Elastomeric Disc Bearings

Universal Urethane Elastomeric Discs for Bridge Bearings

UUP elastomeric disc bearings are engineered for bridge structures requiring high-load transfer and multi-directional rotation. Each precision-cast polyurethane disc delivers stiffness in compression while allowing controlled bulging for rotation, achieving movement through material properties alone—reducing points of failure and minimizing maintenance.

Bearings are made from ester-based polyurethane systems cured with performance-grade MOCA or engineered curatives. High tensile strength (up to 7,000 PSI), elongation (up to 650%), exceptional abrasion and tear resistance, and high elastic recovery ensure discs support extreme loads, resist wear, and retain shape over millions of movement cycles.

UUP bearings maintain performance in –30°C to 100°C+, resist chemicals and UV exposure, and provide reliable, predictable rotation for bridges, rail lines, and coastal structures.

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Set of precision-cast polyurethane elastomeric discs engineered by Universal Urethane Products for bridge bearing applications.

Polyurethane Performance Range

Polyurethane can be cast across a wide hardness spectrum—from Shore A 20 up to Shore D 70—giving UUP the flexibility to engineer discs for different bridge designs. Within this range, compounds are tuned to provide the exact balance of load-bearing strength, recovery, and fatigue resistance required:

  • Softer durometers maintain compliance and accommodate greater rotational flexibility.
  • Harder durometers maximize stiffness, compressive strength, and durability under extreme loads.

This custom-engineering capability ensures bearings perform consistently whether installed in highway overpasses, rail lines, or coastal structures subject to harsh environments.

Geometry and Tolerances

Just as critical as material properties is the precision of the disc and plate assembly. UUP manufactures elastomeric disc bearings to exacting standards to guarantee reliable, repeatable performance:

  • Disc Geometry: Machined and bonded with uniform thickness to maintain even load distribution.
  • Metal Interfaces: Ground and fitted to eliminate slippage, ensuring efficient transfer of forces into the structure.
  • Flatness and Parallelism: Held within strict tolerances to prevent misalignment and uneven rotation.
  • Surface Bonding: Engineered to achieve permanent adhesion between urethane and steel, preventing delamination.

This combination of material control and dimensional accuracy ensures bearings maintain their designed capacity over decades of service.

Lifecycle and Operating Performance

Lifecycle and Operating Performance
 Bridge bearings must withstand not only static load but also millions of movement cycles across their lifetime. UUP bearings are engineered to:

  • Support Heavy Loads: High compressive strength allows smaller bearing footprints and reduced structural seat dimensions. Tensile strength and elongation properties allow the disc to bear extreme loads without permanent deformation.
  • Recover Elastically: Retain shape after deformation, preventing permanent set that alters function.
  • Absorb Impact and Vibration: Exceptional abrasion and tear resistance, combined with high elastic recovery, allow bearings to resist brittle fracture under traffic shock, thermal expansion cycles, and dynamic loads.
  • Survive the Elements: Maintain properties in –30°C to 100°C+ conditions and resist chemicals, petroleum, and UV degradation.
  • Extend Service Intervals: With no internal seals or fluids, bearings avoid common maintenance failures seen in alternative systems.

The outcome: fewer inspections, longer service life, and dependable rotation capacity over decades of use.

Maintenance and Serviceability

UUP designs disc bearings with long-term efficiency in mind. Steel plates are recoverable—polyurethane discs can be replaced or refurbished, restoring full performance without replacing the entire assembly. This reduces lifecycle costs while maintaining OEM-grade reliability. Optional design features include dual-durometer discs that combine stiffness and flexibility in one unit, tailored for projects with unique load and movement requirements.

Quality Control

Every UUP bearing undergoes a rigorous production and inspection process:

  • Bond surfaces grit-blasted and treated for maximum adhesion.
  • Polyurethane cast and cured under controlled time and temperature cycles.
  • Finished assemblies machined to precise dimensional requirements.
  • Hardness, geometry, tensile strength, and load-capacity verified against specifications.
  • Documentation and certifications available for full traceability.

This ensures each bearing meets or exceeds the structural requirements of its application.

Ordering and Availability

UUP elastomeric disc bearings are available as:

  • New assemblies engineered to project specifications.
  • Recovered units with re-cast polyurethane discs for extended lifecycle value.
  • Custom-engineered solutions including dual-durometer designs or tailored hardness profiles.

Engineering consultation is included with every order, ensuring the selected bearing matches the load, movement, and environmental requirements of the structure. Standard and expedited lead times are available to support project schedules.

Smarter Bearing Starts Here—Contact Us Now

Contact Universal Urethane today to discuss your application needs and discover how our durable, abrasion resistant urethane elastomeric discs can optimize your bridge bearing systems.

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