Bearing alternatives

[graduatequestions]

Anybody got any recommendations on alternatives to traditinal elastomeric/mechanical bearings allowing lateral movement while taking significant axial force?

Its approx 300mm of movement and its a one off (slow occuring) event. Its two concrete surfaces so i was thinking there may be away for me to suitably reduce the friction coeff with a paint possibly, or failing that some sort of low friction material... maybe a coating or even some sort of a fabric?? (i know roofing felt has been used as a bearing material in bridges in the past where movement has been allowed but not sure il be able to argue for that, feels a little back of the fag packet-esque... but if its moved on from there and there is some sort of proven felt type material that could be an option.)

Any helps appreciated.

 

[asixth]

300mm or 1 foot is a lot of movement, where does this movement come from?

Elastomeric laminated bearing are the best material when significant force needs to be transferred while facilitating movement.

 

[kelowna]

Asixth is right, bearings are design to to exactly that, transmit axial loads while allowing movement. Why would you want to reinvent the weel?

You could put a teflon pad on one surface and a stainless steel sheet on the other, wait! that is a type of bearing!
Maybe bronce and stainless steel,... wait! that is another type of bearing!

 

[graduatequestions]

haha, alright kelowna you smart ass

by alternatives i just meant to the traditional run of the mill stuff i see every day - sorted now, managed to find a sliding bearing that allows the high level of movement while still taking the axial load and being thin enough for the location.

Cheers