RJ Watson Disktron Bearings have rotational capabilities in both the longitudinal and transverse directions and may be designed for seismic and non-seismic applications
RJ Watson designs and manufactures custom disc bearings with the ability to withstand vertical loads ranging from 10 to 14,000 kips (44.5 kN – 62,275 kN). RJ Watson structural bearing devices have rotational capabilities in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Thousands of RJ Watson bridge bearings have been tested and installed worldwide.
The Disktron Bearing is composed of four fundamental components; the load plates, the upper and lower bearing plates, the shear resisting mechanism (SRM) and a Polytron elastomeric disc. The Polytron disc material is a polyurethane blend conforming to AASHTO Specifications and tested at MCEER. The Disktron Bearing is a low profile alternative to the pot bearing and has a longer service life.
RJ Watson Disktron Bearings were in installed on the prestigious Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
Design Questionnaires
Four Basic Types of Disktron Bearings may be customized for a multitude of applications
Unidirectional
Disktron Bearings have rotational capabilities in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Multidirectional
Multidirectional bearings allow rotation and displacement in any direction
Fixed
Fixed bearings allow rotation in any direction and prevent lateral displacement
Flexible Guided
Flexible guided bridge bearings for curved girder bridges
The Disktron Bearing is composed of four fundamental components; the load plates, the upper and lower bearing plates, the shear resisting mechanism (SRM) and a Polytron elastomeric disc
Features
- The Polytron Disc (rotational element) is not confined, meaning that it can accommodate large, low load rotations, which can be experienced temporarily during erection.
- Vertical load capacity is up to 15,000 kips or more
- Can accommodate all live to dead load ratios
- Rotation capacity in excess of 0.04 radians
- Minimum horizontal load capacity is 10% of the vertical load; much higher loads can be accommodated
- A high allowable compressive stress on the Polytron Disc results in a more compact bearing design
- Separate sole and masonry plates can be attached to bearing plates by bolted, welded or recessed connections
Installation Video
Watch this video of the bearing replacement project on Zilwaukee Bridge in Michigan
RJ Watson provides at no cost or obligation engineering proposal on any project where you are interested in evaluating the benefits of the RJ Watson product line
No Cost/No Obligation Estimates
Our staff of experienced engineers will assist you with your proposals and will work within your tight time constraints.
RJ Watson’s in house operations include a fabrication shop with overhead cranes, heavy lifting capacities, certified welders, weld positioners, media blasting, machine shop and state of the art testing facility.
