100.4.

DCS 19.10.18

1.1 Clarified that installation of bearings covered

by other spec.

1.2 Standard clauses amended.

1.3 New clause on definitions added.

1.4 New clause on Quality Management System.

1.5 Previously clause 1.3 on approved bridge

components.

2 New clause on materials.

2.2.1 Previously 1st paragraph of clause 2.1.

2.2.2, 2.2.3 Previously clause 2.2.1 on elastomer,

reworded.

3 New clause on manufacture.

3.1 Cutting of bearing pads and strips

conditionally allowed.

3.2.1 Standard sizes of bearing pads and strips

clarified.

3.2.2 Requirement for joints and holes in strips

added.

Minimum edge distance for holes along

bearing strip length added.

3.2.3 Table B280.2 (previously Table B280.1) on

dimensional tolerances reformatted.

Longitudinal dimensional tolerance for

bearing strip added.

4.1.1 New sub-clause on frequency of testing,

cross referring to Annex L.

4.1.2 Previously part of clause 2.2.2.

Testing in laboratories accredited under

Mutual Recognition Agreement with NATA

allowed.

Testing of all bearings at the same laboratory

mandated.

4.1.3 Previously clause 2.2.3 on testing equipment.

4.1.4 Previously last sentence of clause 2.2.2 on

test temperature.

4.2 New clause on test samples, incorporating

parts of previous clause 2.2.2.

4.2.1 Pad test piece size specified.

Sampling from different strips in Lot and

away from ends specified.

iii

Ed/Rev

Number

Clause

Number Description of Revision

Authorised

By Date

Ed 5/Rev 0

(cont’d)

4.3 New clause and Tables B280.3 with revised

notes on rated properties of standard bearing

test pieces, incorporating part of previous

clause 2.2.2 and Table B280.2.

4.4 Previously clause 2.2.4 on compressive

stiffness test. Test method clarified.

4.5 Previously clause 2.2.5 on shear stiffness

test.

4.6 Previously clause 2.2.6 on visual inspection,

reworded.

4.7 Previously clause 2.2.7 on bearing report.

4.8 New clause on dealing with Lots represented

by nonconforming test pieces.

5.1 Previously clause 2.3 on identification.

5.2 New clause on delivery of bearing pads and

strips. New Hold Point added.

Annex C Schedules updated.

Annex L New annexure on frequency of testing,

moved here from previous clause 2.2.2.

Frequency slightly reduced.

Ed 5/Rev 1 Global References to “Roads and Maritime

Services” or “RMS” changed to “Transport

for NSW” or “TfNSW” respectively.

DCS 22.06.20

Edition 5 / Revision 1 TRANSPORT FOR NSW

June 2020

QA SPECIFICATION B280

PLAIN ELASTOMERIC BEARING PADS

AND STRIPS

Copyright – Transport for NSW

IC-QA-B280

VERSION FOR:

DATE:

Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips B280

Ed 5 / Rev 1 i

CONTENTS

CLAUSE PAGE

FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................... II TfNSW Copyright and Use of this Document ............................................................................... ii Revisions to Previous Version ....................................................................................................... ii Project Specific Changes ............................................................................................................... ii

1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Structure of the Specification ......................................................................................... 1 1.3 Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Quality Management System Requirements .................................................................. 2 1.5 Approved Bridge Components and Systems .................................................................. 2

2 MATERIALS .................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Elastomer ........................................................................................................................ 2

3 MANUFACTURE .............................................................................................................................. 3 3.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Dimensions and Tolerances ............................................................................................ 3

4 TESTING OF BEARINGS ................................................................................................................... 5 4.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 5 4.2 Test Samples ................................................................................................................... 5 4.3 Rated Properties .............................................................................................................. 5 4.4 Compressive Stiffness Test ............................................................................................ 6 4.5 Shear Stiffness Test ........................................................................................................ 6 4.6 Visual Inspection ............................................................................................................ 7 4.7 Bearing Report................................................................................................................ 7 4.8 Nonconforming Lots ...................................................................................................... 7

5 IDENTIFICATION AND DELIVERY .................................................................................................... 8 5.1 Identification................................................................................................................... 8 5.2 Delivery .......................................................................................................................... 8

ANNEXURES B280/A AND B280/B – (NOT USED).................................................................................... 9

ANNEXURE B280/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND IDENTIFIED RECORDS .................................... 9 C1 Schedule of Hold Points ................................................................................................. 9 C2 Schedule of Identified Records....................................................................................... 9

ANNEXURE B280/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................... 9

ANNEXURES B280/E TO B280/K – (NOT USED) .................................................................................... 10

ANNEXURE B280/L – FREQUENCY OF TESTING ..................................................................................... 10

ANNEXURE B280/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................ 10

LAST PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS .......................................................................................................... 10

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

ii Ed 5 / Rev 1

FOREWORD

TFNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT

Copyright in this document belongs to Transport for NSW.

When this document forms part of a contract

This document should be read with all the documents forming the Contract.

When this document does not form part of a contract

This copy is not a controlled document. Observe the Notice that appears on the first page of the copy

controlled by TfNSW. A full copy of the latest version of the document is available on the TfNSW

Internet website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-

suppliers/specifications/index.html

REVISIONS TO PREVIOUS VERSION

This document has been revised from Specification TfNSW B280 Edition 5 Revision 0.

All revisions to the previous version (other than minor editorial and project specific changes) are

indicated by a vertical line in the margin as shown here, except when it is a new edition and the text

has been extensively rewritten.

PROJECT SPECIFIC CHANGES

Any project specific changes are indicated in the following manner:

(a) Text which is additional to the base document and which is included in the Specification is

shown in bold italics e.g. Additional Text.

(b) Text which has been deleted from the base document and which is not included in the

Specification is shown struck out e.g. Deleted Text.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

Ed 5 / Rev 1 1

TfNSW QA SPECIFICATION B280

PLAIN ELASTOMERIC BEARING PADS AND STRIPS

1 GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE

This Specification sets out the requirements for the supply of plain (unreinforced) elastomeric bearing

pads and strips.

For requirements on installation of bearings, refer to Specification TfNSW B284.

1.2 STRUCTURE OF THE SPECIFICATION

This Specification includes a series of annexures that detail additional requirements.

1.2.1 (Not Used)

1.2.2 (Not Used)

1.2.3 Schedules of HOLD POINTS and Identified Records

The schedules in Annexure B280/C list the HOLD POINTS that must be observed. Refer to

Specification TfNSW Q for the definition of HOLD POINTS.

The records listed in Annexure B280/C are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW Q

Annexure Q/E.

1.2.4 Planning Documents

The PROJECT QUALITY PLAN must include each of the documents and requirements listed in

Annexure B280/D and must be implemented.

1.2.5 Frequency of Testing

The Inspection and Test Plan must nominate the proposed frequency of testing to verify conformity of

the item, which must not be less than the frequency specified in Annexure B280/L. Where a minimum

frequency is not specified, nominate an appropriate frequency. Frequency of testing must conform to

the requirements of TfNSW Q.

You may propose to the Principal a reduced minimum frequency of testing. The proposal must be

supported by a statistical analysis verifying consistent process capability and product characteristics.

The Principal may vary or restore the specified minimum frequency of testing, either provisionally or

permanently, at any time.

1.2.6 Referenced Documents

Unless otherwise specified, the applicable issue of a referenced document, other than a TfNSW

Specification, is the issue current at the date one week before the closing date for tenders, or where no

issue is current at that date, the most recent issue.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

2 Ed 5 / Rev 1

Standards, specifications and test methods are referred to in abbreviated form (e.g. AS 1234). For

convenience, the full titles are given in Annexure B280/M.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

The terms “you” and “your” mean “the Contractor” and “the Contractor’s” respectively.

The following definitions apply to this Specification:

Bearing strip Elastomeric bearing, with length equal to or greater than 10 times its width.

Lot Bearings of the same size, made from the same material batch, manufactured

under the same conditions and supplied to the project at the same time.

Standard bearing Common plain elastomeric bearing (pads and strips), of sizes listed in Table

B280.1.

1.4 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The manufacturer/supplier of the bearings under this Specification must have in place quality

management systems independently certified as fully complying with AS/NZS ISO 9001, by an

organisation accredited by JAS-AZS or an affiliated international certification organisation. Provide

evidence of the certification.

The Principal may conduct audits and inspections of the manufacturer’s and/or supplier’s procedures

and processes during the course of the Contract.

1.5 APPROVED BRIDGE COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS

Use only plain elastomeric bearing pads and strips that have been approved by TfNSW. The list of

TfNSW approved bridge proprietary products can be found at:

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/documents/tenders-

contracts/listofapprovedbridgecomponentssystems.pdf

2 MATERIALS

2.1 GENERAL

All materials used for bearing pads and strips must comply with AS 5100.4 unless otherwise specified

in this Specification.

2.2 ELASTOMER

2.2.1 Materials Type

The elastomer used in the bearing pads and strips must comprise natural rubber and other materials

compounded and cured to satisfy the properties specified in Appendix B of AS 5100.4 for Type 60H.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips B280

Ed 5 / Rev 1 3

2.2.2 Evidence of Conformity

Provide documentary evidence including certificates of compliance to verify conformity of the

elastomer to the requirements of this Specification.

2.2.3 Testing Laboratories

Testing of materials must be carried out in laboratories accredited by NATA for the test, or in

laboratories accredited for that test by an organisation with Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

with NATA. If no such facilities are available for a test, the test must be carried out in a laboratory

approved by the Principal with the results reported in a format acceptable to the Principal.

3 MANUFACTURE

3.1 GENERAL

Manufacture of bearing pads and strips must comply with AS 5100.4 except where modified by this

Specification.

Manufacture bearing pads and strips by vulcanizing rubber in a mould under pressure.

Do not manufacture pads and strips by extruding them.

Do not manufacture the pads and strips by cutting them from sheets, except under the following

circumstances:

(a) Cutting of a pad to achieve the required size is permitted, provided that:

(i) not more than two edges are cut, and

(ii) the cut edges are straight without any visible marks that may compromise its strength or

durability.

(b) Cutting of strips to achieve the required length is permitted.

3.2 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES

3.2.1 Dimensions of Standard Pads and Strips

Dimensions of standard bearing pads and strips are shown in Table B280.1.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

4 Ed 5 / Rev 1

Table B280.1 – Standard Sizes

Bearing Length

(mm)

Width

(mm)

Thickness (1)

(mm)

Pads 350 250 25

450 250 25

Strips N/A

65 20

95 20

125 25

150 25

Note: (1) Unless otherwise approved by the Principal, the thickness of

unreinforced elastomeric pad and strip bearings must not be greater than

25 mm, notwithstanding anything shown to the contrary on the

Drawings.

3.2.2 Joints and Holes for Bearing Strips

Minimise the number of joints in bearing strips. You may use individual lengths of bearing strips not

shorter than 1.2 m to make up to the required length, unless shown otherwise on the Drawings or

approved by the Principal.

Comply also with the requirements in TfNSW B284 on joints and holes for bearing strips.

3.2.3 Dimensional Tolerances

Manufacture bearing pads and strips to the dimensions stated on the Drawings within the tolerances

given in Table B280.2.

Table B280.2 – Dimensional Tolerances

Tolerances (mm)

Dimension Pad Strip

Plan dimension

Width 2.0 2.0

Length 2.0 5.0

Thickness 1.0 1.0

Out of parallel between top and bottom surfaces

Transverse direction 1.0 0.5

Longitudinal direction 1.0 1.0

Hole

Diameter 2.0 2.0

Location 2.0 2.0

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

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4 TESTING OF BEARINGS

4.1 GENERAL

4.1.1 Frequency

Test the bearing pads and strips at the frequency specified in Annexure B280/L.

4.1.2 Testing Laboratories

Tests must be carried out in laboratories accredited by NATA for the test, or in laboratories accredited

for that test by an organisation with Mutual Recognition Agreement with NATA, unless approved

otherwise by the Principal.

Carry out all testing of bearings supplied for the Contract at the same laboratory.

4.1.3 Testing Equipment

Use testing equipment capable of measuring to an accuracy of 3% or better for compressive and

shear loads, and 1% or better for deflection.

4.1.4 Test Temperature

Test temperature must be between 15C and 30C.

4.2 TEST SAMPLES

4.2.1 General

Test samples must be representative of the pads and strips supplied.

Pad test pieces must be full size pads.

Strip test pieces must be 0.4 m long strips without holes. The test pieces must be taken from at least 3

different strips of the Lot, and must include at least a test piece taken from a location on the strip away

from the ends.

4.2.2 Preparation

Do not carry out testing of the test pieces earlier than two days after completion of pressure moulding.

Where bearing pads have holes, plug them during testing using elastomeric plugs with similar

properties to the pads.

4.3 RATED PROPERTIES

The rated properties given in Tables B280.3(a) and B280.3(b) apply to test pieces of standard bearing

pads and strips, respectively. For non-standard pads and strips, i.e. with different width or thickness

than those in Table B280.1, derive the rated properties in accordance with AS 5100.4.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

6 Ed 5 / Rev 1

Table B280.3(a) – Rated Properties for Standard Bearing Pad Test Pieces

Test Piece Size (mm) 350x250x25 450x250x25

Shape Factor 1.62 1.79

Nominal design compressive load (kN) 255 362

Compressive stiffness (1) (kN/mm) 102 145

Nominal design shear deflection (mm) 12.5 12.5

Shear stiffness (1) (kN/mm) 3.15 4.05

Note:

(1) Rated properties for bearing pad test pieces were derived from AS 5100.4. Compressive stiffness values are

indicative only.

Table B280.3(b) – Rated Properties for Standard Bearing Strip Test Pieces

Test Piece Size (mm) (1) 400x65x20 400x95x20 400x125x25 400x150x25

Shape factor 0.78 1.07 1.06 1.21

Nominal design compressive load (2) (kN) 36 73 95 131

Compressive stiffness (3) (kN/mm) 18.2 36.5 38.1 52.4

Nominal design shear deflection (mm) 10.0 (4) 10.0 12.5 12.5

Shear stiffness (3) (kN/mm) 1.17 1.71 1.80 2.16

Notes:

(1) The dimensions shown are for the strip test pieces which are identical to the corresponding bearing strips,

except for the length.

(2) Properties of bearing strips are valid only for 400 mm long test pieces without holes.

(3) Rated properties for bearing strip test pieces were derived from AS 5100.4. Compressive stiffness values are

indicative only.

(4) This value must be reduced in design due to the strip shape factor being outside AS 5100.4 limit.

4.4 COMPRESSIVE STIFFNESS TEST

4.4.1 General

Carry out the compressive stiffness tests in accordance with Appendix D of AS 5100.4. Calculate for

each sample the compressive stiffness of all test pieces and the mean value.

4.4.2 Conformity

A bearing Lot is considered conforming if the compressive stiffness of each test piece within the

sample representing the Lot does not differ from the sample mean by more than 15%.

4.5 SHEAR STIFFNESS TEST

4.5.1 General

After completion of the compressive stiffness tests, carry out the shear stiffness tests on the same test

pieces in accordance with Appendix D of AS 5100.4.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips B280

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For this shear stiffness test, the test pieces (pads or strips) must be tested in pairs.

4.5.2 Procedure

To enable the shear stiffness of individual bearings to be calculated, test each of the test pieces in the

first pair tested with a third test piece, i.e. test pieces A and B, then B and C, and then test pieces A

and C.

Where the number of test pieces is more than three, test subsequent test pieces with one of the three

known test pieces and calculate their stiffness.

Any one of the three original test pieces may be paired with a subsequent test piece provided their

compressive stiffnesses are similar and that the test pieces subjected to repeated testing is given

sufficient time to recover between tests to avoid significant hysteresis effects.

4.5.3 Conformity

A bearing Lot is considered conforming if the shear stiffness of each test piece within the sample

representing the Lot does not differ from the shear stiffness specified in Table B280.3 for standard

bearings, or from that derived in accordance with AS 5100.4 for non-standard bearings, by more than

20%.

4.6 VISUAL INSPECTION

4.6.1 Visible Faults

During and after the tests described in Clauses 4.4 and 4.5, observe the test pieces and report any

visible fault or damage, including:

(a) splitting;

(b) permanent deformations; or

(c) significant irregular or unsymmetrical surface bulging.

4.6.2 Conformity

A bearing Lot represented by the sample inspected is considered conforming, if none of the test pieces

in that sample exhibit any sign of damage.

4.7 BEARING REPORT

Provide a bearing report verifying that all bearings conform to the requirements of this Specification.

The report must include a summary of all test results with clear identification of the bearings tested.

4.8 NONCONFORMING LOTS

Reject any nonconforming bearing test piece within a sample representing a bearing Lot.

The remainder of the bearings in the nonconforming Lot may be accepted where each bearing in that

Lot is tested and verified as conforming. The additional testing is carried out at no cost to the

Principal.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

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5 IDENTIFICATION AND DELIVERY

5.1 IDENTIFICATION

Identify clearly all bearing pads and strips to be supplied, and include the identification details in the

relevant test report.

5.2 DELIVERY

Protect bearing pads and strips from dust, moisture and damage until their installation.

HOLD POINT

Process Held: Delivery of bearing pads and/or strips to site.

Submission Details: Elastomer conformity evidence (Clause 2.2.2), bearing report (Clause 4.7)

and proposed location of joints of bearing strips, where applicable, in

accordance with Clause 3.2.1, at least five working days before the proposed

delivery of pads or strips to the Site.

Release of Hold Point: The Principal will consider the submitted documents for compliance with

this Specification, prior to authorising the release of the Hold Point.

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

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ANNEXURES B280/A AND B280/B – (NOT USED)

ANNEXURE B280/C – SCHEDULES OF HOLD POINTS AND

IDENTIFIED RECORDS

Refer to Clause 1.2.3.

C1 SCHEDULE OF HOLD POINTS

Clause Description

5.2 Submission of bearing conformity documentation

C2 SCHEDULE OF IDENTIFIED RECORDS

The records listed below are Identified Records for the purposes of TfNSW Q Annexure Q/E.

Clause Description of the Identified Record

1.4 Quality Management System documentation

2.2.2 Documentary evidence verifying conformity of elastomer material

4.7 Bearing report

ANNEXURE B280/D – PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Refer to Clause 1.2.4.

The following documents are a summary of documents that must be included in the PROJECT

QUALITY PLAN. Review the requirements of this Specification and other contract documents to

determine any additional documentation requirements.

Clause Description of Document

3.2.2 Details of proposed location of joints and holes for bearing strips, as applicable

(TfNSW COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS DOCUMENT - Refer to the Foreword after the Table of Contents)

B280 Plain Elastomeric Bearing Pads and Strips

10 Ed 5 / Rev 1

ANNEXURES B280/E TO B280/K – (NOT USED)

ANNEXURE B280/L – FREQUENCY OF TESTING

Refer to Clause 1.2.5.

Clause Characteristic Analysed Minimum Frequency of Testing

Pads Strips

4.4, 4.6 Compressive stiffness (1) 1 in every 12 pads, or part thereof, but

minimum of 3 for each pad size per Lot

5 for each strip

size per Lot

4.5, 4.6 Shear stiffness (1)

Note: (1) Assess by visual inspection in accordance with Clause 4.6.

ANNEXURE B280/M – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Refer to Clause 1.2.6.

TfNSW Specifications

TfNSW Q Quality Management System

TfNSW B284 Installation of Bridge Bearings

Australian Standards

AS 5100.4 Bridge design – Bearings and deck joints

AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality management systems – Requirements