tech
April 26, 2026
How the Bogotá Metro Viaduct Works and Why It Withstands So Much Weight
In Bogotá, the works for the first metro line are advancing, and one of the key elements of the project is the viaduct, an elevated structure that supports the railway and part of the stations. However, a question arose from the Bogotá Metro Company: how does it manage to support heavy loads without giving way.
TL;DR
- The viaduct's ability to support heavy loads relies on its structural design and construction technology, specifically the use of tensioned steel cables.
- Tensioning reinforces the structure and distributes loads uniformly, preventing failure and enhancing stability.
- The viaduct's components include base piles, blocks for firmness, columns for elevation, caps to distribute weight, and voussoirs forming the train path.
- A beam launcher rests on legs that transfer all loads directly to the viaduct and capital beam, ensuring safety and allowing for long elevated sections.