Non-reinforced elastomeric bearings

Where elastomeric bearing pads are used

A bearing pad is needed wherever two rigid structural elements must not bear directly on each other:

• supports of precast concrete beams, slabs and walls, for example on column corbels or walls (TYPE 5, TYPE 10, LINEAR SI);
• supports of cast-in-place concrete structures;
• supports of steel structures on concrete or masonry;
• supports of CLT and glulam panels and beams on steel, concrete and timber beams (TYPE TMBR);
• hybrid connections: timber–steel and timber–concrete (TYPE TMBR).

How to choose a neoprene bearing pad

The type and size of the bearing pad depend on four factors.

1. Type of support. For a point support, such as a beam or slab on a corbel, choose a TYPE 5 or TYPE 10 pad. For a line support, where a slab or wall bears along its whole length, use the LINEAR SI strip. For timber structures use TYPE TMBR.
2. Load. The load capacity of a plain pad depends on its shape factor, i.e. the ratio of the loaded area to the area of the free sides. That is why a thinner pad carries a higher stress. For example, a 100 × 200 mm TYPE 5 pad carries 280 kN at 10 mm thickness and 148 kN at 20 mm. The same 10 mm TYPE 10 pad carries 420 kN. If TYPE 5 is not enough, choose the harder TYPE 10.
3. Rotation. A thicker pad allows a larger rotation of the supported element. For a 300 mm wide pad the permissible rotation is 15 ‰ (10 mm), 22.5 ‰ (15 mm) and 30 ‰ (20 mm).
4. Edge distance. A plain pad expands under load. We therefore recommend at least 25 mm from the edge of the support to the pad, including chamfers. For TYPE TMBR – at least 15 mm.

Exact permissible loads and rotations by dimensions are given in the technical data sheet (PDF) of each product. If the project specifies a neoprene pad from another manufacturer, send us the specification and we will select an equivalent by load and dimensions.

Comparison of elastomeric bearing pads and strips

Product	Support	Load capacity	Thicknesses	Dimensions
TYPE 5	point	σR,d up to 14 N/mm²	10, 15, 20 mm	to project, up to 1200 × 1200 mm
TYPE 10	point, higher loads	σR,d up to 21 N/mm²	10, 15, 20 mm	to project, up to 1200 × 1200 mm
LINEAR SI	line	Fk,max 60–150 kN/m’	10, 15, 20 mm	widths 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 mm (in stock)
TYPE TMBR	line, timber structures	Fk,max 100–520 kN/m’	5, 10 mm	widths 50–260 mm

Other thicknesses are available on request. The load capacity depends on dimensions and thickness, so the table shows limit values. Specific values are given in the technical data sheets.

Plain elastomeric pad or laminated elastomeric bearing?

Plain (non-reinforced) neoprene bearing pads are suitable for most building supports: precast concrete beams, slabs and steel structures where loads and displacements are moderate. If the project requires compliance with EN 1337-3, or the support must take large horizontal displacements and loads, steel-laminated elastomeric bearings with CE marking are used – EN 1337-3 bearings (TYPE A–F).

If you are not sure which type is needed, send us the support loads, displacements and dimensions. We will propose a suitable solution.

Production, delivery and documents

• TYPE 5 and TYPE 10 pads are made to project dimensions in 1–2 days. We can make chamfers, round and rectangular holes, notches, slots, cut-outs and cut corners.
• The LINEAR SI neoprene strip in standard sizes is in stock and delivered in 1–2 days.
• We deliver across Europe.
• Each product has a technical data sheet (PDF) with permissible loads, installation instructions and tolerances.

To get a quotation, send a drawing or specification of the pads, or state the dimensions, thickness and quantity.

Frequently asked questions