Metlac bridge in Mexico

Abstract

The Metlac viaduct for the Mexico-Veracruz railroad is built over a 120 m deep gorge and it has a 90 m log maximum span. It supports a double track with 6,5 m depth and 10 m width. The whole morphology of the structure and the supports has been defined on the basis of the high seismic risk on the area. The continuous beam is cut in two parts with a central double hionged beam to allow for larger displacements since the gorge may be due to and active fault. Each half of the bridge is built into the abutments, which are connected to the ground through prestressed anchorages.