Spherical Bearing

Gantek Spherical Bearings are engineered to accommodate significant rotational movements—typically up to 0.05 radians (approximately 3 degrees)—making them ideal for bridges with wide spans, curves, or complex geometries. These bearings facilitate the transfer of vertical and horizontal loads between a bridge's superstructure and substructure while allowing for rotations in all directions. The spherical design ensures that load distribution remains even, minimizing localized stresses on the concrete and enhancing the overall durability of the structure.

There are three primary types of spherical bearings: fixed, guided, and free sliding. Fixed bearings permit rotation but restrict all horizontal movements, making them suitable for areas where no lateral displacement is expected. Guided bearings allow movement in one direction while resisting horizontal forces in the perpendicular direction, often used where displacement is anticipated in a specific axis. Free sliding bearings enable movement in all horizontal directions, accommodating complex structural movements. Typically, the horizontal load capacity of spherical bearings—whether fixed or guided—is approximately 10% of their vertical load capacity. However, the Gantek design engineering team can customize these specifications to meet specific project requirements, ensuring optimal performance for each unique application.