{"id":29558,"date":"2026-07-23T17:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T07:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.balineau.com\/?post_type=avada_portfolio&p=29558"},"modified":"2026-07-23T17:38:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T07:38:19","slug":"reinforcement-of-the-piers-of-the-stone-bridge-bordeaux","status":"publish","type":"avada_portfolio","link":"https:\/\/www.balineau.com\/en\/offer-portfolio\/reinforcement-of-the-piers-of-the-stone-bridge-bordeaux\/","title":{"rendered":"Reinforcement of the piers of the Stone Bridge – Bordeaux"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Context<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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The Bordeaux Stone Bridge<\/b> is the oldest bridge in the city. It entered service in 1821 and remained Bordeaux\u2019s only road bridge for nearly 150 years. Now an iconic landmark, its image has, over time, become inseparable from that of downtown Bordeaux.<\/p>\n

However, the building is in danger:<\/b> year after year, the bridge\u2019s piers are sinking into the alluvial soils of the Garonne at a rate of a few millimeters per year. The river is also eroding the embankments around the piers, risking exposure of the foundations to strong currents and tidal forces.<\/p>\n

To protect the bridge<\/b> and ensure its long-term viability, Bordeaux M\u00e9tropole has launched a new phase of work for the 2025\u20132029 period. This large-scale project involves:<\/p>\n

– Reinforcing the bridge piers with drilled micropiles<\/b><\/p>\n

– Restoring the rockfill protection along the piers\u2019 banks<\/b><\/p>\n

– Installing ring beams around the piers<\/b><\/p>\n

– Repairing the bridge deck (waterproofing, drainage)<\/b><\/p>\n

As part of a joint venture,<\/b> Balineau has offered to install the rockfill protection, working alongside Sol\u00e9tanche-Bachy for the installation of the micropiles and Aevia (Eiffage G\u00e9nie Civil) for the pile encircling, drainage, waterproofing, and road and utility infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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Location<\/p>\n

Bordeaux, France<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Client<\/span><\/p>\n

Bordeaux M\u00e9tropole<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Project Management Assistant<\/p>\n

Cerema sud-ouest<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Project Manager<\/p>\n

BG – 2BDM – VERDI<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Joint venture<\/span><\/p>\n

SOLETANCHE BACHY (mandataire)<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

BALINEAU<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

AEVIA – EIFFAGE GENIE CIVIL<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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D<\/span>uration of the works<\/span>
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\n2025 \/ 2028<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Works presentation<\/h2><\/div>

Balineau is therefore responsible for installing rockfill protection<\/b> on the slopes around the bridge piers. The project will take place over four years (2025 to 2028) and calls for the placement of a total of 4,500 m\u00b3 of rock.<\/p>\n

The purpose of the rockfill protection is <\/b>to prevent the foundations of the bridge piers from being exposed to erosion. Over the long term, this erosion could create hollows around the piers, exposing the wooden piles and masonry, which would put the entire structure at risk of failure due to scouring.<\/p>\n

Once they arrive at the bridge, the rocks are placed<\/b> using an excavator equipped with a GPS system. The operator monitors the level and position of the rocks in real time and places them according to the plans provided by the 3D software.<\/p>\n

Bathymetric surveys<\/b> are conducted regularly to verify the correct positioning of the stones and to update the 3D model by indicating the areas where material needs to be added or removed.<\/p>\n

The work requires great care<\/b> and a thorough knowledge of the area, as the current between the bridge piers can be particularly strong. Coordination has also been established with river users to manage navigable passages. Finally, a permanent flood monitoring system has helped protect against various river hazards.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Historique<\/h2><\/div>

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In 1996, <\/b>Balineau helped reinforce piers 7 through 11 by installing gabion mattresses.<\/p>\n

In 2004,<\/b> during the preparation of piers 8 and 9 for the barges transporting A380 aircraft components, Balineau constructed four protective breakwaters around the piers.<\/p>\n

In 2018,<\/b> Balineau participated in a major repair project for the riverbed slopes, which involved, in particular, the installation of gabion mattresses.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Mise<\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"Passage<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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