Soil–Structure Interaction in Sidi Rached Masonry Bridge

Abstract

The Sidi Rached Bridge was built in the early 20th century across the Rhumel canyon in the centre of Constantine, Algeria. The bridge, with its 27 arcades spanning up to 68 m, is a famous city landmark and one of the main cultural heritage centres of Algeria as well as the largest masonry structure of this type in Africa. The eight spans on the right bank have been in distress for over 50 years from intermitting slope instability. The problem was addressed and temporarily solved on more than one occasion. After 30 years of being relatively uneventful, a landslide in 2008 caused severe damage to all the piers on the right bank and the near collapse of one arcade. A new campaign for assessment, reconstruction and strengthening has therefore been undertaken. This paper presents the results of the study and the repair works carried out so far, mostly at the foundation level, while structural monitoring and further strengthening are being performed on this historical monument that still provides a vital link in the hearth of one of the most populous cities of North Africa.