INTERCONNECTING BRIDGES TO THE R-2 AND M-40 MOTORWAYS

The structures connecting the M40 and R-2 ring roads around Madrid were designed following the traditional arrangement of  various span composite bridges which easily, quickly and economically overcome the problems entailed by building bridges over motorways with heavy traffic with minimum interference.

The two structures have been resolved by steel and concrete composite box sections supported on reinforced concrete abutments and piers. The box sections are of constant depth and are formed by an open steel box and a concrete slab which is, in turn, subdivided into prefabricated plate and in-situ concreting. The bottom of the box is horizontal and the upper flange set parallel to the camber of the sections resting on the same. The steel webs to the box, subsequently, have different heights to reflect this angle. The area of the supports employs double composite action. The steel boxes were hoisted into position by crane.