Carbon fiber strengthening used in Brazilian viaduct rehabilitation

摘要

Designed by famed Brazilian engineer Emilio Baumgart in the 1920s, the Santa Tereza Viaduct in Belo Hori-zonte, Brazil, was long regarded as an architectural masterpiece and a significant landmark. The 387 m (1270 ft) overpass carried traffic over Andradas Avenue and Arrudas Creek as well as surface rail and metro lines; it was an extension of Tamoios Street to connect the downtown area to the growing suburbs. But after more than 70 years of exposure to the Brazilian climate and heavy traffic, the viaduct was deteriorating and badly in need of repairs and strengthening. Plans to repair and upgrade the viaduct were started in late 1996 with the idea that the renovation could be completed in June 1998 when the city's centennial celebration was scheduled.