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The Chacao Channel bridge is a planned road connection to link the Island of Chiloé with mainland Chile by crossing the Chacao Channel. At present, the only way to reach Chiloé is by a 25 to 45-minute ferry trip. With the bridge, the time would be reduced to less than three minutes.
The project consists of a 2,6km long double suspension bridge with two main spans of 1050m and 1180m, an orthotropic box girder deck, four lanes, one central and two exterior shoulders and a central (A-shape) tower on Roca Remolinos, a point where the rock reaches the surface offering a point of support for the central pillar.
Although its construction was scheduled to start in 2007 the project was cancelled and then re-launched in 2012 when the Chilean government decided to issue an international tender for the re-design and construction of the bridge.
Improving the design
Our experts worldwide delivered multidisciplinary advice on state-of-the-art design and construction techniques available in Chile in domains such as geotechnics, maritime and ship impact services, wind and seismic engineering, foundation and anchorages design, cross-independent bridge analysis checks, global tower analysis and tender documentation preparation.
After a detailed assessment of the technical documentation submitted as part of the tender document, we have been able to improve the performance of the originally proposed structure in accordance with the contractor´s ways and means and Chilean local practice.
A better performance
Our adjustments were primarily located at the north and south main spans, tower heights for a constant sagging ratio, an optimized spacing of bridge diaphragm and hangers, and main cable sagging ratio.
All the adjustment have focused on making the most cost-effective structure, including complete detail sensitivity and cost analyses for the central tower and its corresponding foundation for different geometry configurations.
