Bearings exposed to the environment for extended periods, particularly rubber bearings, deteriorate due to factors such as ultraviolet radiation, ozone, rain erosion, and mechanical wear. Common defects include：
Rubber aging:
Surface cracking, hardening, or loss of elasticity, resulting in the bearing being unable to effectively absorb vibrations.
Shear deformation:
Excessive deformation of bearings under long-term loads affects the stability of bridges.
Void phenomenon:
The contact surface between the support and the beam or pier is detached, causing local stress concentration and potentially leading to structural cracks.
Anchor failure:
Corrosion and loosening of bolts or welding points can cause displacement or tilting of the support.
If these diseases are not dealt with in a timely manner, they can affect driving comfort in mild cases, threaten bridge structural safety in severe cases, and even cause bridge collapse accidents.
Therefore, regular inspection and timely replacement of bearings are the core of preventive maintenance, which can significantly extend the service life of bridges and avoid high maintenance costs.