A shock transmission unit (STU)
is designed to be connected
between bridge structure components to form a rigid link under
dynamic loads induced by forces
such as vehicle braking and
earthquakes. At the same time,
the structure will be able to move
freely under slowly applied loads
such as temperature and creep
shrinkage.
The unit is connected between
elements of bridge structures
at expansion joints, or near the
bearings between the superstructure and the substructure.
The use of STU’s allows the load
sharing of a suddenly applied
force.