For elastomeric bearing to function as a soft spring bearing have to be allowed for bulging laterally and compression stiffness is able to be increased by restraining an amount of lateral bulging. To enlarge compression stiffness of elastomeric bearings, metal plates are inserted. After addition of steel plates, freedom to bulge is restricted and deflection is concentrated when compared with bearings without any steel plates under the same load. Tensile stresses are induced in these steel plates throughout their action in restraining bulging of an elastomeric. This in turn would limit thickness of steel plates. However, presence of metal plates does not affect shear stiffness of an elastomeric bearing.