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Spherical Bridge Bearings

Spherical Bridge Bearings
Spherical Bridge Load Bearings
Bridge Load Spherical Bearings
Spherical Bearings for Bridges
Spherical Sliding Bearings for Bridges
Spherical Bridge Bearings
Spherical Bridge Load Bearings
Bridge Load Spherical Bearings
Spherical Bearings for Bridges
Spherical Sliding Bearings for Bridges

Spherical Bridge Bearings – Rotational and Load-Bearing Solutions

Spherical Bridge Bearings are specialized structural bearings designed to support heavy vertical loads while allowing smooth rotational and limited translational movements in bridges and large-span structures. Composed of a precision-machined steel spherical surface combined with PTFE or composite sliding materials, these bearings efficiently transfer loads from the superstructure to the substructure while accommodating thermal expansion, rotational deformation, and seismic forces. Known for their high load-bearing capacity, excellent durability, and resistance to extreme weather and corrosion, spherical bridge bearings are widely used in highway bridges, railway bridges, viaducts, and large concrete or steel structures, ensuring structural safety, extended service life, and reduced maintenance requirements.
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Aohong, a professional manufacturer of Spherical Bridge Bearings, provides high-performance bearings designed to withstand extreme vertical, horizontal, and lateral loads while allowing smooth rotational movement. These Rubber Bearings are widely used in highway bridges, railway bridges, steel structures, and other large-span infrastructure where high load capacity and controlled structural displacement are required. Engineered with advanced materials and tested to international standards, our bearings ensure excellent durability, minimal maintenance, and long service life.

Structure and Design of Spherical Bridge Bearings

Spherical bridge bearings are composed of a concave steel plate, convex stainless-steel sliding plate, and PTFE sliding layer with a special lubricant to ensure permanent low-friction performance. The stainless steel convex plate allows free rotation, while the recessed PTFE sheet accommodates thermal expansion and structural movement. This design ensures stable load transfer from the superstructure to the substructure, making them ideal for bridges with large turning angles, skewed structures, or high torsional forces.

Spherical Bridge Bearings Structure
Spherical Bridge Bearings Structure
Spherical Bridge Bearings Warehouse
Spherical Bridge Bearings Warehouse
Bridge Rotation Spherical Bearings
Bridge Rotation Spherical Bearings

Types of Spherical Bridge Bearings

  1. Fixed Spherical Bearings – Designed to accommodate rotation only, preventing any horizontal displacement.
  2. Guided Spherical Bearings – Allow rotation and movement in one horizontal direction, suitable for structures with unidirectional sliding requirements.
  3. Free Sliding Spherical Bearings – Provide rotation and multi-directional sliding movement, perfect for complex bridges requiring maximum flexibility.
Fixed Spherical Bearings
Fixed Spherical Bearings
Guided Spherical Bearings
Guided Spherical Bearings
Free Sliding Spherical Bearings
Free Sliding Spherical Bearings

Performance Features

  • High Vertical Load Capacity: Ranging from 1000 kN to 20,000 kN, suitable for heavy infrastructure.
  • Large Horizontal and Rotational Displacement: Longitudinal movement ±50 mm, ±100 mm, or ±150 mm, transverse movement ±40 mm.
  • Low Friction Coefficient: PTFE layer with silicon grease lubrication provides friction as low as 0.03 under normal temperatures.
  • Wide Working Temperature: Normal type operates from -25°C to +60°C, while cold-resistant types withstand -40°C to +60°C.
  • Durability and Stability: High-strength stainless steel and sealed PTFE ensure long-term wear resistance and corrosion protection.
  • Compliance: Manufactured according to BS EN-1337, AASHTO, ISO, and other international standards.

Common Specifications and Sizes

  • Vertical Load Capacity: 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 5000, 10,000, 12,500, 15,000, and 20,000 kN.
  • Displacement Options: ±50 mm, ±100 mm, ±150 mm (longitudinal); ±40 mm (transverse).
  • Shape Options: Rectangular and circular bearings to fit diverse bridge structures.
  • Customized Sizes Available: Designed according to specific project requirements.

Applications of Spherical Bridge Bearings

  • Bridge Structures: Highway and railway bridges, curved or skewed bridges, and viaducts with high torsion requirements.
  • Special Structures: Large-span steel structures, inclined bridges, and bridges in low-temperature regions.
  • Seismic Isolation: Suitable for structures requiring high rotational movement and energy dissipation during dynamic loading.