EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

EKSPAN
Description

KE series is a range of structural bearings which meets the full

requirements of BS EN1337 Parts 1, 2, and 5, and those of the British
Department of Transport.
They are manufactured to international quality standards.
The standard range comprises multi-axis rotation bearings in Fixed,
Constrained and Free configurations to support loads up to 46000 kN.

Bearing types

KE series bearings are available in three forms 30KE Fixed

31KE Guided - Free to move in one horizontal direction
22KE Free to move in any horizontal direction

Typical 31KE details

Top plate Steel

DU Composite material
Sliding plate Polished Stainless Steel
Planar bearing surface Virgin PTFE
Piston Steel or SG Iron
Piston rings
Rubber pad
Base plate Steel or SG Iron

Attachment

Fixing holes are provided in the top and base members of the bearings.
This enables a variety of fixing methods to be used.
Standard fixings are designed to ensure the bearings can be removed as
simply as possible. See page 10.

Support and Installation

Important - See pages 11 - 14 for Installation and Maintenance.

We offer a range of installation services (see examples on page 15).

Concrete stress

Design loads

KE Series Bearings

Where suitable reinforcement of the concrete has been provided the

allowable concrete stress is dependent on the relative dimensions of the
bearing/structure interface, the total support area and the characteristic
strength of the concrete.The stress on the structure should therefore be
checked to ensure that it is acceptable.

The designation of loadings varies depending on the design code applicable.

The tables show the capabilities determined in accordance with BS EN
1337.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Rotation

Maximum rotation on all our pot bearings range from 0.015 radians
for KE0050 to KE1000, and 0.0125 radians for KE1200 to KE3000
respectively.

Movement

The dimensions for the 31KE (Constrained) and 22KE (Free) bearings
are shown in the tables for the following movements Longitudinal
31KE
22KE

100mm total
100mm total

Transverse
31KE
22KE

NIL (see page 6)

40mm total

Additional movements either in longitudinal or transverse directions,

depending on bearing type whether it is restraint sliding or free sliding,
top plate dimensions will increase accordingly. We will be pleased
to advise.
N.B. 31KE bearings should not be used where movement is
required at right angles to the constraints.
The required movements should be specified in the part number as
described below.
The clearance between the constraints must not be used to
accommodate any structural movement.

Designation of part no.

The part number of a bearing is simply built up as below

eg.
Type Maximum
Movement
Fixings
Working Longitudinal Transverse Top Base
Load
(kN)
(mm)
(mm)
a 30KE
5000
S
S
b 31KE
5000
100
B
S
c 22KE
5000
100
40
N
B
Full part no for

a above is 30KE 500/SS

b above is 31KE 500/100/BS
c above is 22KE 500/100/40/NB

Suffix Letters
By adding a two letter suffix to the bearing part number the type of
fixing may be designated First letter - Top plate fixing
Second letter - Base plate fixing
N - No fixings
B - Bolts and washers only
S - Bolts, washers & sockets
e.g.
/BS signifies B (top plate fixing) Bolts & washers
S (base plate fixing) Bolts, washers & sockets

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

KE Series Bearings

EKSPAN

N.B. If standard KE series fixings are not used, care should be

taken to ensure that bolts can be fitted without dismantling the
bearing.
c denotes a free KE series Pot Bearing of Working load capacity: 5000kN maximum
Movement:
Longitudinal - 100mm total
Transverse - 40mm total
Fixing method:
No fixings in top plate. Bolts in base plate.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

4

EN 1337 - KE Series - Fixed Pot Bearing

30KE

Bearing design loads

Bearings should be selected to suit the appropriate design code.

The maximum vertical and horizontal loads shown in the tables may be
taken in combination.

Horizontal loading

The 30KE fixed bearing will resist a horizontal force acting in any direction.
In order for the bearing to support the maximum horizontal loads stated
in the tables, a minimum concurrent vertical load as shown in the table
must co-exist.
Where higher horizontal load capacities are required, special bearings
can be offered for such requirements.
We will be pleased to advise.

Concrete stress

Where suitable reinforcement of the concrete has been provided the

allowable concrete stress is dependent on the relative dimensions of the
bearing/structure interface, the total support area, and the characteristic
strength of the concrete. The stress on the structure should therefore be
checked to ensure that it is acceptable.

Bearing
No.

30KE0050
30KE0075
30KE0100
30KE0130
30KE0160
30KE0200
30KE0250
30KE0300
30KE0350
30KE0400
30KE0450
30KE0500
30KE0550
30KE0600
30KE0700
30KE0800
30KE0900
30KE1000
30KE1200
30KE1400
30KE1600
30KE1800
30KE2000
30KE2250
30KE2500
30KE3000

Serviceability Limit State Loads

Maximum
Minimum
Vertical Permanent
Vertical Horizontal

Ultimate Limit State Loads

Maximum Minimum
Vertical
Vertical Horizontal

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

653
940
1279
1602
2037
2524
3158
3758
4411
4995
5614
6270
6822
7396
8773
9925
11148
12442
14826
17418
19738
22203
24813
27851
30000
37030

490
705
959
1201
1528
1893
2369
2819
3308
3746
4211
4703
5116
5547
6580
7444
8361
9331
11119
13064
14804
16652
18610
20888
23299
27772

182
242
317
408
492
594
722
869
990
1127
1276
1415
1555
1662
1958
2211
2425
2632
2969
3259
3511
3754
3963
4196
4221
4245

102
146
195
254
307
380
473
560
648
736
819
902
985
1063
1219
1365
1506
1638
1886
2106
2301
2471
2613
2754
2852
2925

816
1175
1599
2002
2546
3155
3948
4698
5514
6244
7018
7838
8527
9245
10966
12406
13935
15552
18532
21773
24673
27754
31016
34814
38831
46287

293
431
589
751
943
1179
1477
1767
2064
2361
2628
2945
3208
3460
4148
4695
5257
5783
6715
7860
8808
9814
10840
11963
13105
16322

136
195
260
338
409
507
630
747
864
981
1092
1202
1313
1417
1625
1820
2008
2184
2515
2808
3068
3295
3484
3672
3802
3900

Rotation
(Radians)
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Installation Dimensions (mm)

Bearing
No.

30KE0050
30KE0075
30KE0100
30KE0130
30KE0160
30KE0200
30KE0250
30KE0300
30KE0350
30KE0400
30KE0450
30KE0500
30KE0550
30KE0600
30KE0700
30KE0800
30KE0900
30KE1000
30KE1200
30KE1400
30KE1600
30KE1800
30KE2000
30KE2250
30KE2500
30KE3000

30KE

Bearing
Weight
(kg)
WT

190
219
258
293
332
371
419
461
502
534
568
600
632
660
709
752
808
852
933
1008
1070
1130
1186
1250
1312
1426

267
295
355
390
428
488
536
597
638
670
740
771
803
832
880
948
1004
1048
1164
1239
1301
1396
1453
1517
1579
1692

200
220
265
290
317
362
396
442
471
494
549
571
594
614
648
699
739
770
858
911
955
1028
1068
1113
1157
1237

160
180
215
240
267
302
336
372
401
424
459
481
504
524
558
599
639
670
738
791
835
888
928
973
1017
1097

12
12
16
16
16
20
20
24
24
24
30
30
30
30
30
36
36
36
42
42
42
48
48
48
48
48

12
12
16
16
16
20
20
24
24
24
30
30
30
30
30
36
36
36
42
42
42
48
48
48
48
48

66
69
76
80
82
89
92
100
107
111
119
122
124
125
133
145
151
155
166
173
178
191
197
204
209
218

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

14
14
18
18
18
22
22
26
26
26
32
32
32
32
32
38
38
38
44
44
44
50
50
50
50
50

30
35
40
40
40
50
50
60
60
60
70
75
75
80
80
90
90
100
110
110
120
120
120
120
120
120

30
35
40
40
40
50
50
60
60
60
70
75
75
80
80
90
90
100
110
110
120
120
120
120
120
120

35
35
40
40
40
50
50
55
55
55
70
70
70
70
70
80
80
80
105
105
105
120
120
120
120
120

110
110
140
140
140
170
170
200
200
200
240
240
240
240
240
300
300
300
360
360
360
410
410
410
410
410

13
17
27
36
46
64
82
108
137
160
196
224
246
270
337
412
482
560
727
873
1007
1211
1369
1558
1781
2123

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

EN 1337 - KE Series - Fixed Pot Bearing

Note: M = Length of base screw, N = Length of top screw.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

6

EN 1337 - KE Series - Sliding Bearing

31KE

Bearing design loads

Bearings should be selected to suit the appropriate design code.

The maximum vertical and horizontal loads shown in the tables may be
taken incombination.

Horizontal loading

The 31KE guided bearing will resist a horizontal force acting at right
angles to the main direction of movement.
In order for the bearing to support the maximum horizontal loads stated
in the tables, a minimum concurrent vertical load as shown in the table
must co-exist.
Where higher horizontal load capacities are required, special bearings
can be offered for such requirements. We will be pleased to advise.

Transverse movement

31KE bearings are designed to accommodate movement in one direction

only. Movement transverse to the constraint is nominally zero. In practice
the transverse movement is 1mm maximum. Standard 31KE bearings
should not be used where movement is required at right angles to the
constraint. Special bearings can be offered for such requirements.

Concrete stress

Where suitable reinforcement of the concrete has been provided the

allowable concrete stress is dependent on the relative dimensions of the
bearing/structure interface, the total support area, and the characteristic
strength of the concrete. The stress on the structure should therefore be
checked to ensure that it is acceptable.

Bearing
No.

31KE0050
31KE0075
31KE0100
31KE0130
31KE0160
31KE0200
31KE0250
31KE0300
31KE0350
31KE0400
31KE0450
31KE0500
31KE0550
31KE0600
31KE0700
31KE0800
31KE0900
31KE1000
31KE1200
31KE1400
31KE1600
31KE1800
31KE2000
31KE2250
31KE2500
31KE3000

Serviceability Limit State Loads

Maximum
Minimum
Vertical Permanent
Vertical Horizontal

Ultimate Limit State Loads

Maximum Minimum
Vertical
Vertical Horizontal

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

653
940
1279
1602
2037
2524
3158
3758
4411
4995
5614
6270
6822
7396
8773
9925
11148
12442
14826
17418
19738
22203
24813
27851
30000
37030

490
705
959
1201
1528
1893
2369
2819
3308
3746
4211
4703
5116
5547
6580
7444
8361
9331
11119
13064
14804
16652
18610
20888
23299
27772

297
424
566
720
894
1112
1391
1656
1929
2200
2446
2732
2982
3207
3808
4298
4791
5242
6060
7043
7869
8727
9575
10506
11441
12934

102
146
195
254
307
380
473
560
648
736
819
902
985
1063
1219
1365
1506
1638
1886
2106
2301
2471
2613
2754
2852
2925

816
1175
1599
2002
2546
3155
3948
4698
5514
6244
7018
7838
8527
9245
10966
12406
13935
15552
18532
21773
24673
27754
31016
34814
38831
46287

293
431
589
751
943
1179
1477
1767
2064
2361
2628
2945
3208
3460
4148
4695
5257
5783
6715
7860
8808
9814
10840
11963
13105
16322

136
195
260
338
409
507
630
747
864
981
1092
1202
1313
1417
1625
1820
2008
2184
2515
2808
3068
3295
3484
3672
3802
3900

Rotation
(Radians)
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Installation Dimensions (mm)

Bearing
No.

31KE0050
31KE0075
31KE0100
31KE0130
31KE0160
31KE0200
31KE0250
31KE0300
31KE0350
31KE0400
31KE0450
31KE0500
31KE0550
31KE0600
31KE0700
31KE0800
31KE0900
31KE1000
31KE1200
31KE1400
31KE1600
31KE1800
31KE2000
31KE2250
31KE2500
31KE3000

31KE

Bearing
Weight
(kg)
WT

190
219
258
293
332
371
419
461
502
534
568
600
632
660
709
752
808
852
933
1008
1070
1130
1186
1250
1312
1426

230
250
290
325
365
405
460
505
545
575
610
640
675
700
750
795
860
905
985
1060
1120
1180
1240
1300
1365
1480

350
380
405
430
460
485
530
560
585
610
635
660
675
700
750
795
860
905
985
1060
1120
1180
1240
1300
1365
1480

188
208
236
271
311
339
394
427
467
497
514
544
579
604
654
681
746
791
853
928
988
1030
1090
1150
1215
1330

308
338
351
376
406
419
464
482
507
532
539
564
579
604
654
681
746
791
853
928
988
1030
1090
1150
1215
1330

160
180
215
240
267
302
336
372
401
424
459
481
504
524
558
599
639
670
738
791
835
888
928
973
1017
1097

12
12
16
16
16
20
20
24
24
24
30
30
30
30
30
36
36
36
42
42
42
48
48
48
48
48

32
32
32
33
34
35
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
43
44
46
52
54
61
67
71
76
77
80
82
87

90
93
96
101
104
108
113
118
126
131
134
138
141
142
151
159
171
177
189
202
211
223
230
240
247
261

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

14
14
18
18
18
22
22
26
26
26
32
32
32
32
32
38
38
38
44
44
44
50
50
50
50
50

30
30
40
40
40
50
50
60
60
60
80
80
80
80
80
90
90
90
110
110
110
120
120
120
120
120

50
50
55
60
60
65
65
80
80
80
90
90
90
90
90
100
110
110
120
130
130
150
150
150
150
160

35
35
40
40
40
50
50
55
55
55
70
70
70
70
70
80
80
80
105
105
105
120
120
120
120
120

110
110
140
140
140
170
170
200
200
200
240
240
240
240
240
300
300
300
360
360
360
410
410
410
410
410

28
35
47
60
76
96
126
155
191
220
252
286
319
347
422
501
633
728
940
1171
1376
1624
1834
2107
2379
2951

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

EN 1337 - KE Series - Sliding Bearing

Note: M = Length of base screw, N = Length of top screw.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

8

EN 1337 - KE Series - Free Sliding Bearing

22KE

Bearing design loads

Bearings should be selected to suit the appropriate design code.

If in doubt seek our advice.

Concrete stress

Where suitable reinforcement of the concrete has been provided the

allowable concrete stress is dependent on the relative dimensions of the
bearing/structure interface, the total support area, and the characteristic
strength of the concrete.The stress on the structure should therefore be
checked to ensure that it is acceptable.

Bearing
No.

22KE0050
22KE0075
22KE0100
22KE0130
22KE0160
22KE0200
22KE0250
22KE0300
22KE0350
22KE0400
22KE0450
22KE0500
22KE0550
22KE0600
22KE0700
22KE0800
22KE0900
22KE1000
22KE1200
22KE1400
22KE1600
22KE1800
22KE2000
22KE2250
22KE2500
22KE3000

Serviceability Limit State Loads

Maximum
Minimum
Vertical
Permanent
Vertical

Ultimate Limit State Loads

Maximum
Minimum
Vertical
Vertical

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

(kN)

612
881
1199
1502
1910
2366
2961
3524
4136
4683
5264
5879
6395
6934
8225
9305
10451
11664
13899
16330
18505
20816
23262
26111
29123
34715

408
588
800
1001
1273
1578
1974
2349
2757
3122
3509
3919
4264
4623
5483
6203
6968
7776
9266
10887
12337
13877
15508
17407
19416
23144

198
214
289
366
467
574
709
837
970
1085
1201
1338
1452
1569
1858
2097
2351
2619
3049
3550
4019
4505
5030
5624
6264
7434

816
1175
1599
2002
2546
3155
3948
4698
5514
6244
7018
7838
8527
9245
10966
12406
13935
15552
18532
21773
24673
27754
31016
34814
38831
46287

247
267
361
458
584
717
887
1046
1213
1356
1501
1672
1815
1961
2322
2621
2939
3274
3811
4438
5023
5631
6288
7030
7830
9293

Rotation
(Radians)
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.015
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125
0.0125

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Installation Dimensions (mm)

Bearing
No.

22KE0050
22KE0075
22KE0100
22KE0130
22KE0160
22KE0200
22KE0250
22KE0300
22KE0350
22KE0400
22KE0450
22KE0500
22KE0550
22KE0600
22KE0700
22KE0800
22KE0900
22KE1000
22KE1200
22KE1400
22KE1600
22KE1800
22KE2000
22KE2250
22KE2500
22KE3000

22KE

Bearing
Weight
(kg)
WT

190
219
258
293
332
371
419
461
502
534
568
600
632
660
709
752
808
852
933
1008
1070
1130
1186
1250
1312
1426

247
274
302
330
364
400
446
490
529
559
591
621
651
677
723
763
816
857
944
1014
1072
1129
1181
1241
1300
1407

307
334
362
390
416
445
480
518
550
578
608
633
653
677
723
763
816
857
944
1014
1072
1129
1181
1241
1300
1407

212
239
257
285
319
345
391
425
464
494
511
541
571
597
643
668
721
762
834
904
962
1004
1056
1116
1175
1282

272
299
317
345
371
390
425
453
485
513
528
553
573
597
643
668
721
762
834
904
962
1004
1056
1116
1175
1282

160
180
215
240
267
302
336
372
401
424
459
481
504
524
558
599
639
670
738
791
835
888
928
973
1017
1097

12
12
16
16
16
20
20
24
24
24
30
30
30
30
30
36
36
36
42
42
42
48
48
48
48
48

16
18
20
24
28
31
35
38
41
42
43
45
49
51
52
54
61
63
69
72
76
78
80
81
83
87

74
79
84
92
98
104
111
118
128
133
136
141
147
150
160
168
181
187
198
208
217
226
234
242
249
262

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

14
14
18
18
18
22
22
26
26
26
32
32
32
32
32
38
38
38
44
44
44
50
50
50
50
50

30
30
40
40
40
50
50
60
60
60
70
70
70
70
70
90
90
90
100
100
100
120
120
120
120
120

35
40
45
50
50
60
65
70
80
80
90
90
90
100
100
110
110
120
130
130
140
150
150
150
150
160

35
35
40
40
40
50
50
55
55
55
70
70
70
70
70
80
80
80
105
105
105
120
120
120
120
120

110
110
140
140
140
170
170
200
200
200
240
240
240
240
240
300
300
300
360
360
360
410
410
410
410
410

19
26
36
50
67
87
117
149
190
219
252
289
333
369
444
523
654
749
963
1166
1367
1578
1786
2030
2287
2813

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

EN 1337 - KE Series - Free Sliding Bearing

Note: M = Length of base screw, N = Length of top screw.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

Standard Fixings for KE Series Bearings

KE Series fixings - with studs

KE Series fixings - with socket

Concrete

Sub-Plate
Stud

With steel to steel connections bolting or welding

of Ekspan sub-plates is possible.

Notations to dimensional references for bearing diagrams

A - Base plate square dimension
- length or breadth of base plate (square dimension - mm)
B - Width of top plate (mm)
C - Length of top plate (mm)
D - Transverse width between the fixings on top plate (mm)
E - Longitudinal length between the fixings on top plate (mm)
F - Longitudinal / transverse distance between the fixings on
base plate (square dimension - mm)
G - Lug thickness of base plate (mm)

Lug thickness of top plate (mm)

Overall height of the nominal bearing (mm)
Hole diameter of the fixings on top and base plate
No. of fixings on top and base plate
Length and breadth of base sub plate
(square dimension - mm)
N - Thickness of base or top sub plate (mm)
O - Diameter of top/base socket (mm)
P - Length of top/base socket (mm)
H
J
K
L
M

GOOD
INSTALLATION

Mechanical guide bearing and upper adaptor plate

correctly installed.
All bearing interfacing surfaces are horizontal.
All surfaces are free from contaminants.

BAD
INSTALLATION

Bearing incorrectly installed.

Over rotation due to poor grout bed. Fastners not
tightened. Additional washers used as packers.
Void between top plate and super structure.
Stainless steel sliding surface painted on site.
10

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Installation

KE Series

CONSIDER THE EFFECTS IF BEARINGS ARE NOT

CORRECTLY INSTALLED
Our structural bearings are manufactured to close tolerances by
skilled technicians working in clean conditions. To obtain the
requisite performance from bearings it is imperative that they are
properly handled at the work site and installed with the same
care as when they were assembled in the factory. The following
notes will assist those responsible for specifying and supervising
the installation of structural bearings.
Please note that Ekspan are able to provide installation,
supervision or training of personnel.
Bearings must be installed with precision to meet the bridge
and bearing design criteria.

Storage

Our structural bearings are protected from contamination under

normal working conditions by an efficient sealing system. Care
should be taken in storage to prevent contamination and damage
to the working surfaces. Stacking should be avoided where
possible.

Correct

Handling

Incorrect

Robust transportation devices are fitted to all bearings to ensure

that the components are maintained in their correct relative
positions before and during installation. The devices are normally
finished in red paint. Unless special devices have been specified,
they should not be used for slinging or suspending the bearings
beneath beams.
Due to unpredictable conditions, which may occur during
transportation or handling on site, the alignment and presetting
(if applicable) of the assembled bearing should be checked
against the drawing. Do not endeavour to rectify any
discrepancies on site. The bearing should either be returned to
Ekspan or, where practical, an Ekspan engineer should be called
in to inspect and reassemble. Bearings too heavy to be lifted by
hand should be properly slung using lifting equipment.

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

Handling, Storage, Installation and Maintenance

Sling
around
bearing

Correct

Incorrect

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

11

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

12

Handling, Storage, Installation and Maintenance

KE Series

Presetting

If bearings are required to be preset eg where once only large

movements may occur during stressing operations, this should be
specified as a requirement and should only be carried out in our works
prior to despatch. It is not recommended to attempt this operation on
site.

Bedding

Bearings must be supported on a flat rigid bed. Steel spreader plates

must be machined flat and smooth to mate exactly with the bearings
upper and lower faces. Bearings may also be bedded on epoxy or
cement mortar or by dry packing. Whichever system is preferred for
the particular structure it is of extreme importance that the final bedding
is free from high or hard spots, shrinkage, voids, etc.
Unless there is a specific design requirement, the planar surfaces
must be installed in a horizontal plane. The correct installation of
bearings is vital for the bearing performance. Costly repairs become
necessary all too often due to inadequate specification or poor site
supervision. The bearings should not be loaded until the bedding
mortar has cured.
Fixing bearings to concrete
using permanent anchor plates

Cast-in-situ structures

Care must be taken to ensure that the bearings are not damaged by
the formwork or contaminated by concrete seepage. The interface
between the top plate and the formwork should be protected and sealed.
Owing to the loading effects of a wet concrete mass, the top plates
should be propped to prevent rotation and plate distortion. Bearing top
plates of PTFE sliding bearings are especially vulnerable in this
respect.

Fixing cast-in-situ structures

ensure that the bearing working
surfaces are protected and supported
to prevent distortion and rotation

Bearing removability

Where possible, bearings should be fixed in such a manner as to

facilitate removal. Our bearings have generally been designed with
this in mind. However, when selecting the bearing type preferred, the
removability feature should be highlighted in your enquiry.

Removal of transport
brackets

These brackets, normally painted red should only be removed when

the bearing is properly installed and ready for operation.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

DOCheck list for the

installation of bearings

DO NOT-

KE Series

1. Handle carefully and where necessary with adequate

craneage.
2. Store in a clean dry place.
3. Ensure that the bearings are installed in the correct location
and orientation.
4. Ensure that the bearings are installed on a flat rigid bed before
the design loads are applied.
5. Ensure that the fixings are uniformly tightened.
6. Complete any site coatings and make good paint damaged
during handling and installation.
7. Protect working surfaces during the placing of in-situ concrete.
8. Keep the bearings and surrounding areas clean.
9. Remove any temporary transit clamps etc. before the bearings
are required to operate.
10.Take special care to support top plates when casting in-situ
concrete.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Dismantle the bearing on site.

Leave bearings uncovered.
Attempt to modify without our approval.
Install without qualified supervision.

Site Coating

Care should be taken to ensure that working surfaces are not

damaged in any site coating operation. After installation damaged
coatings must be repaired irrespective of any call for site coatings.
Exposed fixing bolts should be protected after final tightening.
Any tapped holes exposed after removal of transportation brackets
etc. (coloured red) should be sealed with self-vulcanizing silicone
sealant.

Routine maintenance of
bearings

1. Immediately following installation bearings shall be inspected

to ensure that all aspects of Installation of bearings have
been adhered to and bearings shall subsequently be reinspected not less frequently than every two years after their
installation.
2. Paint and /or other specified protective coatings must be
maintained in good and efficient condition and free from
scratches or chips. Any areas of the protective coating
showing damage or distress must be rectified.
3. Areas surrounding the bearings must be kept clean and dry
and free from the adverse effects of external influences such
as airborne debris or water/salt (for example emanating from
leaking joints).
4. The wearing surfaces of the bearing must be checked to
ensure that they are continuing to operate efficiently.
5. Fixing bolts must be checked for tightness.
6. Any bedding material showing signs of distress or
ineffectiveness must be replaced and the reason for its failure
investigated and corrected.
7. Routine inspections shall include a check that translational
and rotational capacities of the bearing have not been
exceeded and show no sign of being likely to exceed the
requirements specified at the design stage.

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

Handling, Storage, Installation and Maintenance

13

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

EN 1337

KE Series Bearings

Sample Quality Bearing Specification Clauses - KE Series Pot Bearings

1.01

The bearings should be designed in accordance with EN1337 and be constructed from steel
grade EN100025 S355 J2.
(HIGH QUALITY STEEL GOOD LOADING CAPACITIES)

1.02

Bearings should be designed to allow for combination load effects.

1.03

The sliding surface of the bearing must be fully welded to the top plate of the bearing. This prevents
crevice corrosion de-lamination of the stainless steel ensuring bearing longevity. The stainless
steel sliding surface should be in accordance with EN 10088-2 1.4401 + 2B or 1.4404 + 2B.
Surface treatment roughness Ry5i shall not exceed 1 m in accordance with EN ISO 4287, and
the hardness shall be in the range 150 HV1 to 220 HV1, according to EN ISO 6507-2.
Paint will be applied to overlap the welded area of the sliding surface so as to protect the area from
the risk of corrosion.
(REDUCES CORROSION IN UNLOADED AREAS WHICH IS THE CAUSE OF MOST BEARING
FAILURES)

1.04

PTFE bearing surfaces shall be Virgin material with a dimpled surface and lubricated with silicon
grease in accordance with EN1337-2. The PTFE shall be retained in the bearing by a machined
recess.
(FRICTION IS AT A MINIMUM, LIFE IS EXTENSIVE AND THE PTFE CANNOT CREEP)

1.05

Guide sliding surfaces should also be fully welded and mirror polished. The wear surface of the
guide shall be a mechanically restrained high load resistant material DU(B) in accordance with
EN1337-2.
(THE LIFE OF BEARINGS IS EXTENDED WITH USE OF GOOD WEAR MATERIALS)

1.06

Pot bearing pistons are machined with a tightly controlled tolerance between the pot and the
piston.
(REDUCE EDGE PRESSURE EFFECTS ON RUBBER)

1.07

The rubber pad in a pot bearing is to have a minimum of 2 brass rings, which should be sized to
meet and fit tight to the pot wall. EN1337-5
(THIS IS KEY TO ENSURE THAT THE RUBBER IS RETAINED IN THE POT - IF NOT THEN
THE RUBBER MAY EXTRUDE UNDER LOAD)

1.08

The rubber pad shall meet EN 1337-5 and be natural rubber or polychloroprene rubber in accordance
with ISO 6446. It will be preformed with a recess on the to surface which allows the retaining rings
to finish flush with the rubber.
(THIS MEANS THAT WHEN THE BEARING IS LOADED THERE ARE NO AIR GAPS TO CLOSE
ENSURING THAT DATUMS ARE MAINTAINED)

1.09

The rubber pad shall fit in the pot without need for deflection. Corners should be moulded in such
a way as to ensure that the pad fits to the machined pot base.
(THIS ALSO REDUCES AIR ENTRAPMENT)

1.10

The outer surfaces of the bearing will be blasted to SA 2 and have the contract specified paint
system applied.

1.11

Bearings to be supplied with Ekspan plates. Bearings will be supplied with base and top sockets.

Ekspan advise that the specification clauses above demonstrate good practice to ensure
good quality bearings.

14

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

Notes

CONVERSION TABLE
METRIC
Length

1 mm
1m
1m

= 0.03937 in
= 3.281 ft
= 1.094 yd

Area

1 mm2
1 m2
1 m2

= 0.00153 in2
= 10.764 ft2
= 1.196 yd2

Force

1N
1 kN

= 0.2248 lbf
= 0.1004 tonf

Stress and 1N/mm2 =

pressure
1 N/mm2 =
1 N/m2 =
1 kN/m2 =

145 lbf/in2
0.0647 tonf/in2
0.0208 lbf/ft2
0.0093 tonf/ft2

IMPERIAL
Length

1in
1 ft
1 yd

= 25.4 mm
= 0.3048 m
= 0.9144 m

Area

1 in2
1 ft2
1 yd2

= 645.2 mm2
= 0.0929 m2
= 0.8361 m2

Force

1 lbf
1 tonf

= 4.448 N
= 9.964 kN

Stress and 1lbf/in =

pressure
1 tonf/in2 =
1 lbf/in2 =
1 tonf/ft2 =
2

0.0068 N/mm2
15.44 N/mm2
47.88 N/m2
107.3 kN/m2

Examples of KE series bearing supply and installation

M6 DUNAJVROS SZEKSZRD PTSI KZKERESETI TRSASG - BUDAPEST
Job Brief
Supplied: 56 no. KE series pot bearings
These bearings have vertical load capacities from 500 ton
to 1200 ton and had to be designed for movements in
excess of 0.5 metres to accommodate both the initial
installation and the normal in service movements.
Main Contractor: M6 Tolna Consortium
(Bilfinger Berger/Porr/Egis)
Structure:

Bridge 993 630m launch

SKOVDIGET PROJECT - COPENHAGEN - 6767

Job Brief
Supplied & Installed: 26 no. KE series pot bearings

EKSPAN - KE SERIES BEARINGS - EN 1337

KE Series Bearings

EN 1337

The scope of works comprised of installing temporary

jacking structures around
the bridge columns, and
bearing installation working
at a height of approximately
4 metres using portable
scaffolding towers.
Main Contractor:
E. PIHL & SN A.S.
HauCon A/S

For any enquiries or advice, please contact us at enquiry@ekspan.co.uk or call 0114 2611126

15

CIVIL
ENGINEERING
- PRODUCTS

INDUSTRIAL
PRODUCTS

BRIDGE AND STRUCTURAL

SUPPORT BEARINGS
(BS5400, EN1337, AASHTO)
POT BEARINGS
ELASTOMERIC BEARINGS
SPHERICAL BEARINGS
ROCKER BEARINGS
GUIDED BEARINGS

RENEWABLE
SERVICES

SERVICE
- OPERATION &
MAINTENANCE

OFFSHORE BRIDGE AND

TOPSIDE BEARINGS

OVERLAND PIPE SUPPORT

BEARINGS

MACHINE SUPPORT
BEARINGS

ROTARY BEARINGS
TECHNOLOGY

PLATFORM SUPPORT
BEARINGS

TURBINE BEARING
TECHNOLOGY

ACOUSTIC BEARINGS

TURBINE BLADE TESTING

ANTI-VIBRATION BEARINGS

TURBINE FOUNDATIONS
& SUPPORTS

PRINCIPLE CONTRACTOR
SERVICES
SPECIALIST
SUB-CONTRACT SERVICES
BEARING & EXPANSION
JOINT INSTALLATION
BRIDGE
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
SPECIALIST SWING BRIDGE
SYSTEMS
EXPANSION JOINT
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
BRIDGE/STRUCTURAL
JACKING, AND TEMPORARY
WORKS
INLAND WATERWAYS
LOCK GATES
OFFSHORE STRUCTURAL
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
CABLE STAY INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE
POST TENSION SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION SYSTEMS
SPECIALIST STRUCTURAL
MONITORING

ROLLER BEARINGS

PETRO/CHEMICAL PIPE
SUPPORT BEARINGS

RUBBER PAD BEARINGS

BUILDING SEALS/JOINTS

RUBBER STRIP BEARINGS

WALL/FLOOR EXPANSION
JOINTS

HIGHWAY APPROVED
EXPANSION JOINTS
SUB-SURFACE DRAINAGE

SPECIALIST MOVEMENT
SOLUTIONS

WAVE TECHNOLOGY
SPECIALIST FABRICATION
SERVICES
VESSEL SUPPORT SYSTEMS
FLOOD DEFENCE SYSTEMS
SPECIALIST TEST
EQUIPMENT - DESIGN TO
INSTALLATION

DAMPERS & SHOCK

TRANSMISSION UNITS

LARGE TANK SUPPORTS

BUILDING SEALS/JOINTS
GROUTS & ADHESIVES

LARGE
MOVING STRUCTURES

FOR APPLICATION IN:

FOR APPLICATION IN:

FOR APPLICATION IN:

FOR APPLICATION IN:

Bridges; Steel Structures;

Tall Buildings; Shopping
Centres; Stadiums; Towers;
Swing Bridges, Piers and
Jetties; RORO Ferry
Terminals; Building Vibration
Isolation; Carparks;
Walkways.

Ships; Ramps and Topsides;

Oil Platforms; Submarines;
Generator Supports;
Conveyor Supports; Machine
Mounts; Large Tank and
Vessel Supports; Vibration
Isolation; Pipeline Supports;
Radio Telescopes.

Hydro-Electric Plants; Wind

Turbine Construction;
Testing of Turbine Blades;
Wave Power Devices;
Reaction Vessels for
Wave Power; Foundations
for Offshore Turbines.

Bridges; Steel Structures;

Tall Buildings; Shopping
Centres; Stadiums;
Towers; Swing Bridges,
Piers and Jetties; RORO
Ferry Terminals; Building
Vibration Isolation;
Carparks; Walkways.

STEEL SUPPORT BEARINGS

A world wide service offering effective solutions in:Inspection Design Manufacture Supply
Installation Commissioning Planned Maintenance
Ekspan warrants that products described in this brochure are free from defects in workmanship and material but unless expressly agreed in writing Ekspan gives no warranty that these
products are suitable for any particular purpose or for use under any specific conditions notwithstanding that such purpose would appear to be covered by this publication. Ekspan accepts
no liability for any loss, damage or expense whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from the use of their products or recommendations. All business undertaken by Ekspan is subject to their
standard conditions of sale, copies of which are available upon request. Ekspan products are subject to continual development and Ekspan reserves the right to make changes in the
specification and design of their products without prior notice.

Issue 01 - February 2011

KE Series bearings are available from:

E&OE

EKSPAN LIMITED
Compass Works, 410 Brightside Lane, Sheffield S9 2SP UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 2611126 Fax: + 44 (0)114 2611165
E-mail: enquiry@ekspan.co.uk Website: www.ekspan.com

Certificate No. 3706