Characterization of composites for use in the ball‐joints of the Maeslant storm surge barrier

Abstract In 2004, the rehabilitation works of the Maeslant storm surge barrier in the Netherlands were finished. The two gates of the barrier are attached to a pivotal point on both banks. The pivotal points are designed as two large ball‐joints (10 m diameter) that must allow for both horizontal and vertical movements of the gates. Five hundred individual composite material discs provide a low friction sliding contact with the ball. Two designs for the composite material discs are discussed in this article: (i) a polyester/polyester disc with a Teflon coating and (ii) an UHMWPE (ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene) disc with a reinforcing carbon/epoxy ring. The test methods for characterization of the composite materials are presented. It is shown that internationally standardized test methods do not provide all necessary information and that additional measurements have to be made. Based on the results of these tests, the best design has been integrated in the storm surge barrier. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:470–478, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers