Location: Genova Campi
Year: 2018 - 2019
Client: Ireti S.p.a.
Final-Level Hydraulic Design Services
Executive-Level Hydraulic Design Services
Structural Design
Works Supervision
The PRD studio was commissioned by IRETI to analyze the underground utility networks (water, sewage, and gas) owned by the company located near the Polcevera viaduct, which partially collapsed on August 14, 2018. The study also assessed which of these utilities required relocation or protection measures to safeguard them during the demolition and reconstruction works of the bridge.
The intervention areas were concentrated near Pylon 8, Pylon 10, the connecting ramp between the A7 and A10 motorways, Via Fillak, and Via Porro.
For each work area (or construction site), a different type of intervention was implemented based on various factors, including: the crown elevation of the main pipelines relative to the ground level, the type and age (or condition) of the piping, the bridge demolition method (whether traditional or through explosives), and the interference with the construction of the new viaduct's foundations.
Consequently, a temporary bypass was constructed near Pylon 8 to ensure the pipeline remained operational even during the demolition phase. In the other intervention areas, the pipeline relocation was carried out definitively (or on a permanent basis). In other zones, such as Via Fillak, the decision was made to replace the existing, very old pipelines with new ones of equal diameter and made of more resistant materials. All the pipelines were laid at an elevation of approximately 1.00 m, measured from the crown (or extrados) of the conduits.
Where necessary, concrete thrust blocks were designed (or provided) for pipe anchoring to counteract the hydraulic thrust generated by pipeline deviations (bends, reductions, etc.).
Furthermore, the explosive demolition technique exposed the existing pipelines to a significant risk of rupture. Consequently, during the installation of the new conduits, seismic joints were incorporated to withstand the vibrations resulting from the bridge's fall from a height of approximately 50 meters.