The Vidourle Viaduct. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yi; Regallet, Dominique; Boireau, Sylvain; Charpin, Christian
• Is Part Of: Structural engineering international. Volume 28:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: mixed traffic -- high-speed passenger and freight railway line -- Warren bridge -- half-through bridge -- structural design -- structural analysis -- construction methods; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; 624.1
• DOI: 10.1080/10168664.2018.1450693
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1016-8664

Abstract

Abstract: The Vidourle Viaduct is an iconic structure on the Nîmes–Montpellier Bypass (Contournement Nîmes–Montpellier or CNM in French), the first dual-track, mixed-traffic, high-speed railway line (HSL) in France. The viaduct is 159 m long and 14.1 m wide, and consists of one Warren main bridge and two half-through access bridges. The aesthetic features of the viaduct were designed by Alain Spielmann's architectural office. This paper describes its structural design and construction methods. The mixed traffic feature of the CNM imposes several constraints on its structural design, particularly on viaduct geometry and design loads. Moreover, the viaduct sits in an area known for its torrential flooding, hence the pier design was optimized to reduce the impact on the riverbed. As per Eurocodes, the structural design was verified for static, dynamic and seismic responses, as well as rail-structure interactions. The steel frame was manufactured in Switzerland, transported by special road convoys and assembled on-site. The Warren bridge and one access bridge were launched together over built piers and abutments using jacks. The second access bridge was positioned using a mobile crane.