Slide bearings for the construction industry

PTFE slide bearings are an essential element in buildings with steel skeleton structures that require the use of movement and expansion joints. Movement can occur because of expansions and contractions due to temperature changes, high winds or seismic movements, or because of the way different materials react with each other resulting in shifting. Slide bearings are commonly used by the construction industry, in bridge bearings and pedestrian footbridges.?

When designing bespoke slide bearings, there are a number of factors to be taken into account. These include the weight and load of the structure, its function and rigidity, the operating environment, if there are any special conditions that will affect the slide bearings, as well as the type of adhesive needed.?

Slide bearing plates to allow for longitudinal movement

Our client asked us to help out with slide bearing plates that were needed in the construction of a new special needs school. The bearings were required to facilitate longitudinal movement joints between the steel column stubs and steel beams which were holding up a concrete plank roof. The slide bearings therefore needed to be strong enough to withstand the load and pressure on them, with a sliding mechanism that minimised resistance and maximised efficiency.?

The client had another challenge for us too - time. To keep the project on schedule, they needed a company that could produce high quality bespoke slide bearings in a very short timeframe. We always strive to accommodate shorter timeframes for clients, without compromising the high quality of our work, and as a result, were able to supply the client with the slide bearings they needed and in a timely manner.?

The stainless steel plates of the sliding mechanism were coated with reinforced AF115/SS316 Slide Bearing pads to provide a reliable and durable bearing surface. A low coefficient of friction was necessary to ensure the efficient operation of the sliding mechanism, enabling us to minimise resistance and maximise performance.?

Our slide bearings were approved by the client’s structural engineer, and manufactured and delivered within the promised timescale, which enabled the client’s work to stay on schedule.?

Bespoke slide bearings?

We have been designing and creating bespoke slide bearings for many years. Our clients include the oil & gas industry, construction companies, and our slide bearings can be found in car parks, hospitals, bridges, schools and stadiums around the UK, including the Olympic Park in Stratford.?

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss slide bearings for your project, whatever your need and whatever your timescale.?

#PTFEslidebearings?