BRIDGES ON THE VIC-GIRONA MOTORWAY

These four very high viaducts on the Vic – Gerona motorway (Riudecos; la Galtera; Cladells and Can Canaleta) cross the Montseny massif, a nature reserve of great ecological value and beauty. The viaduct subsequently required very careful planning in order to provide maximum aesthetical appearance and full integration with its surroundings when employing a very standard system of prefabricated units.

The concepts employed to meet these objectives were centred on the use of two dominant shape arrangements: the use of V-shaped beams at the outer edges of the deck and I beams at the interior; the employment of a single pier model formed as a rectangular frame and with a clearly defined geometrical appearance. The repetitive arrangement of these piers throughout the viaduct creates a sensation of unity rather than one of individual elements and somewhat recalls the arrangement of a Renaissance gallery or arcade.