Documentation, analysis, conservation and structural improvement design for the "Locarolo" bridge
Scientific Directors: Massimiliano Bocciarelli, Luigi Fregonese, Christian Campanella, Carlo Togliani
Collaborator: Laura Taffurelli, Jacopo Helder, Ginevra Rossi
Partners: Consorzio di bonifica DUNAS, Comune di Bozzolo (MN)
Contacts: unescolab-mantova@polimi.it
Project year: 2021-2022
The historic iron bridge of “Locarolo” 81912-13), in the municipality of Bozzolo, is located in a landscape context of relevant interest, along the course of the Delmona-Tagliata canal, which from Cremona flows into the Oglio River. In order to allow a return to its function, after a period of closure, and to allow it to be passable by agricultural means, the DUNAS consortium, which is managing the bridge, asked the Unesco Research Lab for scientific advice on the conservation and structural improvement project. After historical research that documented its genesis and a photogrammetric and 3D survey that highlighted the bridge’s current situation, researchers and designers from the Mantua Campus proposed a conservation intervention of the historic iron bridge and the construction of a new crossing system over the Delmona Canal. The new intervention involves the removal of the current road surface, the integral preservation of the supporting structures, and the insertion of new steel beams along the entire length that are structurally independent from the existing bridge. The designed interventions are aimed at not altering the overall perception of the original structure, both in chromaticism and geometry, as in the case of the balustrade that is removed from its original location, arranged and relocated on the new structure, adjusting its length with modules of the same shape, size and color.
architectural preservation and valorization archival research and enhancement geomatics structure and construction sustainability