Hengshui Aohong Engineering Materials Co., Ltd.
Elastic Sliding Bearings are advanced structural components designed to combine elastic deformation and sliding movement, offering unparalleled adaptability for bridges and buildings under thermal, seismic, or dynamic loads. Integrating the flexibility of Natural Rubber Bearings with low-friction sliding mechanisms, they outperform traditional Laminated Rubber Bearings in scenarios requiring large displacements and precise load distribution.
Structure and Mechanism
The Elastic Sliding Bearing comprises two core layers:
- Elastic Layer: Made of natural rubber or multi-layered Laminated Rubber Bearings, this layer absorbs vertical loads and accommodates rotations.
- Sliding Layer: A polished stainless steel plate paired with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) sheet enables smooth horizontal movement with minimal friction.
Working Principle:
- Under vertical loads, the elastic layer compresses to distribute forces evenly.
- Horizontal displacements (e.g., thermal expansion) trigger sliding at the PTFE interface, reducing stress on the structure.
- Compared to High Damping Rubber Bearings (HDRB), which prioritize energy dissipation, Elastic Sliding Bearings focus on balancing load capacity with controlled multidirectional movement.
Real-World Applications
- Seismic Retrofit of City Viaduct (Japan, 2019):
- Challenge: Existing Laminated Rubber Bearings could not handle post-earthquake residual displacements.
- Solution: Elastic Sliding Bearings with replaceable PTFE layers were installed, allowing ±300 mm sliding capacity.
- Result: Enhanced seismic resilience and reduced maintenance costs by 40%.
- Long-Span Arch Bridge (China, 2021):
- Challenge: Required bearings to support 15,000 kN loads while accommodating ±150 mm thermal shifts.
- Solution: Hybrid system combining Elastic Sliding Bearings (for movement) and HDRB (for damping).
- Result: Achieved optimal performance under both static and dynamic conditions.
Advantages
- Dual Functionality: Elasticity + Sliding for complex load-displacement demands.
- Durability: PTFE layers resist wear, extending service life.
- Customization: Compatible with Natural Rubber Bearings or HDRB in hybrid designs.
Elastic Sliding Bearings bridge the gap between conventional rubber-based systems and modern engineering needs, ensuring safety and longevity in demanding infrastructures.
