How to Select Pot Bearing: Technical Parameters, Standards and Applications (2026 Edition)

发布于 2026-10-14

Hengshui Zhanhe Engineering Rubber Co., Ltd. supplies pot bearing and related engineering rubber products to contractors, distributors and infrastructure projects worldwide. For reactions beyond the range of laminated pads, a rubber disc is sealed inside a steel pot. Confined on all sides it carries very high loads while the sliding pair and the disc itself handle movement and rotation.

This article explains the working principle, main types, typical applications, installation points, selection criteria, standards and frequently asked questions about pot bearing, and is intended for engineers, purchasers and project managers.

1. What Is Pot Bearing?

For reactions beyond the range of laminated pads, a rubber disc is sealed inside a steel pot. Confined on all sides it carries very high loads while the sliding pair and the disc itself handle movement and rotation.

Working principle: The product works through elastic deformation and mechanical interlock to provide reliable sealing or load transfer.

2. Main Types

3. Typical Applications

4. Installation and Construction Points

  1. Set out the bearing centre and both axes once the pedestal reaches design strength
  2. Lift the bearing into position, level it and leave 20-50 mm for grout under the base plate
  3. Fill the gap by gravity or pressure grouting and let the grout gain strength before loading
  4. Connect the top plate to the embedded plate, shielding the sliding surfaces from welding heat
  5. Remove the temporary locking bolts and shipping restraints once the girder is seated
  6. Touch up the coating, fit the dust cover and record installation temperature and preset offset

5. Selection Guide

6. Standards and Quality Control

Pot Bearing is manufactured and inspected according to applicable national and industry standards. Hengshui Zhanhe Engineering Rubber Co., Ltd. carries out batch inspection before delivery, and inspection certificates together with third-party test reports (where required by the project) can be provided.

Typical standards applied to this product family include Chinese national and transportation industry standards; equivalent international standards can be referenced upon request.

7. FAQ

Q: Why is a PTFE plate used under the top plate?

A: It forms a low-friction pair with the stainless plate, with a coefficient not exceeding 0.03, so the superstructure slides freely and little thermal force reaches the piers. Check and renew the silicone grease periodically.

Q: What happens if a fixed bearing is installed in the wrong position?

A: The restraint system stops working as designed. Thermal movement has nowhere to go, adding forces to piers and girders, which can crack the pier shaft or shear the anchor bolts. Always check the GD/DX/SX marking and orientation against the drawing and keep a record.

Q: How often is maintenance needed?

A: Inspect exposed steel and coating annually. Every 3-5 years check slide plate wear, seal condition and grease, clean out water and grit, and replace damaged dust covers. Inspect again after earthquakes, vessel impact or overloading.

Q: Can a pot bearing be swapped for a spherical one?

A: They are similar in outline and capacity range, but rotate differently: the pot bearing rotates by uneven compression of the rubber disc, not less than 0.02 rad, while the spherical bearing turns on a curved face up to 0.05 rad. Any substitution has to be checked by the designer against rotation, movement and connection dimensions.

8. Price Factors

Cost comes from steel weight (cast or fabricated), the rubber disc, slide and stainless plates, machining and assembly, protective coating, transport and lifting. At the same capacity a free-sliding unit costs more than a fixed one because of the extra sliding pair and guides, while seismic types add restrainers or damping elements and need a project-specific quotation. A common 5000 kN free-sliding bearing is usually quoted in the range of several thousand to around ten thousand yuan.

Packing: standard export packing (woven bags, pallets or wooden cases). Delivery terms: EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF or DAP as agreed. Payment terms: T/T, L/C or other terms subject to negotiation.

9. Why Work With Hengshui Zhanhe Engineering Rubber Co., Ltd.

10. Contact and Quotation

For specification sheets, samples, pricing or project support, please contact Hengshui Zhanhe Engineering Rubber Co., Ltd.. Email: 150051331@qq.com · Tel/WhatsApp: +86-13833886677 · Factory: No.168, Zhangtuantuo Village, Dengzhuang Town, Taocheng District, Hengshui, Hebei, China. We reply to export enquiries within 24 hours on working days.