VSLide^TM – Su is a spherical and cylindrical bearing which permits rotation and displacement movements by a plane and a curved sliding surface between bearing plates of steel. VSLide^TM – Su bearings from VSL INTERNATIONAL are designed according to EN 1337-7 and may be combined with sliding elements according to EN 1337-2 as shown in EN 1337-1. Instead of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) according to EN 1337-2, VSLide™-U is used for the sliding surfaces of the bearings. VSLide™-U is made of UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), suitable for low and high temperatures outside the scope of EN 1337-2 with improved load-bearing capacity.

This ETA covers sliding surfaces with a diameter of the circumscribing circle of VSLide™-U sheets greater than 75 mm and lower than 1 500 mm and with long-term temperatures greater than -50 °C and lower than +80 °C. Temperatures above +48 °C are limited to short periods related to weather changes.

The combinations of materials used in the sliding surfaces are given in the table below. Only one combination is used in a sliding surface. The sliding surface is lubricated in accordance with clause 7.4 of EN 1337-2.

VSLide^TM – Su bearing is intended to be used for the support of bridges or building works in accordance with the scope of EN 1337-1 where the requirements on the individual bearings are critical. VSLide^TM – Su bearing is suitable for all types of structures, typically made of concrete, steel and composite, as well as for regions with continuously low and high temperatures.

VSLide^TM – Su bearing is also intended for the use in superstructures where working loads induce fast sliding displacements in bearings.

The provisions made in this ETA are based on an assumed working life of at least 50 years for VSLide^TM – Su bearing, depending on the accumulated total sliding path assessed, and provided that VSLide^TM – Su bearing is subject to appropriate use and maintenance. The assumed working life of the RMSlide bearing is of at least 10 years if composite material of type CM1 according to EN 1337-2 is used in guides, instead of VSLide™-U sheets.

The assessment ETA 23/0943 has been based on the EAD 050004-00-0301 Spherical and cylindrical bearing with special sliding material made of UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The assessment has considered the following main aspects:

• Regarding the basic requirement of mechanical strength and stability, the load capacity (long-term and at different maximum temperatures), rotational capacity, displacement capacity, and friction coefficient have been assessed.
• Product durability: corrosion, aging, effects of various chemical and environmental agents, etc.