Bearings - Bridges

Bearing solutions for Bridge construction and rehabilitation

Bridge bearings are critical components that allow for controlled movement and load transfer between superstructures and substructures. Whether accommodating thermal expansion, seismic displacement, or long-term structural shifts, properly designed and installed bearings ensure the durability and safety of bridges. VSL offers a full suite of bearing solutions for new bridge construction and rehabilitation, tailored to complex geometries, loads, and environmental conditions. 

The Role of Bearings in Bridge Engineering

Bearings are designed to absorb structural movements while transferring loads from the bridge deck to the supporting piers and abutments. In modern bridge construction, they perform key functions:

They ensure that bridge decks can expand, contract, and rotate freely under traffic and environmental loads, preventing restraint-induced stresses.

Bearings isolate superstructures from substructures, reducing the transmission of stresses generated by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, or seismic events.

By accommodating movement and limiting force transfer, bearings help maintain alignment, reduce fatigue on structural components, and extend the service life of the bridge.

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VSL’s Bearings Services

At the construction stage, VSL is able to provide the design, manufacturing and installation of heavy, bespoke mechanical bearings. This turnkey solution saves time and money by reducing the number of interfaces between supply and construction. 

Design and Engineering

VSL develops tailor-made bearing designs to match the specific movement, load, and durability requirements of each bridge project. Our solutions comply with international bridge design standards and project-specific codes.

Supply and Manufacturing

Through in-house and qualified partner facilities, VSL supplies high-performance bearings including:

• Elastomeric bearings (plain, laminated, guided)
• Pot bearings
• Spherical bearings

Materials and manufacturing processes are selected for precision, durability, and ease of installation.

Installation and Replacement

VSL performs bearing installation for new bridges and bearing replacement during bridge upgrades or maintenance works. Services include:

• Lifting and jacking operations
• Installation under live traffic (where applicable)
• Alignment and performance checks
• Painting and corrosion protection
• On-site bearing testing

Why Choose VSL for Bridge Bearings?

  • Proven Bridge Expertise

    Decades of experience in supplying and installing bearings for highway, railway, and metro bridges.

  • Integrated Capabilities

    Ability to combine bearing services with lifting, jacking, and structural monitoring.

  • Adaptability

    Capable of working in constrained or operational environments.

  • Quality and Traceability

    Strict control of material, geometry, and performance, supported by documentation and factory testing.

FAQs about BRIDGE BEARINGS

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

VSL supplies elastomeric, pot, and spherical bearings. Each type is selected based on structural movement and load conditions.

Yes. VSL has extensive experience in bearing replacement, including lifting/jacking operations and installation under live traffic.

All bearings are designed and manufactured to meet EN, AASHTO, and relevant project-specific standards.

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Planning a bridge bearings project?

Let’s talk about how VSL can support you.