Tribological-Investigation of Tower Link for Suspension Bridge

Abstract

The tower link pins for long-span suspension bridge of Seto-ohashi Bridges, available for automobiles and high speed trains, are subjected to wear due to low-speed and heavy-load osillaitions. The link system for vertical bearings of this bridges is a unique system, called ‘tower link’, equipped with oil-less cylindrical bearings consisting of pins and bushes embedded solid lubricant. This report presents a summary of (1)development process, including material selection, experiments, and studies, (2)preparation of design and manufacturing guidelines of tower links.