Freyssinet’s expertise in the design, fabrication, installation, monitoring and replacement of bearings ensures the optimal selection of the bearing type from the initial design phase through development, guaranteeing seamless integration into the design for successful on-site installation.
A wide range of bearings
Each bearing type can be designed to meet the articulation requirements of the bridge
- Fixed – Restricts movement in all directions.
- Guided-Sliding – Allows movement in one direction while restricting it in the other.
- Free-Sliding – Permits movement in both directions.
All our bearings are custom-made and can be designed and manufactured to meet various standards and specifications, including AS 5100.4 and state-specific requirements.
- Transfers vertical loads
- Transfers horizontal forces in both longitudinal and transverse directions
- Restricts sliding movement in all directions
- Allows rotational movement in all directions
- Transfers vertical loads
- Allows sliding movement in one horizontal direction
- Restricts movement and transfers horizontal forces in the other horizontal direction
- Allows rotational movements
- Transfers vertical loads
- Allows movement in both horizontal directions
- Does not transfer external horizontal forces
- Allows rotational movements
Our solutions
With innovative materials and a wide range of bearing types, Freyssinet offers a comprehensive turnkey solution to meet all project requirements.
Freyssinet offers a range of specialised add-ons to its bearings to address specific structural and environmental requirements, optimise space utilisation, simplify installation, and enable efficient long-term monitoring of the structure.
These specialised add-ons enhance the performance, durability, and functionality of bearings, ensuring optimised performance, extended service life, and cost-effective maintenance for diverse applications, including bridges, buildings, industrial facilities, and other engineered structures.
Bearings play a vital role in bridges and structures by enabling movement and load transfer between components. Over time, factors like environmental exposure, traffic loads, and water ingress can affect their performance. Freyssinet provides expert inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, and replacement services to extend bearing life and maintain structural safety. Our advanced jacking and temporary works solutions ensure minimal disruption during replacement.
Elastomeric bearings serve as flexible connections between structural elements, transmitting vertical loads while accommodating horizontal movements and rotations in any direction within defined limits. As the most commonly used bearings, they provide a cost-effective alternative to mechanical bearings for structures with low load, displacement, and rotation requirements.
Pot bearings accommodate structural rotations through a confined elastomeric disc within a steel pot, providing high vertical stiffness with minimal rotational resistance. They offer a cost-effective solution for structures with high vertical loads and small to moderate horizontal loads, ensuring durability and efficient load transfer.
Spherical bearings are designed to accommodate high vertical loads while allowing large rotational movements with minimal resistance. Their spherical plate enables smooth rotation around multiple axes with low friction, making them ideal for structures requiring high durability and greater rotational capacity than pot bearings. Engineered for long-term performance, they ensure efficient load transfer and structural stability.
Freyssinet’s shear keys (TETRON® SK) and pin keys (TETRON® PK) are designed to transfer large horizontal loads while allowing controlled movement and stability in structures. Shear keys restrict displacement in one direction while allowing rotation, whereas pin keys fully restrain movement in both horizontal directions while permitting rotation. Typically used alongside free-sliding bearings, they help achieve the correct articulation required for optimal structural performance. Built for durability and precision, these components are essential in managing large horizontal loads in bridges, buildings, and other critical infrastructure
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