The bridge bearings are used in the bridge structures in order to transfer particular actions (i.e. forces and displacements) from the superstructure to the substructure. Their essential characteristics (i.e. load capacity, rotation capacity) and their features (dimensions, movement capacity) are inseparably connected with the particular bridge structure, in which they are to be installed. The parameters of the bearings are adjusted to the requirements which are a result of the design of the bridge. These requirements are connected with type of load models, computational models, structural solutions as well as technology of erection of the bridge.
In many existing bridge structures, there are incorporated old-fashioned types of bearings: roller, rocker, line-rocker. Nowadays, new types of bearings are used: elastomeric, pot, cylindrical and spherical.
The following functional forms of the bridge bearings might be distinguished:
- fixed bearings
- guided sliding bearings
- free or free sliding bearings
- restraint bearings
- guide bearings
With regard to the solutions which are chosen by the designer there might be used one or a combination of a few types of bearings. In typical bridges, the most common solution is to apply one fixed bearing, one or a few guided bearings and a few free bearings. For more details please visit Knowledge base.
B2 offers the full scope of services which cover production, installation, rectification and replacement of the bearings. We encourage to make familiar with our offer.