Abstract
The Roman bridge of Alcántara is the largest in Spain. Its preservation is of the utmost importance and to this end different aspects must be studied. The most prominent is the assessment of its structure, and this is especially important as the bridge remains in use. This paper documents the way the assessment of structural safety was carried out. The assessment methodology of existing structures was applied. The preliminary assessment was based on bibliographic data and non-destructive techniques. The geometric data of the bridge were obtained by Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), which made possible the analysis of its deformations and assessment of its structure. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) was also used with different antennae to work at different depths and spatial resolutions with the aim of analysing structural elements. From the above information, the assessment of structural safety was made using the limit analysis method by applying the historical works carried out on it and those described in the regulation of obligatory compliance in Spain (IAP11), studying the sensitivity of safety to the most relevant parameters. The state of preservation and structural integrity of the bridge is discussed and conclusions are drawn on the areas of greatest risk and the bases for the following assessment phase of preservation of the bridge.
Highlights
The roman bridge of Alcántara and its surroundings, the Triumphal Arch and Temple, has been a Spanish National Monument since 13 August 1924, and is in the process of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
The geometric data of the bridge were obtained by Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), which made possible the analysis of its deformations and assessment of its structure
The Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) confirms that rigid stonework fillers are present in all of the pillars, in the broader arches, leading to more rigid behaviour, which would explain its stability in spite of the successive collapses of arches the bridge has undergone throughout its history
Summary
The roman bridge of Alcántara and its surroundings, the Triumphal Arch and Temple, has been a Spanish National Monument since 13 August 1924, and is in the process of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was built across the river Tajo by Cayo Julio Lácer between 103 and 106 A.D. It was built across the river Tajo by Cayo Julio Lácer between 103 and 106 A.D Its dimensions make it unique among Roman bridges. This bridge, in addition to having great heritage value, is the infrastructure upon which the EX-207 Cáceres-Portugal road passes, with a mean daily intensity of 492 vehicles, 6% of these being heavy goods vehicles [2]
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