Pipeline Bridge across the Arroyo Cangrejillo, Argentinia

The Arroyo Cangrejillo Pipeline Bridge carries a copper-concentrate pipeline and footpath across a deep valley in the mountains near Las Estancias, Argentina. The pipeline extends from a new gold and copper mine north of Andalgala to a rail facility in San Miguel de Tucumán. Construction of the bridge saved the waterfalls and crab ponds of the rainforest valley from the environmental impact of a buried pipe and service road. Several structural systems were developed and evaluated prior to selecting the cable-supported steel grillage that was built. The cable-supported grillage was selected based on its economy, rapid construction schedule, aerodynamic stability, and ability to carry a widened footpath should the need arise.