PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The metro Line 10 in Barcelona is one of the two branches of the 29 mi (47.8 km) long Line 9. The south branch connects the “Zona Franca” – the intermodal logistics platform of the Port of Barcelona – to Line 9. This branch includes a 1.37 mi (2.2 km) long elevated guideway running at the median of Street A. This segment project includes three elevated stations and access to the maintenance facility building. Upon completion, Line 9 will be the longest automated metro line in Europe.
The construction of the guideway was over a street with heavy traffic close to the Port of Barcelona and limited access points. The design concept and construction staging were carefully planned to minimize impact on road traffic and access to nearby businesses.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION APPROACH
The deck has been designed as a succession of simply supported spans 108 ft (33 m) long to minimize interferences with existing utilities and the heavy road traffic from the Port of Barcelona and nearby industrial areas. The superstructure consists of prestressed concrete girders supported on top of inverted L-shaped piers that fly over the existing street. The open thin-walled Ushaped cross sections allocate evacuation pathway on the top flanges. The majority of foundations consists of drilled concrete piles, which extend to a depth of up to 66 ft (20 m).
FURTHER INFORMATION
Jordán J., Ferraz R., Sobrino, J.A.; Puente de la línea 9 de metro en Barcelona (Barcelona Metro Line 9 Bridge). Proceedings of the 2nd Bridges and Structures Conference of ACHE. Zaragoza, November, 2005.