When attachment to a structure is necessary, STEEL REINFORCED ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS WITH EXTERNAL PLATES are ideal. The vulcanized bond of the external load plates to the laminated bearing is an excellent way to ensure the bearing stays in place over many temperature and live-load cycles. External plates, known as sole plates, load plates or bearing plates can be tapered to match the slope of the bridge and are commonly welded to the girder and anchored with bolts.

 

External plates may be galvanized, painted, painted with zinc primer or left bare.