What is the function of pot PTFE bearing

1、 Bearing function

Pot PTFE bearing can reliably withstand various loads transmitted from the upper structure of bridges, including dead loads (such as bridge self weight) and live loads (such as vehicles, pedestrians, etc.), and evenly transmit these loads to the lower structure (bridge piers, abutments, etc.), ensuring that the bridge structure will not be damaged due to excessive loads during use.

2、 Adapt to displacement

Longitudinal displacement:

When factors such as temperature changes, concrete shrinkage and creep cause changes in the length of the bridge beam, the bowl shaped support can allow for relative sliding of its sliding surface, allowing the beam to produce a certain displacement in the longitudinal direction (bridge length direction), thereby avoiding excessive stress caused by the beam being constrained.

For example, during the transition of seasons, changes in temperature can cause thermal expansion and contraction of bridge beams. Pot PTFE bearing can adapt to longitudinal expansion and contraction changes, preventing damage to the beam due to temperature stress.

Lateral displacement:

During vehicle operation, especially on curved bridges, the beam will experience lateral displacement due to centrifugal force and other effects. Pot PTFE bearing can adapt to this lateral displacement to a certain extent, ensuring the normal use of the bridge.

In addition, external forces such as earthquakes may also cause lateral displacement of the beam body, and the lateral adaptability of bowl shaped supports can help improve the safety of bridges under disasters such as earthquakes.

Corner:

When a bridge undergoes bending deformation under load, there will be turning angles at both ends of the beam. The bowl shaped support can adapt to such angular changes, making the connection between the beam and the lower structure more flexible and reducing the additional stress caused by angular constraints.

3、 Shock absorption and isolation effect

Absorption of impact energy:

When a vehicle passes over a bridge, it will have an impact on the bridge. The rubber and other elastic elements in the bowl shaped support can absorb a portion of the impact energy, reduce the impact on the bridge structure, and improve the comfort and durability of the bridge.

In some special situations, such as earthquakes, emergency braking of heavy vehicles, etc., the damping effect of bowl bearings is particularly important, which can effectively reduce the vibration and damage of bridge structures.

Isolation vibration transmission:

Pot PTFE bearing can to some extent isolate the transmission of vibration from the lower structure (such as bridge piers and abutments) to the upper structure of the bridge, reducing the vibration response of the upper structure of the bridge. This is very important for some vibration sensitive bridge structures, such as high-speed railway bridges, large-span bridges, etc., which can improve the safety and comfort of driving.

4、 Ensure the stability of the bridge

Limit excessive displacement of the beam body:

Although bowl shaped supports allow for displacement of the beam within a certain range, they can also limit excessive displacement of the beam through reasonable design, preventing instability such as overturning and sliding of the beam.

For example, in the design of pot bearings, limit devices are usually installed. When the displacement of the beam exceeds a certain limit, the limit device will play a role in restricting further displacement of the beam and ensuring the stability of the bridge.

Coordinate the deformation of various parts of the bridge:

Due to the influence of various factors during the use of bridge structures, the deformation of different parts may be inconsistent. Pot PTFE bearing can coordinate the deformation of various parts of the bridge, making the overall stress of the bridge more uniform and improving the stability of the bridge.