Bearings & Joints

Mission Statement/Objectives

TG 4.1 focuses on the design, performance, maintenance, monitoring, rehabilitation, and replacement of structural bearings and expansion joints in bridges and other civil engineering structures and learn from each others’ experience. These components play a critical role in ensuring structural safety, durability, serviceability, and resilience throughout the life cycle of infrastructure assets.

The primary objectives of TG 4.1 for the 2026–2027 period are:

• To promote the exchange of knowledge and international experience related to bearings and expansion joints. 
• To extend the group members, finding active members
• To review recent developments in design methodologies, materials, monitoring technologies, inspection practices, and maintenance strategies.
• To strengthen collaboration between researchers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and asset owners.

Scope and Limitation

1. Technical Knowledge Exchange
   Organize regular online meetings and technical presentations by TG members and invited experts on topics related to bearings and joints.
2. State-of-the-Practice Review
   Collect and review international experiences regarding inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of bearings and expansion joints, with particular emphasis on long-span and heavily trafficked bridges.
3. Special Session Contributions
   Contribute to and support special sessions within upcoming IABSE events, including the IABSE Symposium Guwahati 2027, focusing on innovations, challenges, and lessons learned related to bearings and joints.
4. Technical Publication
   Explore the preparation of a technical report, bulletin, or state-of-the-art paper summarizing current practices, recent advances, and future research needs in the field.
5. Collaboration with Other TGs
   Develop interactions with other Working Commission 4 Task Groups where common topics exist, particularly regarding bridge maintenance, durability, monitoring, resilience, and major bridge projects.

Expected Project Output

TG 4.1 remains committed to advancing knowledge and fostering international cooperation in the field of structural bearings and joints for safe, durable, and sustainable infrastructure.

• Enhanced international collaboration among professionals working on bearings and joints.
• Identification of key research and practice gaps.
• Contributions to IABSE technical events and publications.
• Development of recommendations for future activities and possible technical guidance documents. Tentative timeline in short terms would be; 2026: 
• Establish activity roadmap and thematic priorities. 
• Organize technical webinars and knowledge-sharing meetings.
• Support relevant sessions at IABSE events. 2027: 
• Contribute to the IABSE Symposium in Guwahati. 
• Prepare a summary report of findings and recommendations. 
• Define future TG activities and publication opportunities.

Start Date: January 2026

Target Date of Completion: December 2029

Chair
Deniz Kerner, Germany

Vice Chair

Members

If you are interested to join Task Group 4.1 then please contact the Chair, Deniz Kerner, d.kerner@maurer.eu