Abstract: Applicant's invention defines an improved tilting pad journal bearing having a shell with an inner surface which is dimensionally coincident with yet slightly larger than the geometry of the outer surface of its bearing pads, said pads provided with ramps on opposite radial edges to engage at least one pad stop, said pad having a conduit for passing lubricant such that when the shaft rotates, a hydrodynamic lubricant film is generated placing a hydrostatic pressure between said pads and said shell, said pressure measured by at least one pressure sensor which in turn provides an indication of direct loading of the bearing by the shaft.