POD Bridge Bearings
Meet high-speed rail and other structures requiring high rotation design parameters with modified Disktron Bearings
For Tighter Tolerances
POD bridge bearings utilize the Disktron Bearing, modified to meet the tighter tolerance design parameters required for the higher braking and traction loads seen in high-speed rail applications. Like the Disktron Bearing, this variation is maintenance-free, durable, aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective.
POD
Higher Braking & Traction Loads
Using Disktron Bearing System technology, the POD bearing design incorporates tighter tolerance design parameters to handle the higher braking and traction loads seen in high speed rail applications.
Rotation In Any Direction
The POD bearing’s lower bearing plate has a machined recess for the Polytron disc. This disc does not require a sealing ring and can be designed to accommodate vertical loads from 10 to 10,000 kips while maintaining its ability to provide rotation in any direction.
Then, the Shear Resisting Mechanism (SRM), a machined shear pin, is lowered onto the disc. The disc is finished with recessed and bonded PTFE, which offers a low-friction interface for the polished stainless steel-finished sole plate.
POD Bearing Features
The POD bridge bearing from RJ Watson offers bridge engineers and owners:
- Rotation capacity in excess of 0.08 radians
- Low vertical deflection for single and multi-span structures
- Ability to handle ultra-high braking and traction forces
- Accommodation of live to dead load ratios, as well as high vertical and horizontal loads
- Tight control of structure’s horizontal displacement
RJ Watson’s POD bearings can be modified for fixed or expansion capabilities.
Fixed Bearings
Expansion Bearings
Design and Test Your Bearings
The experienced engineers at RJ Watson can help you find the right bearings for your project with our no cost, no obligation design services, as well as our extensive testing capabilities.
FEATURED PROJECT
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
This spectacular Santiago Calatrava designed bridge required bearings with rotations on the order of 8% which is beyond the capacity of most devices. As a result Disktron Bearings modified for high rotations also known as Pod Bearings were utilized to provide this capability.
When the experts have questions, they turn to
RJ Watson
RJ Watson works with engineers, contractors and owners to create bridges and highways that reliably serve their communities while simultaneously solving engineering challenges. RJ Watson is available to work with you to create a cost effective solution for your specific project.