Guided Pot Bearing

A guided pot bearing is a specialized type of structural bearing that allows movement in only one direction, thanks to a steel guide edge. Constructed with a high-strength steel body, this bearing is tailored to manage large vertical loads and accommodate rotational displacements in structures like bridges. The inclusion of stainless steel and PTFE slides minimizes friction, making it well-suited for settings with relatively low horizontal loads.

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How Guided Pot Bearings Work  
Guided pot bearings consist of a top steel plate, stainless steel slide, PTFE slide, convex plate, curved PTFE, and a concave plate. The convex and concave plates slide against each other, enabling necessary rotations at beam ends. By incorporating the stainless steel and PTFE slides, friction is significantly reduced, ensuring smooth movement for handling expansion and contraction. The steel guide edge restricts movement to a single direction, allowing precise control over longitudinal or transverse displacements. Guided pot bearings are thus ideal for structures requiring vertical load handling with limited horizontal load exposure.

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Key Features
- Single-direction movement control  
- High vertical load capacity 
- Facilitates large rotational displacements 
- Low-friction sliding surfaces for smooth movement  
- Durable stainless steel design for long-term use  
- Suitable for low temperatures 
- Cost-effective due to minimal maintenance requirements

 

Applications  
1. Curved Bridges: Bridges with curved alignments often require guided pot bearings to maintain proper alignment and prevent lateral shifting during thermal expansion and seismic events.  
2. Long-Span Bridges: In long-span bridges, guided pot bearings are used to handle the complex movements and loads that arise due to the bridge's length.  
3. Highway Overpasses: Structures such as highway overpasses can benefit from guided pot bearings' ability to accommodate thermal and structural movements while preventing misalignment.