The subsurface geology along the route of the new bridge at Ada Ciganlija Island (Belgrade, Serbia)

Slobodan Knezevic,Meri Ganic,Ljupko Rundic

doi:10.2298/gabp1273009k

Abstract

The largest single-pylon, cable-stayed bridge in the world was opened in Belgrade on January 1, 2012 and it passes over the tip of the Ada Ciganlija Island. Its monumentality, architectural design and construction innovations became a new symbol of Belgrade. Core samples from the boreholes drilled for the construction of the bridge revealed a relatively complex subsurface geological structure. An Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene flysch formation and Middle Miocene Sarmatian sediments were found near the surface on the right bank of the Sava River. However, at the tip of Ada Ciganlija, the Upper Cretaceous-Palaeogene flysch strata were found below several different Miocene and Quaternary units. In the deepest borehole DB-6, the flysch deposits were found at a depth of 80 meters. On the left bank of the Sava River in New Belgrade, only Upper Miocene Pannonian marls and Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial deposits were drilled. Based on a comparative analysis of the borehole sections and structural characteristics of the rocks, it could be concluded that the Pre-Quaternary units cascade subsided along sub-parallel faults towards N-NW.

Highlights

A new concrete-steel bridge over the Ada Ciganlija Island directly connects roads in Čukarica, on the right bank of the Sava River, and roads in New Belgrade, on the left bank of the river
Exploration boreholes were drilled for the construction of a pylon at the tip of Ada Ciganlija and the pillars on the right and left bank of the Sava River (Fig. 1)
Detailed stratigraphic and paleontological analyses of seventeen core samples were performed at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade using classical methods of rock preparation

Summary

Introduction

A new concrete-steel bridge over the Ada Ciganlija Island directly connects roads in Čukarica, on the right bank of the Sava River, and roads in New Belgrade, on the left bank of the river. It represents a part of the future Inner City Semi-Ring Road. The bridge is based on a large 200 m-high pylon that is located at the tip of the Ada Ciganlija Island. Exploration boreholes were drilled for the construction of a pylon at the tip of Ada Ciganlija and the pillars on the right and left bank of the Sava River (Fig. 1).

Material and methods

Conclusions