Structural Bearing Assemblies
D.S. Brown is a worldwide supplier of structural bearing assemblies. With extensive
experience in utilizing the latest technologies, D.S. Brown can efficiently design,
manufacture, and test Versiflex™ high-load multi-rotational
(HLMR), pot-style,
spherical, disc, and elastomeric bearing
assemblies for all types of construction.
Versiflex™ Elastomeric Bearing Assemblies are custom molded using neoprene or natural rubber and are categorized into three basic designs: non-reinforced, laminated and sliding bearing assemblies.
Non-Reinforced Design
Non-reinforced bearing devices are best specified when the load, rotation and horizontal deflection are minimal.
Laminated Design
The addition of internal steel plates (or laminates) increases the vertical load bearing capacity and the amount of horizonal deflection which can be accommodated by the bearing device. Laminated bearing assemblies are molded to any shape or size. The internal steel plates are vulcanize-bonded to alternating layers of elastomer during the molding process.
Sliding Design
For applications where horizontal displacements exceed +/-2 inches(50mm), sliding elastomeric bearing assemblies may provide an economical solution. The addition of a low-friction sliding surface allows a standard laminated elastomeric bearing device to accommodate unlimited horizontal displacement without increasing the height of the bearing assembly.
A slide bearing assembly consists of an upper and lower component. The upper component consists of a steel load plate attached to the superstructure and a polished stainless steel sheet welded to the load plate. The lower component consists of low-friction PTFE bonded to a carbon or stainless steel base plate, bonded to an elastomeric bearing, and bonded to a steel load plate.
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Versiflex™ HLMR Pot Bearing Assemblies are suitable at locations where low-profile, high-load bearing devices are required. Versiflex™ HLMR Pot Bearing Assemblies are especially suited for curved or skewed bridges and other complex structures where the direction of rotation varies or cannot be precisely determined.
Uni - Directional Designs - PMG and PMCG Series
The addition of guide bars to the multi-directional bearing device allows for horizontal movements in a single direction and the capability to resist externally-applied horizontal forces in the orthogonal direction. Orientation of the guide bars in a direction parallel to the structural movement is critical.
The Center-Guided system consists of a single guide bar along the centerline of the bearing assembly. Center-Guided bearing devices are not recommended where the horizontal force exceeds 30 percent of the vertical force.
The Edge-Guided system utilizes two (2) guide bars which are external to the rectangular pot plate. An inverted pot assembly is typically detailed to economically provide uniform bearing along the guide bars.
Fixed bearing assemblies are designed to transmit horizontal forces in any direction through contact between the piston and the inside of the pot wall. Horizontal movement is restricted in all directions while accommodating rotational movement of the bridge superstructure.
The addition of PTFE and stainless steel sliding surface between the piston and the sole plate creates a bearing assembly that allows horizontal movement in any direction. A multi-directional bearing assembly does not resist externally-applied horizontal forces.
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Versiflex™ HLMR Disc Bearing Assemblies consist of an elastomeric disc made of unconfined polyether-urethane polymer to accomodate rotation between two metal plates. The vertical loads are transferred by the elastomeric disc. Horizontal shear forces are transmittted between upper and lower plates by a dowel pin mechanism in the center of the bearing.
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Versiflex™ HLMR Spherical Bearing Assemblies are most commonly utilized at locations where very high vertical loads and/or large structural rotations are present.
Specific Design Features include:
- Use of woven PTFE (Max pressure of 5500 psi)
- Rotation capabilities in excess of +/- 0.03 radians
- Fixed, guided and mobile designs are available
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