Schaeffler has recently supplied maintenance-free Elgoglide plain bearings for the moveable bridge sections of the Barcelona Harbour Bridge in Spain.

The Elgoglide plain bearings are low-friction, dry-running, high load capacity bearings that support each of the bridge sections, which weigh around 2,000 tonnes and are 70 metres in length.

Elgoglide bearings are ideal for supporting oscillating motion, as their dynamic load ratings are very high relative to their weight.

Elgoglide is a PTFE fabric that consists of Teflon and support fibres, as well as a resin matrix and adhesive on the steel support body.

The result is a balanced combination of high load capacity, excellent wear and friction behaviour and excellent dry-running characteristics.

Schaeffler's Elgoglide bearings are also used in other types of bridge, including balance, suspension, swing, vertical lift and hydraulic bridges.

In the UK for example, Schaeffler supplied the main pivot bearing assembly on the swing bridge at Preston Docks.

The bearing assembly comprises a spherical plain thrust bearing, used as the main pivot, complete with a steel fabricated housing for the bearing, including seals and attachments to couple with the hydraulic actuators.

Dr Steve Lacey, engineering manager at Schaeffler (UK), said: 'Bearings are often taken for granted, even though they are critical to the performance of the building or structure.

'If the architect or main contractor on the project engages with the bearing supplier early in the design process, advice and guidance can be provided on the most appropriate bearing solution for the application.

'This can save major costs for the contractor in terms of redesign or modification work later on.

'The surrounding structure can influence the behaviour of the bearing and so it is critical that the ion of the bearing is correct.

'Of course, the larger the bearing and the surrounding structure, the higher the project risk if the bearing ion is not taken seriously.' When sourcing bearings for these types of structures, architects need to consider various bearing design criteria, including load ratings, operational safety, the life rating of the bearing and the lifecycle cost of the bearing (including maintenance and servicing costs).

The bearing supplier can help the architect the most appropriate cost-effective bearing solution.

The bearings themselves should be maintenance-free if possible.

A bascule bridge has little time set aside for maintenance work to be carried out, particularly if the bridge is a major traffic route through a city and has to open and close several times a day to enable ships to pass through.

Other News:
India's Bearing Manufacturers Complain of Lax Customs
Elgoglide Bearings Support Barcelona Bridge
Miller Bearings Elects Three New Directors
BSA Welcomes Additional Industry Leaders to Committee Ranks
SKF Launches Intrinsically Safe Vibration Monitor at Offshore Europe 2009
NTN and Nidec Agree to Unwind FDB Production Joint Ventures
SKF Asset Efficiency Optimisation Helps Young’s Seafood Build Long Term Maintenance Strategy
NSK: Rolling Bearings Face Tough Challenges