Project Overview
During the construction of a major battery energy storage system (BESS) in Chinchilla, Queensland, the project team required a specialised rubber bearing pad to be installed beneath the heavy battery units. The batteries—each weighing between 12 and 30 tonnes—were positioned on concrete strip footings and required a reliable cushioning interface that could both accommodate deformation and withstand sustained heavy loads.
Environmental exposure and long-term performance were key considerations, with the site experiencing temperature fluctuations between -5°C and +40°C and full outdoor weather exposure. The solution needed to provide high durability, predictable compression under load, and effective adhesion to the concrete foundation.
Challenge
The primary challenge was finding a rubber material that could:
- Compress sufficiently to act as a bearing cushion under extremely high loads
- Resist permanent deformation over the expected service life
- Bond securely to the concrete strip footings
- Withstand outdoor environmental conditions including temperature variation
- Be supplied and installed within tight construction timelines
The bearing strips were designed to be run longitudinally along all strip footings, remaining in place during the positioning of the large, prefabricated battery units.
Solution: Natural 60 HG Rubber Bearing Strips with CN Bonding Layer
To meet the project’s demanding requirements, Reglin supplied bearing pads made from Natural 60 HG Rubber—a premium-grade, 60 durometer natural rubber compound specifically selected for its:
- Excellent load-bearing capacity and compression resistance
- High tensile strength and tear resistance
- Durability in outdoor environments
- Consistent performance across a wide temperature range
The strips were custom-cut to 12mm thick x 150mm wide and featured a CN bonding layer on one side. This bonding layer allowed for secure adhesion to the concrete footings, keeping the strips in place during installation and ensuring long-term alignment beneath the battery units.
Engineering Support and Timely Delivery
Reglin worked closely with the project’s design team by:
- Providing technical specifications and material data to perform all the required design checks
- Supporting the calculation of expected compression and deformation under load
- Ensuring the rubber’s properties matched the required service life and structural performance
Once approved, the strips were cut in-house from stock rolls and dispatched to site quickly, with Reglin also coordinating freight and delivery timelines to ensure the material arrived on-site in time for the battery installation schedule.
Outcome
- Reglin Natural 60 HG Rubber bearing pads were successfully installed across all concrete footings
- The bearing material withstood the high applied loads without over-compression
- Installation proceeded on time, contributing to the smooth progression of the broader energy project
- The design team had full confidence in the technical performance and design life of the solution
Conclusion
This project highlights the important role of high-quality engineered rubber products in supporting major infrastructure works. Reglin Natural 60 HG Rubber bearing strips delivered the load-bearing performance, environmental durability, and bonding reliability needed to support one of Queensland’s most important renewable energy developments.
Contact Reglin to learn more about rubber bearing solutions for civil construction and infrastructure applications.