California Test 663
STATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY March 2012
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
Transportation Laboratory
5900 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95819-4612
METHOD OF TEST FOR BRIDGE BEARING PADS
A. SCOPE
This test method is divided into two parts. Part 1, Determination of Coefficient of Friction and
Fatigue Life, describes the procedure for determining the fatigue life and coefficient of friction or
internal shear resistance of various pad assemblies and Part 2, Determination of Peel Strength,
describes the procedure used to determine the peel strength of elastomer bonded to metal
reinforcement for elastomeric bearing pads.
B. REFERENCES
ASTM D 413 – Rubber Property – Adhesion to Flexible Substrate
ASTM D 624 – Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
ASTM D 4014 – Plain and Steel-Laminated Elastomeric Bearings for Bridges
California Standard Specifications – Section 51, “Concrete Structures”
PART 1. DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION AND FATIGUE LIFE
A. SCOPE
Part 1 of this test method describes the procedure for determining the fatigue life and coefficient
of friction or internal shear resistance of various bearing pad assemblies such as bronze,
elastomeric, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
B. APPARATUS
The following equipment is required to perform this test.
1. An expansion bearing pad fatigue-testing machine (see photograph and schematic
drawing, Figures 1 and 2).
2. Acetone and a stopwatch.
3. Strain gages.
4. A 6-in. steel scale, graduated in 132 in. divisions.
D. SAMPLES
Clean all test specimens and both platens so that they are free of any foreign substances such as
dust, grit, moisture, etc., except for the lubricants used in conjunction with the bronze specimens
such as oil, grease, etc. Cut the elastomeric specimens to size (standard size 6 in. × 6 in.) and
wipe clean. File smooth any rough edges on the bronze specimens and wipe clean. Use acetone
to clean the bearing surfaces of PTFE bonded specimens only.
-1-
California Test 663
March 2012
E. PROCEDURE
1. After the specimen has been centered on the lower platen of the fatigue machine,
screw the eight-platen leveling rollers far enough into the platen so that they do not
contact the vertical guide plates.
2. Bring the strain indicator to zero.
3. Apply vertical loads by operating Valves Nos. 1 and 2.
4. Then adjust Valve No. 6 to maintain the required pressure as read on Gage No. 2.
5. At this time the loading platens should be parallel; check with steel scale. If
loading heads are not parallel, unload and repeat the loading procedure.
6. Remove the “at rest” shims and screw the eight platen leveling rollers finger tight
against the guide plates to maintain platen stability.
7. Operate the top-loading platen using the following procedure:
a. Start the hydraulic pump (start button).
b. Open Valve No. 5 all the way and then adjust Valve No. 4 to maintain the
proper testing speed.
NOTE: Valve No. 5 must be opened before speed can be adjusted by Valve
No. 4.
c. Adjust the testing speed by the use of a stopwatch.
d. Measure the horizontal load by use of the P3500 strain indicator.
e. The pressure indicated on Gage No. 3 is controlled by Valve No. 7. The
function of Valve No. 7 is to control the pressure applied to the horizontal
ram.
8. At the end of the test period, stop and unload the machine by reversing the loading
steps.
F. HORIZONTAL FORCE MEASUREMENTS
During the course of the test, record the strain gage readings to determine the horizontal force.
1. Take static coefficient of friction readings at the instant of impending motion or slip
between the surfaces in question. For flexible backed PTFE bearings, measure
strain at the point of maximum displacement.
2. Obtain kinetic coefficient of friction readings by taking the average reading while
surfaces are sliding. Do this in both directions of movement.
-2-
California Test 663
March 2012
G. CALCULATIONS
f = F/N
Where:
F = Horizontal force due to friction or internal shear resistance
N = Normal force
f = Coefficient of friction
fs = Static
fk = Kinetic
Determine “F” from the strain gage indicator readings by use of Figure 3. Determine "N" from
Gage No. 2 (Figure 2) by use of Figure 4.
H. REPORTING RESULTS
1. Report the following test results on test report Form TL-6028:
a. Maximum static coefficient of friction
b. Average static coefficient of friction
c. Average kinetic coefficient of friction
d. Remarks concerning the specimen’s appearance after completion of test,
excessive wear, delamination, etc.
2. The “maximum friction coefficient”, as determined on Form TL-6028 (Figure 5), is
defined as the highest coefficient as averaged over any 50 cycles of the test. The
“average friction coefficient” is defined as the average of at least 5 and not more
than 10 readings taken between 2,000 and 8,000 cycles. These readings shall be
taken at intervals of not less than 500 cycles apart.
PART 2. DETERMINATION OF PEEL STRENGTH
A. SCOPE
Part 2 of this test method describes the procedure used to determine the peel strength of
elastomer bonded to metal reinforcement for elastomeric bearing pads.
B. APPARATUS
The following equipment is required to perform this test.
1. A testing machine that can measure loads up to 1,000 pounds with accuracy
of ± 1 % and a platen speed of 2 ± 0.2 in./min.
2. A device similar to Figure 7 with rubber grips and jaws at least 1 in. wide. The
grips shall be capable of firmly gripping the specimen without slippage during the
testing.
3. A saw capable of cutting smoothly through elastomeric bearing pads with metal
reinforcement.
-3-
California Test 663
March 2012
C. SAMPLES
One inch section (full thickness) from one side of the bearing pad samples as shown in Figure 6a.
The minimum length shall be 6 in.
D. PROCEDURE
1. Cut a 1-in. section (full thickness) from one side of the bearing pad samples as
shown in Figure 6a. The minimum length shall be 6 in.
2. Cut the section into test specimens as shown in Figure 6b.
3. Initiate peeling by neatly cutting neoprene back to neoprene-reinforcement
interface. See Figure 6c.
4. Initiate uniform peeling by pulling on specimen. Separate the specimen a sufficient
distance to permit clamping in the grips of the machine.
5. Install the specimen in the grips of the testing machine as shown in Figure 7. Care
should be used in installing the specimen symmetrically so that the tension is
applied uniformly. The grips shall concentrically maintain the specimen in a
vertical direction during testing.
6. Apply the load at a uniform rate of 2 ± 0.2 in./min for a distance of at least 2 in.
7. Determine and record the peel strength in lb/in. Peel strength is defined as the
average load recorded on the testing machine when the specimen is slowly and
uniformly peeled without snagging or binding.
E. REPORTING OF RESULTS
Create a form showing the test number, date, bearing pad dimensions, reinforcement thickness,
brand, and the peel strength in lbs/in. Record the test data as determined in Part D, Procedure.
Indicate compliance to both physical and visual requirements. Notify the fabricator of results.
Except as shown in Parts 1 and 2, all other physical properties of bridge bearing pads shall be
determined in accordance with the procedures as outlined in the appropriate American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications, as specified in the Standard Specifications.
F. HEALTH AND SAFETY
It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Prior to handling,
testing or disposing of any materials, testers must be knowledgeable about safe laboratory
practices, hazards and exposure, chemical procurement and storage, and personal protective
apparel and equipment.
Caltrans Laboratory Safety Manual is available at:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/ctms/pdf/lab_safety_manual.pdf
End of Text
(California Test 663 contains 11 pages)
-4-
-5-
California Test 663
March 2012
FIGURE 1. Actual Fatigue Testing Machine
--5--
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF FATIGUE TESTING MACHINE
Gage No. 3 Horizontal “at rest” Shims
Cycle
Counter Strain Gage
Horizontal Gage Pressure Indicator
Horizontal
Load Ram
Strain Gages Test Specimens
Top Platen Test Specimen Bottom Platen
Platen
8 Platen
-6-
STOP Leveling Rollers
START
Gage No. 2
Gage No. 1 Vertical Gage
Pressure
Vertical
4 5
7 Load Ram
Hydraulic
6 Pressure Jack
3
Regulator Electric
1 Motor
2
California Test 663
FIGURE 2. Fatigue Testing Machine
March 2012
--6--
BEARING PAD FATIGUE TESTING MACHINE
HORIZONTAL LOAD CELL CALIBRATION
8
TEST MACHINE LOAD, kip
2
-7-
0
8 6 4 2 0 2 4 6 8
COMPRESSION, kip TENSION, kip
STRAIN INDICATOR 20 TURN MODEL HW2-D
California Test 663
SETTINGS – FB+ NO LOAD BALANCE – 10 kip
ua CALIBRATION RESISTOR = 20 kip SETTING
GAGE FACTOR = 0.28 ± CALIBRATION RESISTOR = PC 44.8 kip
March 2012
FIGURE 3. Load Cell Calibration Curve 1
--7--
BEARING PAD FATIGUE TESTING MACHINE
VERTICAL LOAD CALIBRATION CURVE
112.5
APPLIED VERTICAL LOAD, in kip
90.0
67.5
45.0
-8-
22.5
0
29 58 87 116 145 174 203 232 261 290
INDICATED PRESSURE ON GAGE NO. 2, in ksi
California Test 663
FIGURE 4. Load Calibration Curve 2
March 2012
--8--
TRANSPORTATION LABORATORY DRAWING OF SPECIMEN
FATIGUE AND COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION TEST DATA SHEET
TYPE:
SIZE:
DATE: LOAD:
STROKE: SPEED:
SPEED
CYCLES INCHES/ + - MOVING GAGE
AVERAGE PRESSURE
N
KIPS
+f -f MOVING
f +u -u THICKNESS
INCHES
REMARKS
MINUTE READING READING KIPS KIPS KIPS
-9-
California Test 663
March 2012
T.L. - 6028 ( Orig. 11/66 )
--9--
California Test 663
March 2012
SAW CUT
( AVOID DAMAGE TO
REINFORCEMENT )
6” X 12” ( Min )
t
( Full Thickness )
1” ± 0.1”
BEARING PAD SAMPLE
3/8” = 1”
6a
INITIATE PEELING BY
CUTTING ELASTOMER
t WITH A KNIFE
1”
REINFORCEMENT
6”
Min
SAW CUTS FOR ELASTOMER OR 2ND
INDIVIDUAL PEEL REINFORCEMENT PLY
½” = 1” SPECIMENS ½” = 1”
6b 6c
FIGURE 6a, 6b, 6c. Specimen Preparation
- 10 -
California Test 663
March 2012
TYPICAL
RUBBER GRIP
ROLLER PIVOTED OFF CENTER
FIGURE 7. Peel Test
- 11 -
