Bridge bearing solutions that facilitate quick and efficient bearing installation and bridge construction

Abstract

<p>A bridge’s bearings, arguably its most critical components, perform a vital function throughout the bridge’s service life, but the bearings used can also have a significant impact on the bridge construction process. Suitably designed adjustable bearings are an integral part of the incremental launch method of bridge construction, for instance, which can be a very efficient construction method. Adjustable bearings may also support other bridge construction methods, such as segmental bridge construction, where fixities/freedoms that applied during the construction phase require to be changed before the bridge enters service. Lifting bearings, the height of which can be increased, may enable a lack of precision in the structure to be tolerated, and measuring bearings may enable load distribution during bridge construction to be verified, where this is required by the construction method. Design features of otherwise standard bearings that support quick and high-quality installation can also contribute towards the efficiency of the overall bridge construction process, as can the use of bearing designs which minimize bearing size. Bearing solutions and features that facilitate bearing installation and bridge construction in ways such as these are described.</p>