Structural assessment of the integrated steel fly-overs widening the historic multiple-arch concrete viaduct over the Pede valley

Abstract

<p>The 523 m long historic viaduct crossing the Pede valley in Belgium consists of 16 three-hinged reinforced concrete arches with a span of 32 m each and a maximum height of 20 m. With respect to the heritage structure, two additional lateral fly-overs consisting of steel box girders with variable hollow section are integrated in the existing viaduct. This paper shows the results of the detailed monitoring program verifying the design and behaviour of the newly built superstructure. Extensive strain measurements were performed during a two-day load test, together with acceleration measurements in order to evaluate the dynamic response of the structure. In addition long term strain monitoring is carried out in order to study the effect of temperature gradients on the closed steel box girders of the fly-overs.</p>