Posts Tagged ‘rubber’
Bears Rubber
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
Bearings save lives
There are some parts of the world where earthquakes seem to be endemic. Wherever that tectonic plates meet is most likely to experience more earthquakes than other places, but millions of people still choose to live in these areas. As a consequence, several technologies have evolved to help make buildings more resistant to collapse during an earthquake, many of them using roller or ball bearings.
People usually think of ball bearings as a way to decrease friction, and question how that use could apply to things that don’t typically move, like buildings. In scenarios like earthquakes, however, bearings aren’t intended to enable things to move effortlessly. They’re just there to allow buildings to move at all. Damage from earthquakes is caused when structures are shaken and forced to move, and their rigid forms don’t permit them to do so without giving way and breaking. By using strategically-placed bearings, builders have observed a way to isolate the bases of buildings from the rest of their structures, making it possible for them to move independently without generating undue stress on the building’s otherwise solid frame. Some of these bearings are large and rubber, while other buildings use huge linear bearings. Sometimes, these earthquake-proofing technologies are even used to help skyscrapers be built on soft ground, and enable very tall buildings to move with the wind. Without them, these buildings would remain rigid, and be more prone to falling over.
A number of well-known companies produce bearings for builders looking to buy bearings for their seismic applications. For one, Timken produces large, roller-style Timken bearings that are used in base isolation earthquake technology. NSK bearings also come in a range of shapes and materials for different seismic and building applications. Not all of the bearings carried by seismicbearing distributors resemble the ball bearings that a lot of people are used to seeing in everyday life. Some might look like large rubber discs, while others look like a series of pillars. Irrespective of what they look like, these are all bearings, and all provide the purpose of helping large buildings to survive an earthquake.
Though no approach of building is completely earthquake-proof, things like roller Timken bearings help save lives. It’s hard to precisely test earthquake-proofing technology without being able to try it out in an actual earthquake, but every day builders and manufacturers get closer and closer to creating better solutions for surviving seismic disasters.
About the Author
Eric Leimkuhler
Locate Ball Bearings
The Scare Bears – Rubber Lover
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Rubbermaid 3117RDSPA Litterless Juice Boxes $3.99 Rubbermaid 3117RDSPA Litterless Juice BoxesRubbermaid 3117RDSPA Litterless Juice Boxes Features:; Patented sipping spout offers comfortable, easy drinking; Straws snap tight for a leak-resistant fit; Freezer and top rack dishwasher safe.Rubbermaid 3117RDSPA Litterless Juice Boxes Specifications:; Description: 8.5 Oz Litterless Juice Box; Leak-resistant and freezer safe; Patented sipping spout for … |
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Wilton Silly- Feet Silicone Baking Cups , 4 Count $7.62 Silicone Baking Cups (additional Silicone Baking Cups for the Build A Cake Kit). Discover the convenience and easy release of flexible silicone! Oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Stain/odor resistant. Reusable dishwasher safe. Square, diamond and triangle packages contain twelve cups, silly feet package contains four cups…. |
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Lipper International Cherry Salad Hands $12.64 Set 2 of cherry salad handsMade of cherry woodDimensions: 3-3/4-inch by 1-inch by 7-inchExtreme changes in temperature, humidity and dryness effect wood; store away from heat and sunlight in a well-ventilated spotWipe clean with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly; rub occasionally with mineral oil to maintain appearance Lipper International has developed a complete line of woodenware products … |
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Molly O’day & the Cumderland F $34.63 … |
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Bright & Early $12.00 … |
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Yogi Bear $34.88 This CD is Back-Yard Music with songs like: On Fire – Yogi Bear – Club Jumpin’ – Bak N 4rth – Late Night – The Blues – Million $ Love – Ski Skert – Fo My Folks – Yogi Bear (instrumental) – On Fire (instrumental)… |
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Gerber 31-000749 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Multitool with Nylon Sheath $33.94 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the ultimate multi-tool provides 12 stainless steel weather-resistant components. Its rugged construction, spring-loaded pliers, external locking tools, and extra-grippy handle make this tool the ultimate multitasker no outdoor enthusiast should be without. The ultimate multi-tool comes with a nylon sheath.The Ultimate Mu… |
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Gerber 31-000758 Gator Machete with Sheath $14.65 The Gator Machete wields a 15” fine edge blade on 1 side, a 15” high performance saw blade on the other, and Gerber proprietary Gator rubber grip for ergonomic control while using either. The riveted nylon sheath provides safe, durable transport. Clamshell packed…. |
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Gerber 31-000754 Bear Grylls Survival Series Scout, Drop Point Knife, Serrated $15.95 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Scout Drop Point Folding Knife has a slim design and dual-sided thumb stud for easy one-handed opening. Its half-serrated, high-carbon stainless steel blade is ideal for edge retention and cutting rope, making it a great choice for scouting expeditions and other outdoor adventures. A rubber grip and the lockback featu… |
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Walt Disney Treasures – The Chronological Donald, Volume Two (1942 – 1946) $32.99 CHRONOLOGICAL DONALD, THE-VOLUME 2: 1942… |
