Numerical investigation into the buckling behaviour of an advanced bridge bearing using 3D printing method for Thai highway bridges

Steel-reinforced elastomeric bearings also referred to rubber bearings have been widely used for highway bridges in Thailand. Their major functions are not only to accommodate the lateral movement between the superstructure and substructure, but also to carry the weight of the superstructure. Elastomeric bearings are installed under the superstructures of bridges with different types, based on the length of bridge span. Addi-tionally, they can reduce vibration induced by dynamic actions. However, these typical bearings cannot well perform under various loading conditions due to conventional structures in the bearings. Besides, the materi-als used in the bearings are costly and cannot be durable over time of bridge operation. This is because commonly elastomeric bearings consist of steel plates laminated between rubber layers. Therefore, the com-plex and porous structures also called metastrcutures which could be employed in bridge bearings are re-quired in design for obtaining superior mechanical properties. To fabricate advanced bridge bearings with complicated internal structures, it is strongly suggested to use additive manufacturing or well-known as 3D printing throughout processing. The technique of 3D printing is quicker than conventional manufacturing in-cluding injection molds and subtractive production. This paper is the world’s first to highlight the buckling behaviour of an advanced bridge bearing simulation using an additive manufacturing technology under static loading. The insights will be useful for Thai highway engineers to develop generally elastomeric bearings. On the other hand, further experimental research should be conducted to improve and verify the advanced 3D bearing model in the future for public use.