AUDACIOUS AND ELEGANT 19TH CENTURY PORTO BRIDGES

This paper, about the bridges built in Oporo during the 19th century, aims to pay a modest but justified tribute to 3 inspired engineers (Stanislas Bigot, Gustave Eiffel, and Thophile Seyrig) and their daring techniques and illustrious legacy. Let us hope that the scanty traces of their genius, excellence, and courageous efforts may serve as a stimulus to all those who are encouraged to foster such a noble art. For 115 years, Maria Pia Bridge, spanning the River Douro, provided a rail link between Oporto and Gaia, thus making a direct link possible between Oporto and Lisbon. It was an extremely daring bridge for its time; its arch had the greatest span in the world. In 1990, the American Society for Civil Engineers awarded it the International Prize for civil engineering works based upon of its unusual style. Lus I Bridge, built a few meters from the site of the old Suspension Bridge, comprises 2 decks supported by a large iron arch and 5 pillars. The arch is formed by 2 divergent parabolic curves, with a chord of 172 m and a rise of about 44.6 m. It still holds the record for the world's largest iron arch.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10840680
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Cruz, P J
  • Lopes Cordeiro, J M
• Publication Date: 2003-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 217-225
• Serial:
  • Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0680
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/loi/ppscfx

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Arch bridges; Bridge design; Historic bridges; Suspension bridges
• Geographic Terms: Portugal
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00964607
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 2003 12:00AM