Bridge Bearings

Bridge bearings are devices installed between a bridge’s substructure and superstructure. They transfer loads from earthquakes, wind, traffic, and the superstructure’s weight. Bridge bearings allow for relative movements between the superstructure and substructure. These include rotational and translational movements in horizontal and transverse directions. Bridge bearings fall into two categories: expansion bearings and fixed bearings. The former allows both translational and rotational movements. The latter allows rotation and some translation. Several types of bridge bearings have been used in bridge construction.