Strukton immerses second caisson for Çanakkale bridge, Turkey
During a 72 hour lasting operation, the second and final element was immersed with an extreme precision of 10 mm. Each caisson has a weight of approximately 66000 tonnes. The Ҫanakkale bridge has a 2023 metre span, making it the largest suspension bridge in the world. The pylons of this bridge will be built on the caissons.
Controlled filling
A special ballasting system that makes it possible to independently and remotely fill all 26 clusters was designed for the controlled and precise immersion of the caissons. By controlled filling of the cluster with water the caisson is immersed under water.
A special guide system on the seabed insure the precise positioning of the caisson. Four guide frames have been mounted on pre-installed piles (diameters 250 cm and 35 m long). Jacks mounted on the caisson make sure that, once positioned one metre above the seabed the caisson can be positioned with high accuracy.
After a survey check of the position, the caisson is further ballasted with water and placed on the seabed. Once on the seabed, all clusters are 100 percent filled and the jacks on the caisson are withdrawn. After removal of the ballast systems in the shafts, the shafts are filled with water as the final step.
Foundation of Canakkale bridge
Strukton Immersion Projects (SImP) has been awarded the contract for the immersion of two caissons forming the foundation of the 1915 Canakkale bridge over the Dardanelles Strait in Turkey. SImP is responsible for the engineering of all temporary works regarding the float up, float out, transport and immersion of the caissons.
The 1915 Çanakkale-bridge will be completed in March 2022.
