INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF WEIGHT REDUCTION IN STEEL REINFORCED ELASTOMERIC BEARING PADS

A novel bearing system is proposed in this research. Theoretical and experimental research on fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearings have shown that this novel lightweight bearing system is both effective and efficient. Long strips of bearing systems of various types are developed, manufactured, and tested. Based on the findings, it is feasible to manufacture a fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearing with similar performance to a steel-reinforced bearing at a lower cost. By applying the analytical approach to the structural system, we are able to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of the suggested bearings.