Visconteo bridge in Valeggio sul Mincio – diagnostic surveys
15 October 2020
Thanks to their qualifications and experience in the inspection and investigation of historic bridges, Foppoli Moretta and Associates were commissioned by the Municipality of Valeggio sul Mincio to carry out a thorough investigation of the structures of the historic Ponte Lungo.
The bridge, an extremely interesting and truly unique structure, was originally built starting in 1393 by the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. After conquering the Verona area, he intended to create a dam to divert the course of the Mincio River, draining the lakes around the city of Mantova. Due to technical difficulties, this goal was never fully achieved, and the dam-bridge, equipped with three towers, was later transformed into a fortified bridge.
The structure is 650 m long, approximately 8 m high, and 20 m wide at the top. The arches that originally spanned the Mincio were destroyed during 17th-century wartime events; only in 1930 were the two riverbanks reconnected by the current 25-meter-long iron bridge.
The ongoing diagnostic survey addresses all key structural aspects: geometric surveys conducted via drone photogrammetry; mapping of cracks and deterioration; sampling and testing of modern bridge materials (concrete and iron); masonry testing using flat jacks and endoscopic surveys; and geotechnical investigations, including boreholes up to 40 m deep at the abutments and seismic reflection tests.
Due to limited access, all survey activities are carried out using rope access techniques, for which FMeA technicians hold specific certifications, in addition to their expertise in working on historic and iconic structures.
