History of Arch Bridges in Portugal

Abstract

This work presents some arch bridges constructed in Portugal since the Roman Empire period to recent times. For some masonry. Steel and concrete bridges construction details are also presented. Bridges and all constructions requires permanent maintenance. Some old bridges presents a reduced deck width requiring its enlargement. Live loads increased along time requiring strengthening interventions in existing bridges. The most severe action that led to some bridge destruction is river flooding and foundation infraescavation. Some examples of interventions are presented in the paper.