Bridge Bearings: Explore How SDG are Enhancing Infrastructure Projects

The SDG motto is ‘Stronger Together,’ and it is most relevant when discussing the vital role of bridges in connecting communities and fostering trade. At SDG, we extend this to our work in bridge projects throughout Ireland and UK, providing bespoke solutions in design and implementation of bridge bearings.

SDG’s role in infrastructure Projects Requiring Bridge Bearings

Bridging Communities with Expertise and Innovation

Bridges symbolise more than physical structures; they represent the bonds that strengthen and connect different regions. SDG’s commitment to collaboration in bridge projects mirrors our ‘Stronger Together’ approach. We engage closely with engineers and manufacturers, like Gumba GmbH, to craft tailored solutions, ensuring each project’s success through shared expertise and innovation.

Understanding Bridge Bearings

Engineering Tailored Solutions for Each Project

Bridge bearings, an essential component in bridge construction, must accommodate unique design characteristics and behaviours to allow controlled movement and ensure the lifespan of the structure. With over three decades of experience, SDG provide specialist solutions that consider load, movement, rotation factors, and compliance with standards like EN1337-1. Our partnership with Gumba GmbH ensures every bridge bearing is precision-engineered to the highest standards, fulfilling all regulatory requirements.

SDG Projects Requiring Bridge Bearings

Showcasing SDG’s Versatility Across Ireland and UK

When it comes to bridges, everything is feasible if you have the budget. Where SDG’s technical experts help is by adding experience at an early stage to scope the project around the budget.

In Belfast, we provided bearings into Belfast Harbour’s Victoria Terminal 2. Part of Ireland’s second largest port, Victoria Terminal 2 is a high traffic area and critical infrastructure for the island. SDG joined this project at the design stage, working with Doran Consulting right through to advising on installation of the Gumba Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings on the Linkspan Replacement Approach Bridge.

At the opposite end of Ireland, SDG also played a part in the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme in Cork, one of the biggest road projects in Ireland. We worked closely with John Sisks to create a solution.

With the interchange being at the intersection of three strategically important routes, the M8/N8 Dublin to Cork Road, the N25 Cork to Waterford Road and the N40 Southern Ring Road (through the Jack Lynch Tunnel), the quality of Gumba’s solution was essential to this project.

SDG supplied Gumba Spherical Bearings acc. EN1337-7 on this project, a mixture of Fixed, Free and Guided solutions. Spherical Bearings are the most sophisticated of bridge bearings which allow for high loads and low vertical deflection. We have also supplied Gumba Elastomeric Bearings acc. EN1337-3 on another structure within this scheme.

Not every project we work on is a road bridge. SDG have supplied bridge bearings to the bridges installed at Microsoft’s HQ in Leopardstown and a more recent project SDG supplied bridge bearings to the St Domanic’s impressive bridge restoration in Drogheda.

The Newcomen footbridge over the Royal Canal in Dublin. The footbridge is a real community asset, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to travel from North Strand Road through to the Seville Place junction unobstructed. Our technical team worked closely with Jons Civil Engineering to spec and supply EN1337-5 compliant ‘Gumba Pot Bearings’ – the perfect solution for a bridge with high load transmission.

SDG: Your Partner for Bridge Bearings Solutions

Whether your project involves road, rail, or pedestrian bridges, SDG has the experience and expertise to deliver the highest quality bridge bearing solutions. Our technical team works hand-in-hand with clients and manufacturers, ensuring every project benefits from our ‘Stronger Together’ motto. With SDG, you’re not just building bridges; you’re creating lasting connections that stand the test of time.

Are you planning a new infrastructure project and require assistance from our experienced technical experts? We can help with Bridge Bearings, Structural & Sliding Bearings, Structural Waterproofing and much more.

Get in touch with our team for more information on our products or to schedule a consultation. Our expert team are committed to assisting you throughout your project’s journey, ensuring its successful and efficient completion.