Rte des Tamarins: unusual works of art
Description
Pharos Knowledge Exchange, in collaboration with four technical trade associations - Stufib, Bouwen met Staal, IABSE Nederland and KIVI NIRIA's Construction and Hydraulic Engineering Department - is organising a five-day study visit to the French overseas territory of La RĂ©union.
On this island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, the Route des Tamarins is currently being constructed, an honourable mention project as part of the French Grand Prix National de l'Ingénierie 2008. This road on the flanks of the volcanic mountains contains a large number of artworks that span deep, abrupt ravines.
Four artworks have been qualified as special: different in terms of static scheme, span and material application but with the common denominator being advanced bridge-building technology that goes hand in hand with the sophistication of design characteristic of the French. Underlying the structures were complex boundary conditions,
including a design - wind load of 260 km/h. For this island, the colossal project is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the hybrid structures frequently used in France, with a special form of prestressing, with the great care taken by the client for design through a tightly directed process, but also with managerial decisiveness. Items on the programme include:
- Viaduc de la Ravine Fontaine
A steel arch bridge with high-level steel-concrete driving deck (total length
200 m), freely extended from the two steep ravine slopes.
- Viaduc de la Ravine des Trois Bassins
This viaduct spans a wide ravine in several spans. A special feature is the 'out-of-profile' pre-stressing at the height of the piers, which makes the work of art evoke associations
with a cable-stayed bridge.
- Viaduc de la Grande Ravine
An eye-catching leaping structure, span 290 m, depth of ravine 160 m.
The slight slope of the arms makes the work of art extremely elegant.
- Pont sur le Bras de la Plaine
An unusually transparent hybrid structure, built before and awarded by both fib and IABSE as an outstanding concrete structure.
Entries can be submitted until 26 September 2008 at the latest. Registration only by clicking 'sign up' at the bottom of this page.
Location
La RĂ©union, France
Organiser
Construction and Hydraulic Engineering
Stufib, Building with Steel, IABSE
Name and contact details for information
For questions and information, please contact Pharos knowledge exchange, using the e-mail address below or by phone Leo Maas, tel: 06-20976023.