TPB (TIS Pot Bearing) device is the pot bearing type structural bearing used in civil engineering structures to connect different structural elements wherever a moment release and force/displacement control is needed.

Its general configuration consists of a steel pot, an elastomeric pad, and a steel piston with a sliding and guide mechanism when needed.

The working principle of TPBs is basically to transmit the forces generated in one part of a structure to another part of the same structure at the desired rate during frequent service effects such as traffic, expansion, shrinkage, etc. TPB devices also allow sliding and a certain level of rotation.

TPBs are designed in accordance with the conditions specified in all relevant parts of EN 1337, especially EN 1337-1, EN 1337-2 and EN 1337-5. When needed, other international and/or local codes such as AASHTO, can also be used in design and production of TPB devices.

Types

TPBs can be designed and manufactured in 3 different types according to the structural demands. It also shall be noted that all three types of TPB devices can be designed and manufactured to resist “uplift” forces as well.

●  Fixed pot bearing : TPB-FX

●  Free sliding pot bearing : TPB-FS

●  Guided sliding pot bearing : TPB-GS