Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound Testing of
Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Contents:
Section 1 — Overview...............................................................................................................2
Section 2 — Definitions.............................................................................................................3
Section 3 — Adhesion Test Method 1.......................................................................................4
Section 4 — Adhesion Test Method 2.......................................................................................6
Section 5 — Adhesion Test Method 3.......................................................................................8
Section 6 — Chlorinated Compound Test Method..................................................................10
Section 7 — Archived Versions ..............................................................................................11
Texas Department of Transportation
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 1 — Overview
Section 1
Overview
Effective dates: January 2006–December 2007.
This test method describes procedures for adhesion testing and chlorinated compound
testing of elastomeric bridge bearings specified in the Department’s Texas Standard
Specification "Item 434, Elastomeric Bridge Bearings."
♦ Adhesion Test Method 1 tests the adhesion between the elastomer and steel laminates of
laminated elastomeric bridge bearings (prequalification samples and check test samples,
if necessary).
♦ Adhesion Test Method 2 tests the adhesion between the recessed polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) and the steel plate of a sliding elastomeric bearing lower component.
♦ Adhesion Test Method 3 tests the adhesion between the PTFE faced steel plate and the
laminated elastomeric bearing pad of a sliding elastomeric bearing lower component.
♦ The Chlorinated Compound Test Method determines the presence of chlorinated
compounds (neoprene) in plain and laminated elastomeric bridge bearings.
Units of Measurement
The values given in parentheses (if provided) are not standard and may not be exact
mathematical conversions. Use each system of units separately. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 2 — Definitions
Section 2
Definitions
This test method references the following terms:
♦
Plain elastomeric bridge bearings consist of elastomer only.
♦
Laminated elastomeric bridge bearings consist of alternating individual layers of
elastomer and steel laminates.
♦
Sliding elastomeric bearings consist of a steel top (sole) plate with a stainless steel
facing (upper component) bearing on a lower component. The lower component
consists of a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) recessed and bonded to a steel
plate that is vulcanized to the top of a laminated elastomeric bearing pad.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 3 — Adhesion Test Method 1
Section 3
Adhesion Test Method 1
The purpose of this test is to ensure that there is adequate bonding between the elastomer
and the steel laminates of laminated elastomeric bearings.
Apparatus
Use the following apparatus to prepare and perform the adhesion test:
♦ band saw or equivalent (for preparing sample)
♦ tensile testing machine, constant-rate-of-extension type, with an automatic recorder
conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 76 and capable of a maximum tensile load
of at least 1,000 lb.
♦ digital load indicator with a numerical display large enough to be easily read.
Sample Preparation
To prepare the sample:
♦ Cut 2 adhesion specimens from each laminated pad. The adhesive surface will measure 3
in. wide by 6 in. long. Cut the specimens the full length of the pad.
♦ Center the adhesive area of the specimen, to provide an equal amount of bare steel at
each end (see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1. Adhesion Test Method 1 Sample, side view
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 3 — Adhesion Test Method 1
Procedure
The following procedure describes the adhesion test. Conduct all testing at an air
temperature of 70 to 90°F.
Step
1
2
3
Adhesion Test Method 1
Action
Set up the constant-rate-of-extension machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use an
extension rate of 2.0 in./min.
♦ Carefully align the test specimen with the center of pull.
♦ Place the specimen with an equal amount of bare steel at each end for the tension machine
grips.
♦ Apply a load until the specimen fails.
♦ Carefully remove the failed specimen and determine the point of failure.
All bond failures must occur within the elastomer, rather than at an interface with the steel
laminate. Separation at elastomer/steel laminate interface will constitute failure to pass the
adhesion test.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 4 — Adhesion Test Method 2
Section 4
Adhesion Test Method 2
The purpose of this test is to ensure that there is adequate bonding between the recessed
PTFE and the steel plate of a sliding elastomeric bearing lower component.
Apparatus
Use the following apparatus to prepare and perform the adhesion test:
♦ saw
♦ tensile testing machine, constant-rate-of-extension type, with an automatic recorder
conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 76 and capable of a maximum tensile load
of at least 1,000 lb.
♦ fixture to hold the test specimen for a 90° adhesion test
♦ digital load indicator with a numerical display large enough to be easily read.
Sample Preparation
To prepare the sample:
♦ Cut the 4 in. wide × 8 in. long × 3 in. thick block from the lower unit of a sliding
elastomeric bridge bearing. The adhesive surface will measure 4 in. wide × 8 in. long.
♦ On one side of the specimen, separate the PTFE from the steel plate. Do not damage the
PTFE. Leave at least 4 in. of the PTFE adhered to the steel plate to perform the peel test.
The PTFE must be long enough to propagate the debonding of the PTFE from the steel
plate. (see Figure 2 below).
Figure 2. Adhesion Test Method 2 Sample, side view
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 4 — Adhesion Test Method 2
Procedure
The following procedure describes the adhesion test. Conduct all testing at an air
temperature of 70 to 90°F.
Step
1
2
3
Adhesion Test Method 2
Action
♦ Set up the constant-rate-of-extension machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use an extension rate of 2.0 in. /min.
♦ Set up the top grip and bottom fixture to hold the specimen in place in the machine
♦ Place the specimen in the bottom fixture.
♦ Grip the PTFE in the top grip.
NOTE: Hold the PTFE 90° from the surface of the peel specimen.
♦ Apply a load until the PTFE has fully debonded from the steel plate.
♦ Carefully remove the specimen and calculate the lb./in. peel strength.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 5 — Adhesion Test Method 3
Section 5
Adhesion Test Method 3
The purpose of this test is to ensure that there is adequate bonding between the PTFE-faced
steel plate and the laminated elastomeric bearing pad of a sliding elastomeric bearing lower
component.
Apparatus
Use the following apparatus to prepare and perform the adhesion test:
♦ saw
♦ tensile testing machine, constant-rate-of-expansion type, with an automatic recorder
conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 76 and capable of a maximum tensile load
of at least 1,000 lb.
♦ digital load indicator with a numerical display large enough to be easily read.
Sample Preparation
Cut the adhesion specimen from the lower unit of a sliding elastomeric bridge bearing. The
adhesive surface will measure 3 in. wide × 6 in. long. Cut the specimens the full length of
the pad. Center the adhesive area of the specimen to provide an equal amount of bare steel at
each end. (See figure 3 below.)
Figure 3. Adhesion Test Method 3 Sample, side view
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 5 — Adhesion Test Method 3
Procedure
The following procedure describes the adhesion test. Conduct all air testing at an air
temperature of 70 to 90°F.
Step
1
♦
2
♦
♦
3
♦
♦
Adhesion Test Method 3
Action
Set up the constant-rate-of-extension machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use an extension rate of 2.0 in./min.
Carefully align the test specimen with the center of pull.
Place the specimen with an equal amount of bare steel at either end for the tension machine
grips.
Apply a load until the specimen fails.
Carefully remove the failed specimen and determine the point of failure.
All bond failures must occur within the elastomer rather than at an interface with the steel
plate. Separation at an elastomer/steel plate interface will constitute failure to pass the
adhesion test.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 6 — Chlorinated Compound Test Method
Section 6
Chlorinated Compound Test Method
The purpose of this test is to insure that chlorinated compounds (neoprene) are present in
plain and laminated elastomeric bridge bearings. Chlorinated compounds must be present in
all samples, unless otherwise specified.
Apparatus
Use the following apparatus for the chlorinated compound test:
♦ copper wire, 18 to 20 gauge
♦ Bunsen burner
♦ flint striker.
Procedure
Use the following procedure to determine if an elastomeric product consists of chlorinated
compounds.
Step
1
2
3
4
5
Chlorinated Compound Test Method
Action
Set up a Bunsen burner and light with a striker.
Using heat-resistant tongs or gloves, hold one end of the copper wire in the flame until red hot.
Note the orange flame the copper wire produces in the burner flame.
Immediately touch the elastomeric product with the red hot wire.
NOTE: The product should slightly melt where the wire touches the elastomeric product.
Heat the wire again in the flame. If the flame from the wire glows green, the material contains
chlorinated compounds.
Repeat the procedure at least twice on different parts of the product.
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Tex-601-J, Adhesion and Chlorinated Compound
Testing of Elastomeric Bridge Bearings
Section 7 — Archived Versions
Section 7
Archived Versions
The following archived versions of "Tex-601-J, Sampling and Testing Elastomeric
Materials" are available:
♦ 601-0899 for the test procedure effective August 1999 through January 2005
♦ 601-0205 for the test procedure effective February 2005 through December 2005.
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