Probabilistic 3D Finite Element Analysis of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings

Elastomeric bridge bearings are widely used in bridges to accommodate the deformations produced by mechanical and environmental loads. As their acceptable performance is critical for the bridge performance, finite element analysis (FEA) can be applied to supplement test results on the performance of elastomeric bearings. However, uncertainties are present in both the material properties of their components and the boundary conditions. Therefore, this study provides an initial exploration on how these uncertainties will affect the performance of the bearings under compression. The elastomeric bridge bearing is first modeled using the finite element (FE) method, and then probabilistic analysis is applied using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Material properties of the elastomer and steel components of the bearing and the friction coefficient at the bearing–support interfaces are treated as random variables, and a probabilistic analysis is performed that shows how specific parameters will influence the output response, including the vertical stiffness, and induced stresses and strains. In addition, the study also provides an initial exploration into the sensitivity of the bearing’s response to epistemic uncertainties in these input parameters. The probabilistic FEA results can ease the development of numerical models of elastomeric bridge bearings, and they can be used to improve the code provisions associated with the design of these bearings.