Bridge bearings Manufacturer

Trust SHUANGLIN for top-quality bridge bearings, meeting industry standards with competitive prices. Elevate your projects with our trusted solutions in bridge support and seismic resistance.

What is Bearing in bridges?

In bridge engineering, the bridge bearing is crucial, efficiently transferring loads while adapting to temperature and seismic changes for smart structural management.

At SHUANGLIN, we understand the crucial function these components serve in allowing bridges to adapt to external factors, including temperature fluctuations, traffic loads, and seismic activity.

Types of Bridge Bearing We Supply

Commonly used bridge bearings include elastomeric bearing pads, pot bearings, spherical bearings, rocker bearings, roller bearings, and sliding bearings.

SHUANGLIN specializes primarily in mainstream elastomeric bearings, pot bearings, spherical bearings, and sliding bearings.

Elastomeric bearing pads

Ideal for Bridges up to 30m Spans
Strong Vertical Support (3000kN)
Shear Deformation for Horizontal Displacement
Simple Structure, Easy Installation

Types:
» Laminated Elastomer Bearing Pad
» Rubber Pad

Pot Bearings

High Load Capacity (800kN to 60000kN)， suitable for large-span bridges
Precision Rotation (±0.02rad)
Seismic Resistance (20% Horizontal Load Capacity)
Economic Advantages (Low Construction, Simple, Lightweight)

Types:
» Fixed Pot Bearing
» Guided Pot Bearing
» Free Sliding Pot Bearing

Spherical Bearings

High Load Capacity (Exceeds 100,000kN)
Large Angular Displacement (0.06 radians)
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance for Harsh Environments
Low Friction for Smooth Sliding and Rotation

Types:
» Fixed Spherical Bearing
» Guided Spherical Bearing
» Free Sliding Spherical Bearing

Sliding Bearings

Low friction interface allows limited force transfer.
Suitable for applications requiring large horizontal displacements.
Effectively isolates seismic energy from the structure.
Simple construction with steel plates and interface.

Classification Based on Displacement possibilities

Fixed Bearings

Fixed bearings are designed to transmit both vertical and horizontal forces. They allow the upper structure to rotate freely at the bearing but prevent horizontal movement.

Movable Bearings

Movable bearings, on the other hand, only transmit vertical forces. They enable the upper structure to rotate freely and also allow horizontal movement at the bearing location.

Classification Based on Material

Simple Bearings

Basic bearings typically made from straightforward materials.

Steel Bearings

Bearings crafted from steel, known for their strength and durability.

Elastomeric Bearings

Bearings utilizing rubber as a key material, offering flexibility and vibration isolation.

Reinforced Concrete Bearings

Bearings constructed with a combination of concrete and steel reinforcement, providing a robust structural support.

Key Differences

Feature	Elastomeric Bearing Pad	Pot Bearing	Spherical Bearing
Load-Bearing Capacity	500 kN to 10,000 kN	Variable, e.g., 500 kN to 5,000 kN	Variable, e.g., 1,000 kN to 20,000 kN
Movement Capability	Limited in all directions	Allows +/- 30mm in all axes	Allows +/- 50mm in multiple directions
Rotation Capacity	Limited, e.g., +/- 0.02 radians	Limited, e.g., +/- 0.05 radians	Allows significant rotational movement, e.g., +/- 0.1 radians
Durability	Resistant to wear and deformation	Durability depends on materials used	Durability depends on materials used
Stiffness	Relatively high, e.g., 30,000 kN/mm	Variable, can be adjusted	Variable, can be adjusted
Temperature Resistance	Generally good, -30°C to 70°C	Material-dependent, -20°C to 60°C	Material-dependent, -40°C to 80°C
Maintenance Requirements	Low maintenance required	Moderate maintenance may be needed	Moderate maintenance may be needed
Installation Considerations	Requires careful installation	Requires careful installation	Requires careful installation
Cost	Moderate	Moderate to High	Moderate to High
Applicable Bridge Design	Various designs	Suitable for continuous beam bridges, Simple beam bridges	Suitable for various designs
Seismic Performance	Good	Good	Good with enhanced seismic design

Why Choose Shuanglin for Bridge Bearings?

Tailored Solutions

Unique projects deserve unique solutions—expect precision in every customization.

Precision Testing

Advanced testing guarantees reliability and performance beyond industry standards.

Dedicated Support

Responsive customer service ensures your needs are met promptly and effectively.

Value Unleashed

Cost-efficiency without compromise, maximizing value in every product.

International Standards for Bridge Bearings

Adhering to the pinnacle of global benchmarks, we manufacture and test bridge bearings in alignment with the following international standards:

ISO 22762-1:2010 (E): Design guidelines for pot, disc, and sliding bearings.
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications: American specifications
EN 1337:2000: European standard
BS EN 1337-3:2005: British standard specifying elastomeric bearings.

These international standards underscore our unwavering commitment to producing and testing bridge bearings with the highest quality and reliability.

Main specification and Significance

Performance of Bridge Bearings

Testing Parameters	Specific Value	Practical Significance
Load Capacity	> 1000 kN	Ensure support for bridge loads.
Vertical Displacement	< 15 mm	Accommodate vertical shifts.
Horizontal Movement	< 8 mm	Allow horizontal adjustments.
Rotational Capacity	< 1 degree	Enable structural flexibility.
Fatigue Resistance	> 2M cycles	Assess durability under repeated loads.
Shear Strength	> 60 kN/mm²	Resist lateral forces.
Temperature Resistance	-30°C to 70°C	Maintain performance across temperatures.
Environmental Resistance	Conforms to ISO 9227	Ensure durability against environmental challenges.
Seismic Performance	AASHTO LRFD compliant	Ensure resilience during seismic events.
Durability Testing	Conforms to ASTM D5977	Assure long-term performance.

Physical Properties of Rubber

Characteristics		Requirements
Characteristics		CR	NR	EPDM
Hardness		60±5	60±5	60±5
Tensile strength / MPa		17.0	18.0	15.0
Elongation at break / %		400	450	350
Brittle temperature ℃		-40	-50	-60
Compression set %		15	30	25
Ozone resistance Elongation: 20% Temperature: 40℃		100×10^-8	25×10^-8	100×10^-8
Ozone resistance Elongation: 20% Temperature: 40℃		No crack	No crack	No crack
Accelerated aging	Condition ℃ x h	100×70	70×168	100×70
	Elongation Strength change rate % ≤	15	15	15
	Tensile Strength change rate % ≤	40	20	40
	Hardness change	0-10	-5-10	0-10
Bond strength of elastomer and steel		10	10	10
Bond strength of elastomer and PTFE		7	7	7

Simplify Your Procurement Process

With our comprehensive solutions, we aim to make every stage of your bridge bearing procurement hassle-free and assure you peace of mind.

1. Consultation Phase

In the initial phase, our focus is on understanding and meeting your specific project requirements, confirm details of drawings.

Accommodate Existing Drawings: Review and discuss your drawings, ensuring precise alignment with your specifications.
Custom Design Support: If you lack drawings, our experts can design them or offer valuable suggestions based on your project needs.

2. Quotation and Customization

Transparent Quoting Process：Our commitment is to provide a clear and straightforward quoting process.
Customization Options:Tailored to your specifications, our offerings ensure personalized solutions for your unique requirements.

3. Quality Assurance

Control Excellence: Our dedication to reliability begins with rigorous quality controls.
Beyond Standards: Our testing protocols surpass industry norms, ensuring exceptional product performance

4. Timely Delivery and Support

Streamlined Logistics: Seamless international trade processes for smooth logistics and documentation support.
After-Sales Dedication: Depend on our team for dedicated assistance beyond your initial procurement.

Bridge Bearing Design Principles: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Designing bridge bearings is crucial for stability and strength. Consider these key principles:

Compatibility: Align supports with the bridge’s structure for stability under different loads.
Force Transmission: Ensure supports handle both up-and-down and side-to-side forces, especially for complex structures.
Flexibility: Let the bridge move naturally. Minimal constraints on movement ensure optimal performance.
Location Matters: Place supports strategically based on slope and bridge type for stability.
Effective Load Transfer: Set up supports to efficiently handle forces, especially through piers and abutments.

Bridge Bearing Installation Overview

1. Preparation and Documentation
  - Ensure compliance with ASTM 5570 guidelines and document evidence from a trial pad.
2. Pot Bearing Installation
  - Follow the installation procedure, fixing the pot bearing to the concrete substructure using lower anchor bars as specified in the Method Statement.
3. Verification and Submission
  - Confirm the correct pot bearing installation position and submit necessary details as part of the process.
4. Quality Assurance
  - Ensure overall installation compliance with established standards and follow specific quality assurance protocols outlined in guidelines.
5. Regular Inspection
  - Periodically inspect bridge bearings for signs of wear or damage, following recommended maintenance intervals for routine checks.
6. Replacement Procedure
  - If wear or damage is identified, plan and execute the replacement procedure using documented steps

Inspection & Maintainace

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for ensuring their longevity and performance. Here’s a simplified guide:

Inspection Protocols: Conduct thorough inspections at least once a year, focusing on each bridge bearing assembly and its adjacent members. Assess their actual condition, with additional inspections by relevant officers during routine checks.
Maintenance Practices: Implement a comprehensive maintenance routine, addressing issues identified during inspections promptly. This includes necessary repairs, adjustments, and ensuring the overall structural integrity of the bridge bearings.

Principles of Bridge Bearing Arrangement

Bridge bearing placement is determined by bridge structure and width.

For simple beam bridges: fixed at one end, movable at the other.
Railway bridges (narrow width): usually feature unidirectional (longitudinal) movable bearings.
Highway bridges (wider decks): consider the possibility of transverse bearing movement.

# Continuous Beam Bridges:

In each span (consisting of several spans between expansion joints), only one fixed bearing is installed.

To prevent excessive expansion at the active end of the beam, it is recommended to position the fixed bearing near the midpoint support of each span.

However, if the pier at this location is too high, consideration should be given to avoiding it or implementing special measures to prevent excessive horizontal forces on the pier top.

# Support Strategy for Curved Continuous Beam Bridges:

- Effect on Internal Forces:
  - Support arrangement directly impacts internal force distribution in curved continuous beam bridges.
- Adaptation to Movement:
  - Supports should allow free longitudinal and transverse rotation and movement of curved beams.
- Typical Box Girder Setup:
  - Center: Single-point bearing.
  - Ends (or bridge piers within a span): Double bearings for torque resistance.
- Adjusting Torque Distribution:
  - Shifting support points outward on the curve can modify torque distribution.

# Bearing Placement on Sloped and Level Ramps:

- On Sloped Ramps:
  - Fixed bearings should be at the lower end.
  - Allows compression under vertical load along the slope, counteracting lower edge tensile forces.
- On Level Ramps:
  - Place fixed bearings at the front end in the main traffic direction.

Efficient bridge use is tied to accurate bearing functionality. Align the pivot point of the upper structure with the centerline of lower structure bearings after bridge completion. Consider pre-deflection for potential post-construction deformation.

FAQ

How can we trust the quality of your bridge bearings?

Our bridge bearings undergo rigorous testing and meet international standards. We provide detailed documentation for transparency.

Any concerns about the import process from your factory?

We have extensive experience in international shipping, ensuring a smooth import process guided by our dedicated team.

Can you showcase successful projects using your bridge bearings?

Certainly, we have a track record of successful projects globally. References and case studies are available upon request.

Can you highlight specific advantages that set your bridge bearings apart?

Our bearings stand out for their quality, customization options, and cost-effective solutions.

What advantages do we offer as a direct factory supplier?

As a factory-direct supplier, we cut out middlemen, providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. This results in competitive pricing and efficient communication throughout the ordering process.

Can we customize bridge bearings to specific project requirements?

Absolutely! We take pride in our customization capabilities, tailoring bridge bearings to meet your project’s unique specifications for a perfect fit.