The Fourth Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice: From Idea to Analysis and Construction

A novel approach to bridge design and construction was successfully implemented for the Fourth Bridge over Venice's Grand Canal, showcasing innovative solutions that address the challenges posed by the city's unique soil conditions. The bridge, featuring a single 80-meter span 'Vierendeel' arch with a span/rise ratio of 1/16, required modifications to its design to enhance structural stiffness without altering its external appearance. Pre-assembly and loading simulations, along with extensive monitoring, were employed to ensure the structure's stability during erection. Full-scale static tests conducted before and after construction validated the bridge's performance under real-world conditions, demonstrating a successful integration of advanced engineering techniques in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zordan, T., Briseghella, B., & Siviero, E. (2010). The Fourth Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice: From Idea to Analysis and Construction. Structural Engineering International, 20(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.2749/101686610791555667