Which type of bearing is characterized by lubricated steel plates?

The type of bearing characterized by lubricated steel plates is the sliding plate bearing. This bearing utilizes a sliding mechanism that allows movement between two surfaces, typically involving steel plates that are lubricated to reduce friction. The lubrication is crucial in ensuring that the plates can slide over one another smoothly, minimizing wear and tear while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge structure.

Sliding plate bearings are designed to support vertical loads while allowing for horizontal movement due to thermal effects or other factors, making them particularly useful in bridge applications where flexibility is necessary. In contrast, rocker bearings allow rotation but do not typically involve the sliding plate mechanism, and fixed bearings do not allow for any lateral movement. Moveable bearings encompass a broader category but do not specifically focus on the lubricated steel plate aspect, distinguishing sliding plate bearings from the others.