This part of EN 1337 applies to elastomeric bearings with or without complementary bearing devices to extend their field of use such as flat sliding elements covered by EN 1337-2 or sliding surface described in 4.4.4, as used in bridge structures or any other structure with comparable support conditions. This part of EN 1337 applies to elastomeric bearings with dimensions in plan up to (1200 x 1200) mm and does not cover elastomeric bearings made with other elastomers materials than those specified in 4.4.1. It applies to laminated bearings types A, B, C, laminated sliding bearings types E and D, plain pad and strip bearings type F. This part deals with bearings for use in operating temperatures ranging from - 25 °C to + 50 °C and for short periods up to + 70 °C. It is recognised that the air temperature in some regions of Northern Europe is lower than -25 °C. In this case of very low operating temperature (down to - 40 °C), it is essential that bearing characteristics comply also with the shear modulus at very low temperature (see 4.3.1.3. and annex F)