Pot Bridge Bearings

Pot bridge bearings are structural components designed to support large vertical loads while accommodating limited rotational and horizontal movements in bridges and heavy structures. Comprising a steel pot, an elastomeric disc, and a piston, these bearings transfer vertical loads through confined elastomeric compression while allowing rotational movement due to the deformation of the elastomeric disc. Pot bridge bearings are widely used in highway bridges, railway bridges, and other infrastructure where high vertical load capacity, durability, and minimal maintenance are required. Their robust design ensures stable performance under heavy loads and temperature variations, making them ideal for long-span bridges and structures requiring reliable load distribution and movement accommodation.

Aohong manufactures Pot Bearings designed to handle combined vertical loads, horizontal forces, and multi-directional rotations in bridge structures. Each unit consists of a steel pot, elastomeric pad, stainless steel sliding plate, and sealing ring, enabling the bearing to accommodate rotations up to 0.03 radians and displacements of ±50 mm to ±300 mm. These bearings are widely used in highway and railway bridges, long-span bridges, and cable-stayed bridges where high load capacity and minimal maintenance are required.

Structural Design and Components

Pot Bearings combine a rigid steel pot, elastomeric disc, PTFE sliding surface, and high-strength sealing system to support large vertical reactions exceeding 50,000 kN. The elastomer behaves like a confined fluid under pressure, allowing for controlled rotational movement, while PTFE-stainless steel interfaces enable smooth horizontal sliding. Optional features include guide rails for unidirectional movement and corrosion protection coatings for harsh environments.

Types of Pot Bearings

Fixed Pot Bearings

These bearings allow rotational movement but restrict horizontal displacements. They are commonly used where longitudinal and transverse movement must be controlled.

Guided Sliding Pot Bearings

Designed with edge or center guides, these bearings permit rotation and longitudinal sliding while limiting transverse movement. Standard displacement ranges are ±50 mm to ±250 mm.

Free Sliding Pot Bearings

Allowing both rotational and multi-directional horizontal movements, these bearings are suited for curved or inclined bridges with significant end reactions.