Design and construction of Megalorema Viaduct, Greece

This paper describes the recently completed Megalorema Viaduct, part of the Egnatia motorway project currently under construction in northern Greece. The viaduct is situated in a seismic zone and was constructed using an incremental launching method. A description of the viaduct is given, and the design parameters and anti-seismic measures are outlined. The design is based on friction launching of the full deck but was subsequently modified by the contractor to a combination of friction and pull launching to suit the available equipment. The construction of the viaduct is described with emphasis on the superstructure where the details of casting yard, nose girder, and various phases of the operations for the friction and pull launching of the decks are explained. The schedule of works for a typical weekly cycle of deck segment casting and launching is also discussed.