Avaliação dos esforços na superestrutura metálica de uma ponte durante a fase de lançamento por deslocamentos progressivos caso de estudo: intervenção de emergência na ponte sobre Rio Calichane (EN3)

Abstract

The research work addresses the assessment of forces in the superstructure of a steel bridge during the process of incremental launching. The study focused on the emergency intervention of the bridge over the Calichane River, which was damaged by heavy rains, with an urgent need to restore the traffic flow, as the bridge connects two countries. For this emergency maintenance, the use of a prefabricated steel bridge from Acrow, launched by progressive displacement, was chosen. The main challenge of this construction method is the variation of forces during launching, which can lead to excessive stresses. The study aimed to understand and assess these forces during the process, identify critical stages during the launch, and analyze deformations. As it was an emergency intervention, it served to verify if the structural elements are subjected to forces and deformations within acceptable limits. The launching process was simulated using the finite element software RFEM 6 to obtain precise results. The study allowed obtaining the variation of internal forces of some structural elements that are most solicited, as well as deformations in critical sections. With this data, critical launching stages and the structural behavior of the superstructure during launching were identified. The superstructure proved capable of withstanding the forces to which it was subjected. Additionally, the work included a complementary study verifying the resistance to concentrated force in the reinforced concrete block supporting one of the bearing devices, considering the loads from the SATCC on the bridge. Given the strategic importance of the road connecting Mozambique to other countries in Southern Africa.