{"id":2992,"date":"2026-05-14T09:35:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/custom-elastomeric-bearings-technical-solution-for-the-puente-de-la-pepa-in-cadiz\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:35:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T09:35:49","slug":"custom-elastomeric-bearings-technical-solution-for-the-puente-de-la-pepa-in-cadiz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/custom-elastomeric-bearings-technical-solution-for-the-puente-de-la-pepa-in-cadiz\/","title":{"rendered":"Custom Elastomeric Bearings: Technical Solution for the Puente de la Pepa in C\u00e1diz"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Custom Elastomeric Bearings: Technical Solution for the Puente de la Pepa in C\u00e1diz<\/h1>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\"><b data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"69\">Custom-made elastomeric bearings<\/b>. The <b data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"3\">1812 Constitution Bridge<\/b>, popularly known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Puente_de_la_Constituci%C3%B3n_de_1812\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"68\">Puente de la Pepa<\/b><\/a>, is one of Spain&#8217;s most complex and spectacular engineering feats. As it is a high-rise cable-stayed bridge spanning the Bay of C\u00e1diz, the selection of structural components was critical. <\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">In this project, the use of large-format <b data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"28\">custom-made elastomeric bearings<\/b> proved essential to manage massive loads and ensure the stability of this vital infrastructure that connects the city to the mainland.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"5\">The Pepa Bridge and the need for special support<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8\">This structure is the third access point to C\u00e1diz and stands out as one of the tallest bridges of its kind in the world. Due to its cable-stayed design, the distribution of stresses differs from that of conventional viaducts. Although this type of bridge requires fewer support points, these must be capable of withstanding extraordinary stresses.  <\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9\">As specialized suppliers, at Cacesa we handled the <b data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"69\">custom-designed elastomeric bearings <\/b>specifically for the structure&#8217;s pillars. The client, an engineering firm with whom we had already collaborated on international projects, trusted our ability to solve a challenge of extraordinary dimensions. <\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"11\">Challenges in the manufacture of large tonnage parts<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\">The main challenge of this project was not only the chemical composition of the rubber, but also the physical size of the pieces. We are talking about supports that reached a weight of between <b data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"180\">3,000 and 3,500 kilos per unit<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"13\">1. Handling and precision in vulcanization<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\">Manufacturing <b data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">custom elastomeric bearings<\/b> of this weight requires highly sophisticated internal logistics. Because they are such massive blocks of rubber and steel, the vulcanization process is extremely delicate:<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"15\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\">Heat management: It is necessary to ensure that the vulcanization temperature reaches the core of the part homogeneously without degrading the outer layers.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Plate precision:<\/b> In pieces weighing more than three tons, the manual placement of the vulcanized steel plates must be perfect to avoid deviations in load capacity.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,2,0\">Production risk: Due to the cost of materials and the time invested, there was no margin for error; each piece had to be perfect the first time to meet profitability and deadline standards.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"12\">2. Large format machinery (2&#215;2 meters)<\/p>\n<p><\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"17\">The reason Cacesa was chosen for this project lies in our production capacity. Manufacturing these <b data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"118\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/elastomeric-supports\/\">custom elastomeric bearings<\/a><\/b> requires presses with dimensions that are not standard on the market:<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"18\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\">Working surface: We have <b data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"48\">2&#215;2 meter<\/b> machines that can accommodate the gigantic molds needed for the Puente de la Pepa.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Opening capacity:<\/b> Our machinery allows openings of up to one and a half meters, facilitating the demolding and safe handling of 3,500 kilo pieces.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"20\">Bridge engineering and compliance with EN 1337 standards<\/p>\n<p><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"21\">The safety of an infrastructure that supports constant traffic to C\u00e1diz cannot be left to chance. Therefore, all our custom-made <b data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"132\">elastomeric bearings<\/b> are manufactured in accordance with the strict <b data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"191\">EN 1337 standard<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22\">This European regulation guarantees that the structural supports have passed tests of:<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"23\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"23,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"23,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Compressive strength:<\/b> Supporting the weight of the deck itself and the dynamic traffic loads.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"23,1,0\">Rotation capacity: Allowing the structure to adapt to movements without generating cracks in the pillars.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"23,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"23,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Durability in marine environments:<\/b> The rubber is formulated to withstand the salinity and extreme humidity of the Cadiz coast.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24\">Furthermore, the <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">CE marking<\/b> seal confirms that each unit delivered has passed rigorous quality controls, ensuring a lifespan exceeding several decades of flawless service.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"26\">Results after more than a decade of service<\/p>\n<p><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"27\">The Puente de la Pepa bridge is now a firmly established feature of the C\u00e1diz landscape. After years of operation, the custom-made elastomeric bearings supplied continue to function without any technical issues.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"28\">In our philosophy as manufacturers, success is measured by the absence of any customer feedback: if the supports don&#8217;t require corrective maintenance before their expected lifespan, the work has been excellent. This project reinforces our specialization in <b data-path-to-node=\"28\" data-index-in-node=\"261\">large parts,<\/b> where technical expertise and the right machinery make the difference between a standard component and a high-level engineered solution.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"30\">Conclusion: Leaders in tailored support solutions<\/p>\n<p><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31\">Our involvement in the 1812 Constitution Bridge demonstrates that Cacesa is the ideal partner for projects where scale and technical complexity are critical. The supply of <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"183\">custom-made elastomeric bearings<\/b> for this project is a testament to our ability to tackle monumental challenges with meticulous craftsmanship.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Custom Elastomeric Bearings: Technical Solution for the Puente de la Pepa in C\u00e1diz Custom-made elastomeric bearings. The 1812 Constitution Bridge, popularly known as the Puente de la Pepa, is one of Spain&#8217;s most complex and spectacular engineering feats. As it is a high-rise cable-stayed bridge spanning the Bay of C\u00e1diz, the selection of structural components [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[108,89,106,107,86,109,105],"class_list":["post-2992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-elastomeric-supports-2","tag-bridge-engineering","tag-cacesa","tag-cadiz","tag-custom-made-elastomeric-supports","tag-en-1337-standard","tag-manufacturing-of-large-parts","tag-puente-de-la-pepa"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2992"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2992\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cacesarubbers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}