Bearing Replacement on Highway Structures

Bridge bearings are structural devices installed between a bridge’s substructure and superstructure to transfer applied loads, including earthquake loads, wind loads, traffic loads, and the self-weight of the superstructure. They also accommodate relative movements between the superstructure and substructure, such as rotational movements and translational movements in both horizontal and transverse directions. Bearings used in bridge construction are typically classified into two main categories: expansion bearings and fixed bearings. Expansion bearings allow both translational and rotational movements, whereas fixed bearings permit rotational movements and limited translational movements.

The presentation, Bearing Replacement on Highway Structures, will cover the reasons for replacing bearings and provide an overview of the different types of bearings. It will address typical constraints affecting temporary works for jacking operations, challenges associated with installing temporary works, the removal of existing bearings, and the use of movement monitoring systems. The presentation will also explain the installation of new bearings, including the selection of grouts and flowable concretes commonly used in the process.

The presentation will highlight the works carried out on the A35 viaducts into Southampton, demonstrating the high level of precision and monitoring required when replacing all the bearings on this bridge deck.