Products

Elastomeric Bridge Bearing

The Defined-Rotation Bearing for Long-Span Bridges & Heavy Piers

Engineered to handle extreme vertical loads from 1,000 kN to over 200,000+ kN, our pot bearings provide a precisely controlled, fixed rotational center through a confined elastomeric disc. This robust, low-maintenance design ensures decades of reliable service. Custom-engineered for your project to fully comply with AASHTO, EN, BS, AS, and IRC standards.

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Email: info@kingwork.com

Pot Bearing Series Overview: Engineered for Definitive Performance

Our pot bearing series is designed to provide a robust, predictable, and long-lasting solution for structures requiring extreme vertical load capacity combined with controlled rotational and translational movements. The core principle—a confined elastomeric disc within a precision-engineered steel pot—ensures reliable, maintenance-free performance.

Core Product Characteristics:

Extreme Vertical Load Capacity: Engineered to carry loads from 1,000 kN to over 200,000 kN, making them ideal for the main piers of long-span bridges, transfer girders, and heavy industrial supports.

Defined Rotational Performance: The pot mechanism provides a fixed, single-axis rotation with a precisely calculable center. Rotational capacity is clearly defined and tested according to project specifications and standards (e.g., up to 0.03 rad or as required).

Accommodation of Large Movements: Equipped with engineered sliding surfaces (such as PTFE, UHMWPE, or composite materials against polished stainless steel), our pot bearings can accommodate significant horizontal displacements (typically up to ±1000mm or more) to handle thermal expansion, creep, and seismic movements. Material selection is optimized for low friction, high wear resistance, and specific load conditions.

Durability & Low Maintenance: The sealed design protects the elastomeric disc from environmental degradation. High-grade steel and specialized surface treatments provide excellent corrosion resistance for long service life with minimal upkeep.

Compliance & Customization:

Global Standard Compliance: Our bearings are designed, calculated, and tested to meet all major international codes, including AASHTO (USA), EN 1337-5 (EU), BS 5400 (UK), AS 5100 (Australia), and IRC 83 (India).

Full Custom Engineering: We offer complete customization beyond standard sizes. This includes tailoring the pot dimensions, elastomeric compound properties, sliding material selection, stainless steel sliding plates, connector detailing (bolt patterns, shear keys), and anti-corrosion coatings to your exact project requirements.

Primary Application Bridges:

Long-Span Bridges: Cable-stayed bridges, arch bridges, and large continuous girder bridges.

Heavy-Load Points: Bridge piers subject to immense vertical reactions, transfer girders in buildings, and supports for heavy industrial equipment.

Structures Requiring Predictable Movement: Bridges and structures where defined rotational behavior and large horizontal displacement capacity are critical design parameters.

Identify the right pot bearing solution for your megastructure.

[Download the General Product Guide] or [Contact our engineering team] for a project-specific review.




Elastomeric Bridge Bearing
ParameterValueStandard
Vertical Load Capacity50-15000kNEN 1337-3,AASHTO M251
Horizontal Movement±400mmEN 1337-3,AASHTO M251
Rotation Capacity±0.02 radEN 1337-3,AASHTO M251
Rubber Hardness60±5 Shore AEN 1337-3,AASHTO M251
Shear Modulus0.7-1.2 MPa1337-3,AASHTO M251
Temperature Range-40°C to +60°C1337-3,AASHTO M251
Steel Plate Thickness2-6 mm1337-3,AASHTO M251
Service Life25+ yearsDesign Life


Standard sizes for bearings type B
Dimensions a x b(mm) or DTHICKNESSin mmNumber of layers n
Unloaded bearingElastomer (total°)Elastomer layersReinforcing platesmin.max.
min.max.min.max.
100×150 100×20030 3041 4116 1624 248 83 32 23 3
150×200 φ200 150×250 150×300 φ25030 30 30 30 3052 52 52 52 5216 16 16 16 1632 32 32 32 328 8 8 8 83 3 3 3 32 2 2 2 24 4 4 4 4
200×250 200×300 200×350 φ300 200×40041 41 41 41 4174 74 74 74 7424 24 24 24 2448 48 48 48 488 8 8 8 83 3 3 3 33 3 3 3 36 6 6 6 6
250×300 φ350 250×40041 41 4185 85 8524 24 2456 56 568 8 83 3 33 3 37 7 7
300×400 φ400 300×500 φ450 300×60057 57 57 57 57105 105 105 105 10536 36 36 36 3672 72 72 72 7212 12 12 12 124 4 4 4 43 3 3 3 36 6 6 6 6
350×450 φ50057 57121 12136 3684 8412 124 43 37 7
400×500 φ550 400×60073 73 73137 137 13748 48 4896 96 9612 12 124 4 44 4 48 8 8
450×600 φ60073 73153 15348 48108 10812 124 44 49 9
500×600 φ65073 73169 16948 48120 12012 124 44 410 10
600×600 φ700 600×700 φ75094 94 94 94199 199 199 19964 64 64 64144 144 144 14416 16 16 165 5 5 54 4 4 49 9 9 9
700×700 φ800 700×800 φ85094 94 94 94220 220 220 22064 64 64 64160 160 160 16016 16 16 165 5 5 54 4 4 410 10 10 10
800×800 φ900110 110285 28580 80220 22020 205 54 410 10
900×90011028580220205411
a Total thickness without 2,5 mm top and bottom cover


Key Advantages of Our Pot Bearings

We deliver pot bearings that combine definitive engineering performance with complete project-ready support, providing unmatched reliability and value.

1. Engineered for Unmatched Performance & Reliability

Extreme Load Capacity & Distribution: Supports 1,000 to over 200,000 kN, reliably bearing immense loads while distributing them evenly to minimize structural stress.

Controlled Movement Accommodation: Precisely accommodates horizontal displacement (±600mm) and defined rotation to handle thermal expansion, creep, and settlement.

Durable, Maintenance-Free Operation: The sealed, pressure-confined elastomeric disc and robust construction ensure long-term performance with minimal lifecycle cost.

2. Full Compliance, Certification & Documentation

Independently Verified Performance: Backed by accredited third-party test reports and CE Marking (EN 1337-5), with compliance for AASHTO, AS, IRC and other global standards.

Complete Technical Dossier: Includes a detailed Project Calculation Report for engineering approval and validation.

Streamlined Logistics Support: We provide a full suite of export and technical documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates, manuals), simplifying customs clearance and project administration.

3. Complete Customization & Project Integration

Total Design Flexibility: Fully customizable for load, dimensions, rotation limits, sliding materials (PTFE/UHMWPE), and connections to meet exact specifications.

Secure Global Delivery: Each unit is shipped in robust, export-ready wooden crating, ensuring secure arrival worldwide.

4. Distinct Value for Every Partner

For Distributors: A high-margin, technically certified product with reliable 15-35 day lead times and full sales support.

For Engineers: Guaranteed performance, risk-mitigated compliance, and seamless integration, ensuring project safety and schedule certainty.

Engineered for Certainty. Delivered with Complete Support.

[Contact Us for Specifications and a Quote]


Installation & Construction: Tailored Procedures for Different Superstructures

The installation of pot bearings varies significantly depending on the type of superstructure they support. Our guidance is tailored to ensure correct and efficient installation for each specific application, maximizing performance and longevity.


Core Principle: Built-in Site Adaptability

All our pot bearing designs accommodate typical on-site variations with a positional adjustment tolerance of ±5 to ±10 mm. This built-in flexibility helps mitigate minor construction deviations without compromising performance.

Installation for Cast-in-Place Concrete Beams/Girders

This method involves securing the bearing before the concrete pour, integrating it into the monolithic structure.

Preparation & Positioning:

After constructing the substructure (pier/abutment cap), precisely position and temporarily fix the pot bearing onto it using the embedded anchor bolts or a temporary frame.

Ensure perfect leveling and alignment per shop drawings before proceeding.

Integration with Formwork & Reinforcement:

Erect the beam soffit formwork around the bearing. The bearing's top plate often acts as part of the formwork.

Carefully place the reinforcement cage, ensuring it clears the bearing's top connector plates or shear keys.

Concrete Placement & Curing:

Pour concrete, taking care not to displace the bearing. Vibrate concrete thoroughly around the bearing to ensure full encapsulation and no voids.

Allow the concrete to cure properly. The bearing becomes permanently encased and fixed upon curing.

Key Consideration: The bearing must be impeccably positioned and locked before the pour, as adjustments afterward are impossible.

Installation for Precast Concrete Beams/Girders

Here, the bearing is installed on the substructure, and the precast element is then lowered onto it.

Substructure Preparation & Bearing Fixing:

On the completed substructure, position the pot bearing. For fixed types, grout the base plate cavity with high-strength non-shrink grout.

For sliding types, prepare and align the stainless steel sliding plate.

Beam Erection & Placement:

The precast beam, with pre-prepared mating surfaces (e.g., grout pockets or sole plates), is lifted and carefully lowered onto the bearing.

Use the built-in tolerance to make final horizontal adjustments for perfect alignment with other beams.

Final Connection:

For grouted connections, fill the interface between the beam and the bearing's top plate with high-strength grout.

For bolted connections, insert and torque the connecting bolts.

Key Consideration: Coordination between bearing installation height and the precast beam's underside elevation is critical.

Installation for Steel Beams/Girders

This typically involves direct bolted connections, offering high precision and adjustability.

Bearing Installation on Substructure:

Fix the pot bearing to the concrete substructure via anchor bolts grouted into the cap or using a base plate leveled with shim packs and grouted.

Beam Lowering & Alignment:

The steel beam, with pre-drilled holes in its bottom flange or attached sole plate, is lowered onto the bearing.

Temporary bolts or pins are used to hold it in place while final alignment checks are made.

Permanent Bolted Connection:

Insert high-strength friction-grip bolts through the mating holes in the beam and the bearing's top plate.

Tighten all bolts to the specified pre-tension (torque) in the correct sequence to ensure a rigid, slip-critical connection.

Key Consideration: Strict adherence to bolt tightening procedures is essential to achieve the required clamping force and connection stiffness.

Universal Final Verification (All Types)

Regardless of the superstructure type, a final check is mandatory:

Verify final position, level, and alignment.

Confirm unobstructed movement capability for sliding/guided types.

Ensure all bolts are torqued or all grout has cured.

Your Technical Support Package

We ensure successful installation through:

Structure-Specific Installation Drawings: Detailed plans for your exact beam type and bearing model.

Comprehensive Method Statements: Step-by-step guides tailored to cast-in-place, precast, or steel construction.

Real-Time Technical Support: Direct access to our engineers for clarification during critical installation phases.

Download the specific guide for your project type or contact us for tailored drawings.



From a structural perspective: Pot bearings utilize a pot-shaped sealing structure, making them more suitable for long-term stability requirements under complex working conditions; while disc bearings primarily use a disc-shaped structure, focusing on lightweight installation scenarios.

In terms of load-bearing capacity: Pot bearings are suitable for high-load scenarios and can meet the heavy-load requirements of large-span bridges; disc bearings are more suitable for medium-to-low load scenarios and are mostly used in small and medium-span structures.

Regarding rotational angle capability: Pot bearings support larger rotational angles, making them suitable for bridge types with large beam deformations; the rotational angle range of disc bearings is relatively limited, making them more suitable for conventional deformation scenarios.

In terms of applicable bridge types: Pot bearings are commonly used in large-span highway bridges, railway bridges, and urban elevated bridges; disc bearings are mostly used in small and medium-span municipal bridges, pedestrian bridges, and other lightweight structures.

In terms of customization flexibility: Pot bearings support full-dimensional structural and parameter customization, allowing them to match specific project requirements; the customization dimensions of disc bearings are relatively concentrated on basic specification adjustments.

Application Scenarios

Highway Bridge

Highway Bridges

Ideal for highway overpasses and interchange bridges with moderate spans and loads.

Railway Bridge

Railway Bridges

Suitable for railway viaducts requiring vibration isolation and load distribution.

Urban Viaduct

Urban Viaducts

Perfect for elevated roads and urban transit systems in city environments.

Pedestrian Bridge

Pedestrian Bridges

Cost-effective solution for footbridges and light-duty crossing structures.

Technical Documents

Product Datasheet

Complete specifications and dimensions

PDF • 2.4 MB
Download

Installation Guide

Step-by-step installation instructions

PDF • 3.1 MB
Download

CAD Drawings

AutoCAD DWG files for design integration

DWG • 1.8 MB
Download

Test Certificates

Quality and performance test reports

PDF • 1.5 MB
Download

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Need Custom Specifications?

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