Bridge Bearing Installation

Bridge bearings transfer loads from the deck to the substructure while allowing controlled movement.
Types include elastomeric, pot, spherical, roller, and sliding bearings depending on the bridge design.
Bearings are precision-engineered components that must be handled carefully to avoid damage to sliding surfaces.
Correct orientation is critical; bearings installed in the wrong direction cannot accommodate design movements.
Bearing plinths must be cast to exact levels and finished to tight surface tolerances before installation.
Lifting bearings requires rated slings and a lift plan; even small bearings can weigh several hundred kilograms.
Temporary restraints or packings are often fitted during installation and must be removed before commissioning.
Grouting beneath bearings transfers the load path and must achieve the specified strength before deck loading.
Contamination of sliding surfaces with grit, mortar, or grout prevents the bearing from functioning correctly.
LOLER 1998 applies to all bearing lifts and PUWER 1998 applies to the installation equipment used.

Structural integrity	Incorrectly installed bearings cause uneven load distribution, cracking, and potential structural failure of the bridge.
Precision required	Even small errors in level, alignment, or orientation prevent the bearing from functioning and require costly replacement.
Permanent installation	Bearings are extremely difficult to replace once the deck is in place. Getting it right first time is essential.

Do

Don't

Verify bearing orientation and direction markings match the design drawing exactly.
Cast bearing plinths to the specified level and surface tolerance before installation.
Handle bearings with care using rated slings; protect sliding surfaces from damage.
Remove all temporary restraints and transport packings before the bridge is loaded.
Grout beneath bearings using approved non-shrink grout to the specified strength.
Protect bearing sliding surfaces from grit, mortar, and grout contamination.
Record installation details including orientation, level, and grout test results.
Use a lift plan for all bearing installation lifts regardless of bearing size.
Check bearing levels and alignment immediately after installation and before grouting.
Brief the installation team on the critical tolerances for each bearing type.

DON'T install bearings without checking the orientation matches the design drawing.
DON'T place bearings on plinths that are out of tolerance for level or surface.
DON'T drag bearings across surfaces or allow grit to contact the sliding face.
DON'T load the bridge deck before bearing grout has reached its design strength.
DON'T forget to remove temporary restraints and transport packings after installation.
DON'T contaminate bearing sliding surfaces with mortar, grout, or construction debris.
DON'T force bearings into position if they do not align; check the plinth first.
DON'T skip recording orientation, level, and grout results for handover documentation.
DON'T store bearings directly on the ground where they can be damaged or contaminated.
DON'T lift bearings without rated slings and an approved lift plan in place.

See also: Bridge Construction Safety Awareness | Bridge Deck Construction

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