Bridge jacking and bearing replacement are essential maintenance and rehabilitation processes that restore the functionality of bridge support systems. Over time, bearings can deteriorate due to wear, corrosion, or deformation, affecting load transfer and movement accommodation. Controlled jacking and proper replacement ensure structural safety and extend service life.
Bridge Jacking Process
- Pre-Inspection: Structural engineers conduct visual inspections, load assessments, and measurement of bearing deformation.
- Load Calculation: Determine the required jacking force based on bridge weight, span length, and live loads.
- Jacking Equipment Setup: Position hydraulic jacks and temporary supports to lift the bridge safely.
- Controlled Lifting: Incrementally raise the bridge to the required height, ensuring even load distribution.
- Safety Monitoring: Use displacement sensors and load gauges to prevent overloading or uneven lifting.
Bearing Replacement Procedure
- Removal of Damaged Bearings: Carefully remove old bearings without damaging adjoining structures.
- Surface Preparation: Clean and level the bearing seat to meet design tolerances.
- Installation of New Bearings: Position and secure new elastomeric, pot, spherical, or seismic isolation bearings per engineering drawings.
- Alignment and Load Transfer: Gradually lower the bridge to transfer the load onto the new bearings.
- Final Inspection: Verify alignment, rotation capacity, and movement range to ensure proper operation.
Product Parameters for Replacement Bearings
- Type: Elastomeric, Pot, Spherical, or Seismic Isolation Bearings
- Load Capacity: 50 kN – 10,000 kN
- Movement Range: ±20 mm – ±600 mm (depending on type)
- Rotation Capacity: Up to ±0.02 radians
- Material: Natural Rubber, Neoprene, PTFE, Stainless Steel, High-Strength Steel
- Standards: AASHTO, EN 1337, BS 5400, ISO 22762