The Historical Bridge of Konitsa-Epirus, Greece: Documentation of the Structural System

The Rehabilitation of the Historical Bridge of Konitsa, Epirus, Greece: A Documentation-Based Methodology of Structural Analysis and Rehabilitation Strategy

“…Both a detailed description of the historical bridge and the results of the documentation campaign are presented in [25]. Nonetheless, for the benefit of the readers of this paper, some basic data and findings are repeated herein.…”

“…The documentation plan [25] included the following: (a) the collection and evaluation of historical data, including its "structural history"; (b) a geometrical survey, using conventional and photogrammetric techniques (Figure 3 The main arch is 75 cm~80 cm high and it is provided with eighteen (18) transverse metal connectors (Figure 2b). The height of the secondary arch is equal to 60 cm approximately in the region between its springing level and an angle of about 45°, whereas it is reduced to approximately 50 cm at the central area of the arch.…”

“…The documentation plan [25] included the following: (a) the collection and evaluation of historical data, including its "structural history"; (b) a geometrical survey, using conventional and photogrammetric techniques (Figure 3 The documentation plan [25] included the following: (a) the collection and evaluation of historical data, including its "structural history"; (b) a geometrical survey, using conventional and photogrammetric techniques (Figure 3, [26]); (c) a survey of morphological characteristics and identification of the bearing system of the bridge, using georadar scans and observation through borescopy; (d) the sampling of materials and laboratory tests to identify their chemical and mechanical properties; (e) a geotechnical investigation; and (f) the investigation of the hydraulic and seismic conditions of the region affecting the bridge. The main arch is 75 cm~80 cm high and it is provided with eighteen (18) transverse metal connectors (Figure 2b).…”

“…This study presents the methodology followed for the numerical modelling and the parametric analyses performed to assist decision-making related to the rehabilitation of the historical arch bridge of Konitsa. The value of this methodology is that it is based on the exhaustive documentation of the bridge studied by Palieraki et al [25]. This documentation has not only provided reliable data on the properties of materials and the construction typology of masonry in various regions of the bridge, but it has also dictated a step-bystep calculation of the action-effects (forces and deformations), following the construction phases of the bridge, as well as its behaviour before and after the damage induced by the attempt to destroy the bridge using explosives in 1913.…”

“…To obtain reliable data and to propose a credible and efficient scheme of interventions for the preservation of the bridge, exhaustive documentation of the bridge was planned and executed. As presented in [25], the documentation included an investigation of the geotechnical conditions at the south bank of the river (the north abutment being founded on rock), the identification of the bridge's structural system, the elaborate survey of its pathology, the application of in situ non-destructive investigation techniques to identify the typology of the masonry construction and the extensive sampling and laboratory testing of materials that were carefully selected from various regions of the monument. It is noted that the study of historical data related to the bridge did not allow for the time of construction of the RC jacket at the intrados to be identified.…”