SOCOTEC's monitoring expertise ensures the reconnection of the Castro Viaduct in Spain
The newly rebuilt El Castro Viaduct, linking the regions of Galicia and Castilla y León in Spain via the A-6 motorway, is now continuously monitored by SOCOTEC.
Key Information
Project name: SOCOTEC's monitoring expertise ensures the reconnection of the Castro Viaduct in Spain
Date: 2022 - 2025
Client: Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of Spain
Location: Spain
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Project Summary
Following its 2022 collapse, the structure is now equipped with a 24/7 sensor network that tracks deformation, vibration, and corrosion.
This advanced monitoring system ensures early anomaly detection and the prompt implementation of preventive measures, safeguarding users.
Reconstructed with a 90-million-euro investment, the viaduct now features a five-lane design built to endure heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. Alongside continuous monitoring, additional safety enhancements include high-strength materials and a reinforced structural framework.
This remarkable engineering feat, shaped by the challenging terrain, secures a safe and seamless connection between the two regions.
Project Description
A cutting-edge monitoring system
A collaboration between SOCOTEC in Spain, Grupo Puentes, and Copasa has led to the installation of a continuous monitoring system on the El Castro Viaduct. Strategically positioned sensors provide real-time data on the structure's condition, enabling early detection of any potential wear or damage.
"SOCOTEC’s monitoring plan leverages a centralized system to generate alerts and predict future issues, ensuring the viaduct’s longevity and safety."
— Josep Raventós, Director of the Monitoring Department at SOCOTEC Spain
Emergency monitoring: a key tool
Structural monitoring has become indispensable in emergency scenarios, as demonstrated by the El Castro Viaduct case.
After its partial collapse, a comprehensive monitoring system was implemented during the repair and reconstruction process.
From the beginning, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of Spain, working with SOCOTEC’s specialized team, deployed a real-time monitoring network. This system, using strategically placed sensors, continuously assessed the viaduct’s condition, detecting anomalies early and enabling immediate action when needed.
This continuous oversight safeguarded both workers and road users throughout the reconstruction.
Additionally, it streamlined the project, facilitating the fast reopening of the A-6. The collected data was centralized on a dedicated online platform, enabling efficient monitoring, analysis, and decision-making. This pioneering approach not only reinforced the viaduct’s structural integrity but also established a new standard for managing future infrastructure emergencies.
“By implementing SOCOTEC’s advanced monitoring system, we have completely redefined infrastructure maintenance. Moving from a reactive to a predictive approach allows us to foresee and prevent potential failures, optimize resources, and ensure the long-term stability and safety of the viaduct.”
Construction and opening to traffic of the El Castro Viaduct
