© AdobeStock
ANALYSIS
SPECIAL ISSUE ON PROTECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR BRIDGES, HIGHWAYS, INFRASTRUCTURES
The Corrosion of the Morandi Bridge: The Story of a Predictable Collapse? Monica Fumagalli ipcm® Corrosion is present in our everyday lives more than we think. The progressive deterioration it causes can have devastating effects and weaken essential structures such as the metal reinforcements of bridges. In this article, we will try to understand if and how corrosion may have influenced the partial collapse of a bridge that first became a symbol of engineering innovation and then of an unforgettable tragedy: the Polcevera Viaduct, known to everyone as the Morandi Bridge.
T
he most famous bridges for their strength and durability have always
observed in structures made of this material have pushed people to
been the Roman ones: built in wood, stone, or concrete, many of
prefer other construction solutions. Let us see why.
them are still standing and still widely used.
Concrete, which is still widely used in construction nonetheless, has a
The Romans had particularly developed the masonry technique of using
strong compressive strength but it is weaker in terms of tensile strength.
concrete. However, since ancient times, the deterioration phenomena
Therefore, architectural structures made in this material are reinforced
16
N. 40 - 2021 DECEMBER - ipcm® Protective Coatings
