Nueva esclusa fluvial de Sevilla parte 2

Construction of the New Lock at the Port of Seville

Overview of Construction Process

• The construction involved temporary flotation tanks to ensure gates floated horizontally, as vertical positioning would not allow passage through the old lock due to lower draft.

• Once at the new lock, gates were positioned vertically using a 750-ton crane and a system of pulleys for maneuvering into place for maintenance and assembly.

• Bridges were constructed concurrently with the lock to ensure operational readiness upon completion; segments were built off-site and assembled on-site.

Structural Developments

• Using the same crane, panels were launched from the south side of the lock, with counterweights placed on piles and anchored to panels with tension rods.

• As construction progressed, buildings in urbanized areas were developed to be completed alongside bridge and gate operations while maintaining river traffic through previous channels.

Dredging and Canal Preparation

• Dredging was performed upstream and downstream of the lock to achieve specific depths (9.5m and -7.7m), including bank protection with riprap.

• A cutter suction dredger was utilized capable of reaching depths up to 18m, transporting sediment over 2 km for sedimentation purposes.

Transitioning Maritime Traffic

• After dredging access points were cleared, maritime traffic was rerouted through the new lock even before it became fully operational for filling in existing navigation channels.

Key Measurements and Impact

• Significant measurements included:

• 4 million cubic meters dredged

• 1.7 million cubic meters excavated

• Various quantities of steel used in construction (e.g., 5000 tons in sheet piling).

• The new lock enhances sustainable development by allowing larger vessels access, boosting competitiveness for port facilities located downstream from previous structures.

Future Prospects

• The new lock positions Seville as a key maritime transport hub between Spain and global markets by accommodating large cargo ships and cruise liners directly into city centers.