Engineering Firm : INGPHI SA - 1003 Lausanne
General Contractor : Rampini et Cie SA - 1214 Vernier
However, major cracks appeared during the bridge’s construction and an expert assessment led by the engineering firm INGPHI SA in 2010 revealed three issues:
As structural safety was no longer guaranteed, it became necessary to reinforce the structure by reinforcing the concrete slab on the one hand and the connection between the concrete slab and the wooden structure on the other. Reinforcement of the connection between the slab and the structure was achieved by creating rigid connections between the slab and two cross sleepers in order to take up the loads caused by the braking of the maintenance equipment and strengthening of the connection with the two other sleepers in order to take up the forces caused by thermal expansion and shrinkage.
Reinforcement of the concrete slab was achieved by installing a thin 45 mm layer of reinforced Ductal ® UHPC. This Ductal® layer plays a dual role, reinforcing the existing structure on the one hand and ensuring the sealing and therefore the durability of the structure on the other.
This major maintenance and refurbishment work, carried out during the spring and summer of 2019, should allow the Sports Bridge to be reopened in time for the inauguration of the new CEVA line and therefore offer fans of soft mobility a safe passage between Lancy-Bachet station and the Praille stadium.
In this case, the use of the Ductal® UHPC made it possible to carry out reinforcement work on time and to maintain the original visual aspect of the structure while substantially increasing the load bearing capacity and durability, thereby ensuring structural safety.
Engineering Firm : INGPHI SA - 1003 Lausanne
General Contractor : Rampini et Cie SA - 1214 Vernier