infrastructures

Technical Note
Structural Safety Analysis of the Aqueducts “Coll De
Foix” and “Capdevila” of the Canal of Aragon
and Catalonia
Albert de la Fuente * , Vicente Alegre, Ana Blanco, Teresa Cavero and Roberto Quintilla
Civil and Environmental Department, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Campus Nord,
C/Jordi Girona, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; info@cotca.com (V.A.); A.Blanco-Alvarez@lboro.ac.uk (A.B.);
t.cavero.irure@gmail.com (T.C.); roberto@cayc.es (R.Q.)
* Correspondence: albert.de.la.fuente@upc.edu




Received: 5 September 2018; Accepted: 31 October 2018; Published: 5 November 2018


Abstract: The Canal of Aragon and Catalonia (CAC) is 134 km long and irrigates 105,000 ha
(131 irrigation user communities) and it is owned by the River Ebro’s Water Agency. The aqueducts
are located between km 67 and 71 of the canal and were designed by the civil engineer Félix de los
Ríos Martín in 1907. The cross-section of both aqueducts, Coll de Foix and Capdevila, was extended
within the framework of the project by Fernando Hué Herrero in 1962 in order to reach design flows
of 26.1 m3 /s and 25.7 m3 /s, respectively. The structural performance of the aqueducts has been
satisfactory; nevertheless, the hydraulic capacity has reduced over the years. As a result, the irrigation
user communities have expressed the need to extend the cross-section of the aqueducts to meet the
irrigation demands. Given the age of the structure and the different design considerations at the time, it is
paramount to verify the structural reliability of the aqueducts in the new load configuration. Therefore,
the objective of this contribution is to present the structural safety analysis conducted and to describe
the new extended cross-section for both aqueducts (maintaining the original structural typology).

Keywords: heritage; maintenance; reinforced concrete; safety

1. Introduction
The Canal of Aragon and Catalonia (CAyC) is a hydraulic infrastructure of national interest
built in 1906. The canal collects water from the Ésera River and it is used for agricultural purposes,
water supply in urban areas and industries and hydroelectric energy generation.
Water regulation and usage has significantly changed since the beginning of the 20th century
and, consequently, the canal has been subjected to refurbishment to improve coatings and increase
the cross-section of the main canal and irrigation ditches. The aqueducts assessed in this study are
an example of this evolution and refurbishment.
The Interministerial Commission of Hydraulic Plans agreed in 1960 on the construction of the
Liaison Canal that complements the water supply of the Ésera River with water from the adjacent
hydraulic basin, the Noguera-Ribagorzana. This Liaison Canal covers 44,000 Ha, has a capacity
of 26.1 m3 /s and connects with the CAyC at the km 66. Due to the connection of the two canals,
an extension downstream of this point was required to increase the capacity of the latter (CAyC) whose
capacity was limited to 12.42 m3 /s.
Two aqueducts downstream the connection point, Coll de Foix Aqueduct (Figure 1) and Capdevila
Aqueduct (Figure 2) present design flows of 26.1 m3 /s and 25.7 m3 /s, respectively. These design
flows do not correspond with the current real capacity, which approaches 21.9 m3 /s in Coll de Foix.
Under these circumstances, the need to increase the hydraulic capacity of both aqueducts is mandatory
to maximise its usage.

Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48; doi:10.3390/infrastructures3040048 www.mdpi.com/journal/infrastructures

Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 2 of 9

these circumstances,
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 the need to increase the hydraulic capacity of both aqueducts is mandatory
2 ofto
9
maximise its usage.

Figure
Figure 1.
1. Coll
Coll de
de Foix
Foix Aqueduct
Aqueduct located
located in
in Km
Km 67 of CAyC.
67 of CAyC.

Figure 2. Capdevila Aqueduct located in Km 71 of CAyC.

Currently, an an expansion
expansion of the section
section of the
the canal
canal is envisaged
envisaged to tackle the loss of hydraulic
hydraulic
capacity due
due to:to:(1)(1)a roughness
a roughness coefficient
coefficient different
different from from
thatthat foreseen
foreseen in thein original
the original project;
project; (2) a
(2) a variation
variation of the hydraulic
of the hydraulic slope downstream
slope downstream of both and
of both aqueducts; aqueducts; and (3)
(3) an increase in an
the increase in the
water demands
water
of the demands
users, which of the users, which
translates into thetranslates
need to into the need
increase to increaseflow.
the circulating the circulating flow.
The objective of this paper is to raise and analyse the structural feasibility of expanding the sections
in order to increase their hydraulic capacity. For this purpose, a survey of damages, topographic and
geotechnical studiesand
geotechnical studies andstructural
structuralanalysis
analysiswith
with non-linear
non-linear models
models hashas been
been carried
carried out.out. Fortunately,
Fortunately, the
the original
original project
project ofFélix
of D. D. Félix de los
de los RíosRíos Martín
Martín [1] [1]
andand of two
of two projects
projects of D.
of D. Fernando
Fernando HuéHué Herrero
Herrero [2,3]
[2,3] is
is available.
available. The The technical
technical interestofofthis
interest thiswork
workliesliesininthe
thestudy
studyofofaaconcrete
concretestructure
structure with
with more than
100
100 years
yearsininservice,
service,designed
designed with
withdifferent structural
different structural safety approaches,
safety approaches,and whose results
and whose will serve
results will
as a reference
serve for interventions
as a reference in similar
for interventions works.
in similar works.It has beenbeen
It has proven thatthat
proven thethe
structural capacity
structural capacityof
the former
of the former cross-section
cross-section permits
permits ananincrease
increaseofofthetheloads
loadswithout
withoutrequiring
requiring anan additional
additional concrete
reinforcement.
reinforcement. The The global
global intervention
interventionproject
projectcancanbe befound
foundinin[4].
[4].

2. Geometry and
2. Geometry and Materials
Materials

2.1. Vaults and Spandrels

2.1. Vaults and Spandrels
The
The Coll
Coll de
de Foix
Foix aqueduct
aqueduct is
is composed
composed ofof aa line of seven
line of seven elliptical
elliptical arches
arches spanning
spanning 8.50
8.50 m
m reduced
reduced
to 1/4, comprised between six piles and two abutments that longitudinally delimit the aqueduct to
to 1/4, comprised between six piles and two abutments that longitudinally delimit the aqueduct to
69.70 m. On the other hand, the Capdevila aqueduct is 79.20 m long and has eight elliptical arches
69.70 m. On the other hand, the Capdevila aqueduct is 79.20 m long and has eight elliptical arches
spanning 8.30 m
spanning 8.30 m and
and equally
equally reduced
reduced to
to 1/4
1/4ofofthe
thespan.
span.
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 3 of 9

Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 3 of 9
The arches are made of plain concrete composed of 250 kg/m3 of slow-setting Portland cement.
The arches
The thickness ofare
themade
archesofinplain concrete
the key is 0.50composed
m and increases of 250 kg/m 3 of slow-setting Portland cement.
progressively towards the haunches to
The thickness of the arches in the key is 0.50 m and increases progressively
a thickness of 0.70 m. The average compressive strength values obtained from cores extracted towards the haunchesfrom theto
aaqueduct
thickness of 0.70 m. The average compressive strength values
2
arches of Coll de Foix and Capdevila are 42 N/mm and 22 N/mm , respectively. obtained from
2 cores extracted from
the aqueduct
The spandrelarches of Coll
walls de Foix and
are composed ofCapdevila
pressed brick,are 42 N/mm
these
2 and 22 N/mm2, respectively.
breaking continuity between contiguous
The spandrel walls are composed of pressed brick,
arches through projecting pilasters that form the abutments. The arrangement ofthese breaking continuity between
reduced contiguous
elliptical
arches through
arches leads projecting
to reduced pilasters
spandrel wallsthatsurfaces,
form the thusabutments.
making aThe arrangement
backfill of concrete ofwith
reduced
100 kg/melliptical
3 of
arches
naturalleads
cement to reduced spandrel
economically walls
viable. Thissurfaces, thustomaking
alternative a backfill
the classic of concrete
compacted with
granular 100 allows
filler kg/m3 of to
natural
minimize cement
the risk economically
of leaks due viable.
to water This alternative
losses from theto the classic
bottom slab ofcompacted granular
the canal, which fillerincrease
would allows
to
theminimize the riskinofthe
lateral pressures leaks due to
spandrel water
walls. Inlosses
turn, the from factthe bottom
that slab similar
both have of the canal, which
stiffness would
is favorable
increase the lateral pressures
for the arch-backfill interaction. in the spandrel walls. In turn, the fact that both have similar stiffness is
favorable for the arch-backfill interaction.
2.2. Piers and Foundations
2.2. Piers and Foundations
The vertical piers are pyramid-shaped to increase stability, with 4% and 6% of lateral inclination
and in The
thevertical
fronts piers
formed arebypyramid-shaped
the abutments.toThe increase
heightstability,
ranges fromwith 4%1.00and 6% of
to 6.20 m lateral
starting inclination
from the
and in the fronts
foundations to theformed
start ofbythethe abutments.
arches. At theThe ends,height ranges from
the aqueducts are 1.00 m to 6.20
supported by m starting from
abutments the
founded
foundations to the start of the arches. At the ends, the aqueducts are supported
on soft sandstone and that delimit the aqueducts longitudinally. The filling of the piles and abutments by abutments founded
on soft sandstone
is made and thatwith
of plain concrete delimit
225the
kg/m 3 of natural
aqueducts longitudinally.
cement. The filling of the piles and abutments
is made Theofprimitive
plain concrete with 225
foundations arekg/m 3 of natural
rectangular and made of concrete with 160 kg/m3 of natural
cement.
cement.The primitive
Although,foundations
only Coll de areFoix
rectangular
aqueduct andmaintains
made of concrete with 160
the original kg/m3 of natural
foundations since they cement.
are
Although,
still referredonlyto Coll de Foix
the layer of aqueduct maintains
compact clays sincethe its original
execution. foundations
On the othersincehand,
they arein still referred to
the Capdevila
the layer of
aqueduct compact
it was clays to
necessary since its execution.
reinforce, on two On the other
occasions, thehand, in the of
foundation Capdevila
some of itsaqueduct
piers. Init1925,
was
necessary to reinforce,
a stack of wooden pilesonwas
twomade
occasions,
only in thepier
foundation
3 (Figureof3),some which of proved
its piers.toInbe1925, a stack of
insufficient wooden
because it
piles
did notwas made
reach theonly in pier 3stratum.
competent (Figure 3), which
In the 1962proved
project to[3]
be the
insufficient
definitive because
recessesit did not reach
of piers the
1–6 were
competent
designed and stratum. In thewith
executed 1962concrete
project [3] the definitive
caissons recesses
of sufficient of piers
depth 1–6 were
to reach the designed
competent and executed
stratum of
with
compactconcrete
clays.caissons of sufficient depth to reach the competent stratum of compact clays.

Figure 3.
Figure Capdevila aqueduct
3. Capdevila aqueduct foundations
foundations (CAyC
(CAyC at
at Km
Km 71).
71).

The average compressive strength obtained from the cores drilled from the foundations are
The average compressive strength obtained from the cores drilled from the foundations are
20 N/mm2 in both aqueducts.
20 N/mm2 in both aqueducts.
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 4 of 9
Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 4 of 9

2.3. Canal
2.3. Canal
The section
The section ofof the
the canal
canal is
is constant
constant inin both
both aqueducts
aqueducts (Figure
(Figure 4)
4) and
and consists
consists of
of aa slab
slab of
of 3.00
3.00 m
m
wide supported onto the backfill of the arches and joins the cashiers through chamfers
wide supported onto the backfill of the arches and joins the cashiers through chamfers of 0.70 m. The of 0.70 m.
The cross
cross section
section is braced
is braced on the
on the toptop
by by reinforced
reinforced concrete
concrete braceswith
braces witha arectangular
rectangularcross-sections
cross-sections ofof
0.2 × 0.2 m 2 each 2.0 m in the longitudinal direction. The original height of the cross section is 2.40 m
0.2 × 0.2 m each 2.0 m in the longitudinal direction. The original height of the cross section is 2.40 m
2
and the
and the proposal
proposal is is to
to increase
increase itit 0.60
0.60 m.
m. All
All the
the elements
elements of
of the
the canal
canal have
have aa thickness
thickness ofof 0.20
0.20 m.
m.

(a) (b)
Figure 4. (a) Main tensile reinforcement configuration and (b) geometry of the cross-section.
Figure 4. (a) Main tensile reinforcement configuration and (b) geometry of the cross-section.
On the one hand, the canal was built with vibrated hydraulic concrete with a content of 300 kg/m3
On thePortland
of artificial one hand, the canal
cement. Thewas built with
strengths vibrated
obtained from hydraulic concrete
cores extracted with
from thea content
aqueductsof 300 kg/m
of Coll de3
of artificial
Foix Portland are
and Capdevila cement.
45 N/mm 2
The strengths
and 30 obtained 2
N/mm , from cores extracted
respectively. from the
On the other hand,aqueducts of Coll de
the reinforcement
Foix and of
consists Capdevila are 45
smooth steel N/mm
bars with 2 and 30 N/mmyield
a minimum 2, respectively. On240
stress (fy ) of theN/mm 2 . Thethe
other hand, reinforcement
reinforcement of
consists of smooth steel bars with a minimum yield stress (f ) of 240 N/mm 2 . The
the extension consists of B500 steel rebars (fyk = 500 Mpa) and macro-polypropylene structural fibres
y reinforcement of the
extension
mixed with consists of B500
the concrete (fcksteel N/mm(f2 yk
= 30 rebars = 500
). The Mpa) and macro-polypropylene
characteristic flexural residual strength structural
providedfibres
by
mixed with
the fibres arethe
f R1kconcrete 2
(fck = 30 N/mm
≥ 1.50 N/mm ≥ 1.50 N/mm2 . flexural residual strength provided by
2). The characteristic
and f R3k
the fibres are fR1k ≥ 1.50
The proposed N/mmentails
extension 2 and fR3k ≥ 1.50 N/mm2.
an increase of the hydraulic section of 19.1% of the final section
(13.1The 2
m ) proposed
with respect extension entailsone
to the current (11.0 m2 )ofmaintaining
an increase the hydraulic section of
a clearance (r)19.1%
of 0.20ofm.the final
This section
extension
(13.1 m2)an
implies with respectofto8.5%
increase the current one (11.0
in permanent m2) (empty
loads maintaining
channel)a clearance (r) ofin0.20
and 10.0% m. This
service (fullextension
channel,
implies an increase of 8.5% in permanent loads (empty channel) and 10.0% in service (full channel,
r = 0.0 m).
r = 0.0 m).
3. Structural Capacity of the Expanded Canal
3. Structural Capacity of the Expanded Canal
3.1. Geometry Simulation
3.1. Geometry Simulation
A 3D finite element model (Figure 5) was implemented with SAP2000® v16 [5] considering the
geometry
A 3D of the element
finite canal cross-section
model (Figure(Figure 4). implemented
5) was A 10.0 m length
withmodule
SAP2000of ®canal (distance
v16 [5] between
considering the
piles) was simulated with shell elements, except for the concrete braces that were represented
geometry of the canal cross-section (Figure 4). A 10.0 m length module of canal (distance between piles) with
beamsimulated
was elements.with shell elements, except for the concrete braces that were represented with beam
The boundary conditions considered were: (1) the connection slab-chamfer is simulated as
elements.
a simply-supported point withconsidered
The boundary conditions free rotation in the
were: (1) plane that contains
the connection the cross-section
slab-chamfer and with
is simulated as a
fully-restrained displacement
simply-supported in the
point with free three spatial
rotation in the directions. This condition
plane that contains is representative
the cross-section in view
and with of
fully-
restrained displacement in the three spatial directions. This condition is representative in view of the
existence of a lateral overhang that restricts the displacements. (2) The interaction between the slab
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 5 of 9

Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 5 of 9
the existence of a lateral overhang that restricts the displacements. (2) The interaction between the slab
and the
and the backfill
backfill has
has been
beensimulated
simulated bybyconsidering
considering that
thatdownward
downward displacements
displacements are
are restricted
restricted while
while
upwards displacements
upwards displacements areare free;
free; however, it has been proven that, for all load
load combinations,
combinations, the the slab
slab
detaches from
detaches from the
the backfill.
backfill. (3)
(3) The
The connection
connection between
between the
the walkways
walkways and and braces
braces is
is represented
represented by by
means of a perfect
means of a perfect plastic hinge.

Figure
Figure 5.
5. (a)
(a)3D
3DFinite
Finite element
element mesh
mesh of
of aa 10.0
10.0 m
m length
length canal
canal module
module and
and (b)
(b) control
control sections (1–5).

3.2. Loads and Load Combinations

3.2. Loads and Load Combinations
The loads considered were: (1) self-weight (G). (2) Water circulating inside the canal (Qk,1 ).
The loads considered were: (1) self-weight (G). (2) Water circulating inside the canal (Qk,1). (3) Life
(3) Life load applied to the walkways (Qk,2 ) with a magnitude 2of 5.0 kN/m2 . (4) Wind load applied
load applied to the walkways (Qk,2) with a magnitude of 5.0 kN/m . (4) Wind load applied to the external
to the external lateral surfaces of the cashiers (Qk,3 ) consisted of a uniformly-distributed load with
lateral surfaces of the cashiers (Qk,3) consisted of a uniformly-distributed load with a magnitude of
a magnitude of 1.02 kN/m2 that can be either pressure or suction depending on the wind direction.
1.02 kN/m2 that can be either pressure or suction depending on the wind direction.
The following load combinations were assumed:
The following load combinations were assumed:
• Service limit state: a load combination representative of the canal operational stage (C1 ) and
• Service limit state: a load combination representative of the canal operational stage (C1) and consisting
consisting of the gravitational loads (G) and the water pressure (Q ) with a clearance of r = 0.20 m
of the gravitational loads (G) and the water pressure (Qk,1) with a k,1 clearance of r = 0.20 m has been
has been defined. No partial safety factor has been considered for the loads.
defined. No partial safety factor has been considered for the loads.
•• Ultimate
Ultimate limit
limitstate:
state:a apermanent
permanentsituation
situationof of loads
loads (C2(C 2 ) formed
) formed by the
by the gravitational
gravitational loadload(G), (G),
the
the water pressure (Q k,1 ), with no clearance (r = 0.0 m), the walkways life load
water pressure (Qk,1), with no clearance (r = 0.0 m), the walkways life load (Qk,2) and the wind load (Q k,2 ) and the
wind load (Q k,3
(Qk,3) were combined ) were combined and factored with the load partial safety factors
and factored with the load partial safety factors defined in the EHE-08 [6]. defined in the
EHE-08 [6]. Additionally, an accidental
Additionally, an accidental situation (C3) has been situation (C ) has been defined to consider
3 defined to consider a potential water a potential
water discharge above the walkways (0.50
discharge above the walkways (0.50 m of water level above m of water level above the walkways)
the walkways) owe to an
owe to an operational
operational error of the canal lock-gate. The load partial safety factors defined
error of the canal lock-gate. The load partial safety factors defined in the EHE-08 [6] were also in the EHE-08 [6]
were also
applied toapplied
establish tothis
establish this load combination.
load combination.
3.3. Service Limit States
3.3. Service Limit States
Regarding the service limit state of deformations, Figure 6 gathers the displacements field for the
Regarding the service limit state of deformations, Figure 6 gathers the displacements field for
load combination C . The maximum lateral (opening) displacement is 2.0 mm while the maximum
the load combination1 C1. The maximum lateral (opening) displacement is 2.0 mm while the maximum
upwards displacement of the bottom is 0.1 mm. Both magnitudes are considered to be structurally
upwards displacement of the bottom is 0.1 mm. Both magnitudes are considered to be structurally
assumable and these do not lead to any esthetical concern since those would not be perceptible from
assumable and these do not lead to any esthetical concern since those would not be perceptible from
the walkways or from a car-driver perspective. It is worth to note that the bottom tends to detach from
the walkways or from a car-driver perspective. It is worth to note that the bottom tends to detach
the spandrel.
from the spandrel.
Regarding the cracking service limit state, Figure 7 represents the M (activate the secondary
Regarding the cracking service limit state, Figure 7 represents the M11 11 (activate the secondary
reinforcement, see Figure 4) and M (activate the main reinforcement) bending moment distributions
reinforcement, see Figure 4) and M2222(activate the main reinforcement) bending moment distributions for
the load combination C1. The characteristic crack width (wk) is assessed by considering this combination
and it has been confirmed that the limit state condition wk = 0.10 mm < wmax = 0.30 mm, where wmax is
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 6 of 9

Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 6 of 9
for the load
Infrastructures combination
2018, 3, x C1 . The characteristic crack width (wk ) is assessed by considering6 of this
9
combination and it has been confirmed that the limit
the maximum crack width allowed for the environmental conditions to which state condition w k = 0.10 mm < w
the structure = 0.30 mm,
maxis subjected,
where
the w
maximum
would bemax iscrack
the in
fulfilled maximum
width crack
allowed
the new forwidth allowed for
the environmental
operational conditions the canal.
environmental
conditions
of the to which the conditions
structuretois which the
subjected,
structure
would be is subjected,
fulfilled in would
the new be fulfilled
operational in the new
conditions operational
of the canal. conditions
The results gathered in Figure 7 highlight that peak values of M22 up to 15.7 mkN/m are reached of the canal.
at theThe
The results
results
cashiers gathered
valuesinup
gathered
while Figure 7 highlight
to −32.8 mkN/m that peak values
are expectedvalues of M up to
to 15.7
ofchamfer-slab
at the M2222 up 15.7 mkN/m
mkN/m
joint areSections
are
(control reached2
reached
at
at
andthe
the cashiers
4,cashiers while
while
respectively; seevalues
values up
up to
Figure −32.8
5b). −mkN/m
to Likewise,
32.8 mkN/m arecan
it areconfirmed
expected
be expected at thethechamfer-slab
at the chamfer-slab
that M11joint joint
(control
bending (control
Sections
moments 2
are
sections
and 4, 2 and
respectively;4, respectively;
see Figure see
5b). Figure
Likewise, 5b).
it Likewise,
can be it can
confirmed be confirmed
that
lower in magnitude with respect to M22 (about a 30% of M22) and these respond to a secondary the M that
11 bendingthe M
momentsbending
are
11 bending
moments
lower in are lower
magnitude in
with magnitude
respect to
induced by the geometry and boundary conditions.Mwith respect
22 (about a 30%to M
of M
22 (about
22) and a 30%
these of M
respond 22 )
to and
a these
secondary respond
bendingto
a secondary
induced by thebending
geometry induced by the geometry
and boundary and boundary conditions.
conditions.

Figure 6. Deformed hydraulic cross-section when subjected to the service load combination (C1).
Figure 6.
Figure Deformedhydraulic
6. Deformed hydrauliccross-section
cross-section when
when subjected
subjected to
to the
the service
service load
load combination
combination (C
(C11).).

Figure7.7.Bending
Figure Bendingmoment
momentdistribution
distribution(mkN/m)
(mkN/m)for
forthe
thecombination
combinationCC11:: (a) M11
11 and
and (b)
(b) M 22. .
M22
Figure 7. Bending moment distribution (mkN/m) for the combination C1: (a) M11 and (b) M22.
Table 11 gathers
gathersthe the number
number (nΦ12(n)Φ12 ) of
of 12 12 mm-diameter
mm-diameter steel reinforcing
steel reinforcing bars (Φ12bars
), the (Φ 12 ),reinforcing
steel the steel
Table
reinforcing 1
area (As), the gathers
area the number
(As ), the
average (n
average
cracking ) of 12
cracking
Φ12
bending mm-diameter
bending
moment steel
moment
capacity reinforcing
(Mcrmcapacity bars
(Mwcrm
) and the (Φ ), the
) and thefor
12
k assessed
steel reinforcing
wkevery
assessed for
control
area
every(Acontrol
s), the average
cross-section (Figure cracking
cross-section
5b) when bending
(Figure 5b) moment
subjected whento M capacity be
subjected
22. It canto
(MMcrm )
. and
It the
can
confirmed
22 bew k assessed for
confirmed
that only that
controlevery
only control
Sectioncontrol
4 is
cross-section
section
expected4 is (Figure
toexpected
crack (Mto 5b) when
22 ≥crack
Mcrm),(M subjected
w22 ≥ Mcrm
k being
to M .
), wk being
inferior 22 It
to 0.10can be confirmed
inferior
mm. to 0.10 mm. that only control Section 4 is
expected to crack (M22 ≥ Mcrm), wk being inferior to 0.10 mm.
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 7 of 9
Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 7 of 9

Table 1. Cracking service limit state and bending ultimate limit state checks for the control sections.
Table 1. Cracking service limit state and bending ultimate limit state checks for the control sections.
Cracking Service Limit State Ultimate Limit State
Cracking Service Limit State Ultimate Limit State
As (C1) Permanent (C2) Accidental (C3)
Sectionn nΦ12 2 )2 (C1 ) Permanent (C2 ) Accidental (C3 )
Section Φ12 (mm
As (mm ) Mcrm M22 wk M22,u M22,d M22,d
Mcrm M 22 M 22,u M 22,d FSu,M M 22,d FSu,M
(mkN/m) (mkN/m) (mm)
wk (mm) (mkN/m) (mkN/m) FSu,M (mkN/m) FSu,M
(mkN/m) (mkN/m) (mkN/m) (mkN/m) (mkN/m)
1 4 452 23.9 −1.6 - 26.4 4.9 5.4 2.2 12.0
1
2 4
8 452
905 23.9
23.9 −1.6 15.7 -
- 26.4
32.7 4.9
29.1 5.4
1.1 2.2
31.3 12.0
1.0
2 8 905 23.9 15.7 - 32.7 29.1 1.1 31.3 1.0
3 3 8 8 905905 23.9
23.9 2.12.1 - - 32.7
32.7 21.6
21.6 1.5
1.5 10.5
10.5 3.1
3.1
4 4 24 24 2714
2714 −23.9
−23.9 −32.8
−32.8 <0.10
<0.10 −−90.6
90.6 −−56.9
56.9 1.6
1.6 −54.5
−54.5 1.7
1.7
5 5 8 8 905905 23.9
23.9 8.48.4 - - 32.7
32.7 8.4
8.4 3.9
3.9 5.35.3 6.2
6.2

Thebraces
The bracesare aresubjected
subjectedto topure
puretraction
tractionforces
forces(T)
(T)since
sincethe
theconnection
connectionto tothe
thewalkways
walkwaysisissolved
solved
withplastic
with plastic hinges
hinges (no (no bending
bending forces
forcesare aretransmitted).
transmitted).The Themaximum
maximum magnitude
magnitude of of
T isT20.7 kN,kN,
is 20.7 the
average cracking tensile force (T crm) being 102.4 kN (the average tensile strength, fctm, considered is
the average cracking tensile force (Tcrm ) being 102.4 kN (the average tensile strength, fctm , considered
is2.56 N/mm 2). Consequently, the the
likelihood of cracking is low
2.56 N/mm 2 ). Consequently, likelihood of cracking is and
low no
andcracks are expected
no cracks due todue
are expected direct
to
loads. Nevertheless, considering that the braces are critical elements for the
direct loads. Nevertheless, considering that the braces are critical elements for the safe and suitable safe and suitable
structural performance
structural performance of of the
thehydraulic
hydraulic section
sectionunder
underservice
serviceconditions,
conditions, these
these were
wereconsidered
consideredas as
crackedfor
cracked forthe
thecracking
cracking service
service limitlimit
statestate verifications.
verifications. EvenEven
with with this safe-side
this safe-side assumption,
assumption, the
the value
value of w k expected to be reached during operational conditions is 0.12 and, thus, inferior to the 0.30
of wk expected to be reached during operational conditions is 0.12 and, thus, inferior to the 0.30 mm
mm allowed
allowed forstructure
for this this structure to guarantee
to guarantee that
that the the reinforcement
reinforcement will
will not not suffer
suffer from corrosion.
from corrosion.

3.4.Ultimate
3.4. UltimateLimit
LimitStates
States
Figure88gathers
Figure gathersthetheMM bendingmoment
2222bending momentenvelopes
envelopes for
for the
the combination
combination C2C(M
2 (M ).).MM
22,d
22,d envelope
11,denvelope
11,d
isisomitted
omittedsince
sincethis
thisisisnot
notdetermining
determiningfor forthe
thereinforcement
reinforcementdesign;
design;however,
however,the thepattern
patternisissimilar
similar
(with different magnitudes) to that presented in Figure 7a. For the accidental load
(with different magnitudes) to that presented in Figure 7a. For the accidental load combination (Ccombination (C33),),
thebending
the bendingmoment
moment envelopes’
envelopes’ pattern
pattern also
also respond
respond to
tothose
thosepresented
presented in
inFigure
Figure8.8. In In Table
Table11the
the
ultimatelimit
ultimate limitstate
statechecks
checksarearereported.
reported.

C2 C MM max min
Figure Bending
8. 8.
Figure moment
Bending envelopes
moment (mkN/m)
envelopes forfor
(mkN/m) thethe
combination
combination : (a)
2: (a) 11,dmaxand
11,d (b)M
and(b) 11,dmin. .
M11,d

The
Theresults
resultsgathered
gatheredin inTable
Table11confirm
confirmthat thatthe
theglobal
globalsafety
safetyfactor
factoragainst
againstbending
bendingmoment
momentin in
ULS, definedasasSF
ULS,defined SF
u,M =M
u,M = /Mddisishigher
Muu/M higher than
than 1.0 1.0 and,
and, hence,
hence, the
the expanded
expanded hydraulic
hydrauliccross-section
cross-section
would
wouldbe besafe
safe at
at structural
structural level. Likewise, the
level. Likewise, the braces
bracesare
arealso
alsosafe
safein
inULS
ULSsince SF
sinceSF =T
u,T
u,T Tud/T
=u/T is and
is d2.0 2.0
and 1.1 for the load combinations
1.1 for the load combinations C2 and C and C , respectively.
2 C3, respectively.
3
Finally,
Finally,the
theshear
shearenvelopes
envelopes (V(Vdd)) in
in ULS
ULS for forthe
theload
loadcombination
combinationCC2 2are arepresented
presentedininFigure
Figure 9.9.
It
Itmust
mustalso
alsobeberemarked
remarkedthat thatthe
theenvelopes
envelopesfollowfollowthethesame
samepattern
patternfor
forthe
theload combinationCC3.3 .
loadcombination
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 8 of 9
Infrastructures 2018, 3, x 8 of 9

global safety
The global safetyfactor
factoragainst
againsta ashear
shearfailure
failure
SFSF
u,Vu,V= =VV u/Vd is defined,
u /V d defined,VVuu (=127.3
(=127.3 kN/m)
kN/m) being
strength of
the shear strength of the
the cracked
cracked cross-section.
cross-section. The maximum values values ofof V
Vdd are 72.4 kN (C
(C22) and 72.2 kN
(C33) and, consequently,
(C consequently, SF SFu,V
u,V >>1.00.
1.00.

max and (b) V min

min
Figure Shear
9. 9.
Figure envelopes
Shear (kN/m)
envelopes (kN/m)ininULS
ULSfor
forthe
theload combinationCC
loadcombination (a)VVddmax and
2 :2:(a) (b) Vdd . .
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
The structural analysis of both aqueducts using the safety format accepted into the Spanish
The structural analysis of both aqueducts using the safety format accepted into the Spanish
Structural Concrete Code (EHE-08) it has been confirmed that the lateral cashiers can be increased
Structural Concrete Code (EHE-08) it has been confirmed that the lateral cashiers can be increased up
up to 0.60 m. This will lead to an increase of 19.1% of the hydraulic capacity while keeping the total
to 0.60 m. This will lead to an increase of 19.1% of the hydraulic capacity while keeping the total
weight increase below 10%.
weight increase below 10%.
This type of analyses could serve as guide for future similar designs (in Spain there are several
This type of analyses could serve as guide for future similar designs (in Spain there are several
aqueducts requiring repairs and extensions of the hydraulic capacity with similar geometry and
aqueducts requiring repairs and extensions of the hydraulic capacity with similar geometry and
boundary conditions to that studied herein). It is also confirmed (as other researchers did in previous
boundary conditions to that studied herein). It is also confirmed (as other researchers did in previous
studies for other existing structures) that designs according to previous standards (before 1970)
studies for other existing structures) that designs according to previous standards (before 1970) tend
tend to be conservative; this allows for increasing the load regime accordingly without requiring
to be conservative; this allows for increasing the load regime accordingly without requiring
additional reinforcement.
additional reinforcement.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, A.d.l.F., A.B., T.C.; Methodology, A.d.l.F., V.A., R.Q.; Software, A.d.l.F.;
Author Contributions:
Validation, Conceptualization,
A.d.l.F., A.B.; Formal A.d.l.F.,
Analysis, A.d.l.F., R.Q.;A.B., T.C.; Methodology,
Investigation, A.d.l.F.,
A.d.l.F., T.C., V.A., R.Q.;
V.A.; Resources, Software,
A.d.l.F., V.A.,
T.C.; Data Curation, A.d.l.F., V.A.; Writing-Original Draft Preparation, A.d.l.F.; Writing-Review & Editing, A.d.l.F.,
A.d.l.F.; Validation, A.d.l.F., A.B.; Formal Analysis, A.d.l.F., R.Q.; Investigation, A.d.l.F., T.C., V.A.; Resources,
A.B., V.A.,
A.d.l.F., T.C.,T.C.;
V.A., R.Q.;Data
Visualization, A.D.L.F.,V.A.;
Curation, A.d.l.F., A.B.;Writing-Original
Supervision, A.d.l.F.,
DraftV.A.; Project Administration,
Preparation, A.d.l.F., V.A.;
A.d.l.F.; Writing-Review &
Funding Acquisition, R.Q.
Editing, A.d.l.F., A.B., V.A., T.C., R.Q.; Visualization, A.D.L.F., A.B.; Supervision, A.d.l.F., V.A.; Project
Funding: This technical
Administration, A.d.l.F.,study
V.A.;was fundedAcquisition,
Funding by the Comunidad
R.Q. de Regantes del Canal de Aragón y Cataluña (CAyC).
Acknowledgments: The study
Funding: This technical authors
wasacknowledge theComunidad
funded by the support anddecontribution
Regantes delofCanal
RafaeldeRomeo (president
Aragón of
y Cataluña
Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro between 2008–2012) and Antonio Aguado (Professor at the Civil and
(CAyC).
Environmental Department of UPC).
Acknowledgments:
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare
The authors acknowledge the of
no conflict support and contribution of Rafael Romeo (president of
interest.
Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro between 2008–2012) and Antonio Aguado (Professor at the Civil and
Environmental
References Department
and Notes of UPC).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
1. de los Ríos, F. Coll de Foix Aqueduct Project. Design and Construction Project, 1907. (In Spanish)
2. Hué, F. Consolidation and covering of the Capdevila Aqueduct. Design and Construction Project, 1949.
References and Notes
(In Spanish)
3.
1. Hué,
de losF.Ríos,
Project for the
F. Coll increase
de Foix of the Project.
Aqueduct hydraulic capacity
Design and of the AragónProject,
Construction and Catalonia
1907. (InCanal. Design and
Spanish)
2. Construction Project, 1961. (In Spanish)
Hué, F. Consolidation and covering of the Capdevila Aqueduct. Design and Construction Project, 1949. (In
4. de la Fuente, A.; Aguado, A. Hydraulic capacity increase for the Coll de Foix and Capdevila Aqueducts.
Spanish)
3. Design
Hué, F.and Construction
Project Project,of2016.
for the increase (In Spanish)
the hydraulic capacity of the Aragón and Catalonia Canal. Design and
Construction Project, 1961. (In Spanish)
Infrastructures 2018, 3, 48 9 of 9

5. SAP2000, version 16. SAP2000 Integrated Software for Structural Analysis and Design. Computers and
Structures Inc.: Berkeley, CA, USA, 2016.
6. CPH 2008. Structural Concrete Spanish Guide; Ministerio de Fomento: Madrid, Spain, 2008.

© 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).