Vinci Highways, through its subsidiary Gefyra, has successfully completed the underwater inspections of the four main pillars of the Rio-Antirio bridge, which counts more than 3,330 structural elements.
Designed to withstand natural hazards, the structure undergoes inspection every four years as part of a visual monitoring and maintenance program.
The underwater inspections focused on examining and maintaining the splash zone, an area located up to 5 meters below the surface, where the structure is particularly exposed to chloride ions.
When combined with oxygen, these ions can accelerate the corrosion and decomposition of concrete. The inspection also assessed the bridge’s lightning protection system.
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These inspections were carried out by divers, who maintained real-time audiovisual communication with engineers monitoring the process from a support vessel.
A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) was also deployed to assist the divers.
These operations, requiring the use of specialised equipment, are among the most challenging due to the strong marine currents, waves, and winds characteristic of the Rio-Antirio strait.
Twenty years after its commissioning, the Rio-Antirio bridge remains a benchmark in technical and operational excellence in infrastructure, combining the global expertise of Vinci Highways with the experience and knowledge developed at the local concession level.
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