Tamahú Bridge
Expand and speed up the traffic communication of the road between Alta Verapaz region and Tamahú, generating and promoting the development in the region by providing a faster means of communication with neighboring communities and the northers region of the Polochic. The purpose of the structure is to save the water flow in the subsoil. The superstructure (main structure) and substructure (foundations), as well as the slatted floor system, were designed to facilitate the bridge's lightness and to allow it to be assembled in the shortest possible time.
About the project
The structure is a Warren-type design, measuring 60.0 meters in length and 9.7 meters in height at the mid-span, with a width of 9.11 meters in the bridge section. The steel bridge features a combination of I-section diagonals and vertical columns, with circular hollow section (CHS) profiles in the horizontal direction. The joints are assembled using gusset plates connected by bolts, ensuring structural rigidity and stability.
The inauguration of the bridge was attended by President Alejandro Giammattei and local authorities, who reported that approximately 120,000 people will benefit from this infrastructural project. This project is included in the large-scale national project Environmental Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction Management of the National Defence Policy 2021-2032.
In the event of a national emergency, this route is anticipated to be crucial for delivering humanitarian aid to affected communities. Desiderio Caal, President of the Community Development Council (Cocode) of Tamahú, highlighted that the bridge represents a significant opportunity to enhance trade in the Polochic Valley.
Engineering challenges
One of the challenges was the time required to assemble the structure, since it was an emergency and had to be done in the shortest possible time to improve the road's trafficability. Given that the rainy season spans nearly half of the year, a swift construction solution was imperative. Furthermore, the complex geometry of the connection and the stress distribution are critical factors that demand meticulous attention from even the most experienced engineers, often requiring substantial time to evaluate properly.
Another challenge was the complexity of the joints, particularly the stability issues related to buckling. Conducting a buckling analysis that accounts for all load combinations across varying geometries can be a demanding task for the engineer.
Solutions and results
Thanks to the rapid calculation capabilities of IDEA StatiCa Connection, swift project execution was achievable. Even without the parametric design feature, the Connection app and Checkbot enable lightning-fast workflows. Structural engineers can quickly model connections with any geometry and loading conditions. The software ensures complete calculations according to code standards and provides comprehensive result representations, equipping engineers with a powerful tool. Its reliability is proven and validated by universities worldwide.
Guatemala
IDEA StatiCa Connection offers a powerful connection analysis tool that is capable of analyzing buckling regardless of load and geometry. Engineers benefited from a fast solution that assists with everyday tasks and can handle complex problems in minutes with all load combinations.
The new parametric design feature allows engineers to optimize routine tasks by parameterizing necessary inputs and identifying the best solutions from thousands of possibilities. With Checkbot free, engineers can share their global model with internal forces, for additional connection design by contractors and fabricators. Additionally, they can seamlessly share their designs with draftsmen via IFC and DWG formats, ensuring clear communication and minimizing design errors.
