Triumphal Arch of Bucharest protected against earthquake

Media

More media…

The Triumphal Arch of Bucharest is full of histories, both in respect to its construction (it had two predecessors) and in respect to its sculptural elements, which were designed by several artists in 1935/36. The structure however also displays a long history in its damages, which, like its Parisian role model, is encircled by traffic, and thus subject to constant vibrations. To be added on the damage list are seven earthquakes since 1940, of a magnitude of up to 7.4 on the Richter scale. Humidity inside of the structure did the rest, such that the structural stability was seriously affected. The complete overhaul began in 2014.

Exceptional requests

The overhaul covered both the artistic restauration and the seismic isolation of the foundations. Yet, the completely overhauled and isolated Triumphal Arch should be passable, in particular also for the heavy vehicles parading at the Nations Day on 1 December.

This required an expansion joint which could meet the following requirements:

• 86 m long, in a rectangular shape encircling the total structure
• Moveable in all directions by ±500 mm
• Structural gap of up to 1.25 m, because the expansion joint had to be accessed from below
• Accommodating not only horizontal, but also major vertical displacements
• To be passed by vehicles of up to 40 tons
• Aesthetically appealing, to seamlessly fit into the garden landscape

Special bolts with joint function

This set of requests was met by MAURER by way of a special design. Steel plates cover the expansion joint. They are fixed with special bolts and ball discs as well as with conical cups at the edge beam. Thus the bolts display of a joint function, which facilitate the steel plates to unfold in case of vertical movements. This unfolding function is also required for strong horizontal displacements, because in case of a closing movement the steel plates will be shifted onto and over the stone paving.

The horizontal movement capacity of ±500 mm (as compared to the usual 80 mm) required a special sealing element which was produced extra for the Triumphal Arch.

Mitre in the corners

The edges of the encircling expansion joint called for a special solution. Like a picture frame, the steel plates were mitered, and can open if movements require so. All special forms, individual solutions and materials are designed to be able to bear a vertical load of 40 tons. This corresponds to a 40 ton truck on just one axle.

The total overhaul costing 6.6 Mio. € was predominantly financed by European funds. In respect to the expansion joints, the RETTER GROUP and MAURER cooperated. The two companies share already common experiences from several projects in Romania.

Inquiry for further information

Your Name:

Your company:

E-mail:

Phone:

Fax:

Address:

Your message:

Enter the characters you see:

 

Fields marked with a red asterisk * must be completed for the message to be sent.