Bearings - Buildings

Bearing solutions for Buildings construction and rehabilitation

Structural bearings are critical components that ensure the controlled transfer of loads between a superstructure and its supporting elements. In buildings, VSL’s bearing solutions support vertical and horizontal movements, accommodate rotations, and protect structural integrity under dynamic actions such as seismic events or thermal expansion. From initial design to installation and replacement, VSL provides expert bearing solutions tailored to each building’s specific needs. 

The Role of Bearings in Building Construction

Bearings enable safe load transfer between a building’s superstructure and its supporting elements while accommodating natural movements caused by temperature, wind, seismic forces, and long-term deformation. In modern building construction, they help maintain alignment, reduce internal stresses, and protect structural components throughout the building’s service life.

Bearings facilitate the transfer of vertical and horizontal loads from superstructures to substructures. Properly designed and installed bearings prevent localized overstressing and structural damage. 

Building structures are subject to thermal expansion, seismic activity, wind loads, and foundation settlement. Bearings accommodate these movements while maintaining alignment and stability. 

By reducing internal stress concentrations, bearings help extend the lifespan of critical structural elements. They can also be replaced or serviced during a building’s operational life, improving lifecycle management. 

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VSL’s Bearing Services

VSL provides end-to-end bearing solutions for building structures, ensuring safe load transfer and reliable movement control throughout the building’s life cycle. From engineering support to certified supply and on-site installation, our teams help designers and contractors select, integrate, and maintain the right bearing systems for each project’s structural and environmental requirements.

Design and Technical Support

VSL collaborates with structural engineers and architects to specify bearing types and configurations adapted to building loads, movements, and constraints.

Supply of Certified Bearing Solutions

VSL supplies a range of elastomeric, pot, spherical, and sliding bearings that comply with international and local standards, including EN 1337 and AASHTO specifications.

Installation and Replacement

Our specialists handle on-site bearing installation, alignment, and stress testing. VSL also provides bearing inspection and replacement services for existing buildings.

Custom Engineering for Complex Projects

For buildings requiring advanced bearing behavior, such as seismic isolation or high-load transfer, VSL delivers engineered solutions with documented performance.

Why Choose VSL for Building Bearings?

  • Decades of Bearing Expertise

    VSL has a long-standing track record in bearing supply and installation for infrastructure and building projects worldwide.

  • Comprehensive Offer from Design to Maintenance

    Our offering spans feasibility, design, manufacturing, logistics, installation, monitoring, and replacement, ensuring consistency and performance throughout the bearing’s lifecycle.

  • High-Performance, Certified Products

    VSL bearings meet stringent quality and compliance requirements. We ensure traceability, testing, and documentation on all supplied units.

FAQs about Building Bearings

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

VSL supplies elastomeric bearings, pot bearings, spherical bearings, and sliding bearings adapted to structural and movement requirements.

Replacement may be required if bearings are damaged, worn, or no longer function as designed, typically identified during inspections or major renovations.

Yes. VSL designs and supplies isolation systems, including seismic bearings, in compliance with applicable building codes and performance specifications.

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Looking to integrate high-performance bearings into your building project?

Contact VSL for tailored engineering support and certified solutions.