EVALUATING THE CENTRAL PIERS OF THE MARACAIBO BRIDGE, VENEZUELA

This paper presents a study to determine the current structural conditions of the six central piers of the Maracaibo Bridge in Venezuela. The study's main objective was to develop a three-dimensional structural mathematical model of the piers that included the soil-pile interaction. The model was then calibrated in accordance with the following experimental tests and research conducted during and after the construction of the bridge: (1) static load tests; (2) vertical and lateral load tests on test piles in situ; (3) compressive strength tests on the piers' concrete; (4) geotechnical studies to a depth of 20m; (5) vibration tests on the 384 cable stays (four groups of 16 cables per pier); and (6) reports on the post-stressing of the 396 internal cables of the box girders and on the carriageway's topological levelling. Once calibrated, the model for the original piers was analysed under the load states corresponding to the static tests conducted in 1989 and 1990. Top priority was given to evaluating the strength of the concrete in the piers, the loss of tension in the internal cables of the box girders, and the need to re-tension the cable stays. After 36 years of bridge life, the quality of the concrete in the structural members of the central piers was found to be still acceptable.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10168664
• Corporate Authors:

  International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering

  ETH-Honggerberg, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 15
  Zurich 8093,   Switzerland  CH-8093
• Authors:
  • SARCOS PORTILLO, A R
  • GARCIA LEGL, H F
• Publication Date: 1999-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 133-6
• Serial:
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering
  • ISSN: 1016-8664

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge piers; Bridges; Calibration; Concrete; Loads; Mathematical models; Properties of materials; Research projects; Soil mechanics; Soils; Strength of materials; Support piles; Tests; Vibration
• Geographic Terms: Venezuela
• ITRD Terms: 3455: Bridge; 3434: Bridge pier; 6171: Calibration; 4755: Concrete; 5567: Load; 6473: Mathematical model; 3399: Pile; 5925: Properties; 8557: Research project; 4156: Soil; 5755: Soil mechanics; 5544: Strength (mater); 6255: Test; 9080: Three dimensional; 8124: Venezuela; 5558: Vibration
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Materials; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00769943
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 7 1999 12:00AM