The choice of a design concept for a bridge foundation is guided by various
factors; several of these factors are indeed of technical origin, like the
environmental conditions in a broad sense, but others non technical factors may
also have a profound impact on the final design concept. The foundations
solutions adopted for the Rion Antirion bridge are described and an attempt is
made to pinpoint the major factors that have guided the final choices. The Rion
Antirion bridge is exemplar in that respect: the foundation concept combines the
simplicity of capacity design, the conceptual facility of construction and
enhances the foundation safety. The design of these foundations was a very
challenging task which required full cooperation and close interaction with all the
parties involved: concessionaire, contractor, designers and design checker.
Author: Alain Pecker, Geodynamique & Structure, France
Publisher: DFI