BRIDGE OVER MARACAIBO LAKE

Jesus Rodriguez Rodriguez

 Overview

Introduction: location & function

Why this bridge and not other one?
Special features
Engineering aspects
Type of structure
Operation
Why, where and when was it built?

Maracaibo, Western Venezuela. The 2nd city of the country.

1958-1962
To improve connections Maracaibo Rest of Venezuela. Ferry too
much duration
 What is it used for?
Motorway/
freeway
bridge.
Four lanes,
about
45,000
vehicles a
day

Clearance (50 m.) below the bridge so big oil tankers can
pass through.
Why does it outstand?
DIMENSIONS!
Total length:
8.7 Km
Number of
spans: 135
Span
Its nice! lenghts: 22-
85 m.
Deck width:
17 m.
Deck depth:
5 m.
 Type of structure and materials

Cable-stayed bridge.
Huge amount of reinforced concrete for the deck and pylons.
Steel cables
Main part of the bridge

Six central pylons with a height of 90 m.

Five spans of 235 m.
 How does it work?

Pylons are the primary load-bearing structure

Cables are in tension and help to support the deck, transmitting stresses to
the pylons.
Deep foundation with piles.
Conclusion: what makes it special

It was pioneer in the use of steel cables to support a bridge

The dimensions are amazing
Construction process was extremely difficult. One thing is desing it and
another is construct it!
QUESTIONS?

Thank you!