For elastomeric bearing, vertical load is resisted by its compression as shear resistance of bearing controls horizontal movements. The designs of elastomeric bearings are stand on striking a balance between provision of sufficient stiffness to oppose high compressive force and flexibility to allow for translation and rotation movement.

The cross sectional area is normally determined by an allowable pressure on bearing support. Sometimes, plan area of bearings is controlled by highest allowable compressive stress arising from consideration of delaminating of elastomeric from steel plates. In adding, size of elastomeric bearings is also influenced by allowing for separation between structure and an edge of bearing that might occur in rotation as tensile stresses deriving from separation could basis delaminating. The thickness of bearings is designed based on limitation of its horizontal stiffness and is controlled by movement requirements. The shear strain must be less than a certain bound to pass up occurrence of rolling over and fatigue damage. The vertical stiffness of bearings is acquired by inserting sufficient number of the steel plates.