Ponte Sarone
The Passerella Sarone in Ticino combines functionality with sustainable steel construction. Thanks to the refurbishment of the existing structure and the application of a high-performance, long-lasting anti-corrosion coating, the foot and cycle bridge has been prepared for the future, both technically and visually.
Facts
Project details
The Passerella Sarone in Ticino connects Cagiallo and Lugaggia, providing a direct link for pedestrians and cyclists. The steel structure, approximately 75 metres long and 3 metres wide, has a longitudinal gradient of 2.2 per cent.
The new deck is supported by a steel structure with V-shaped columns. The existing substructure has been retained and extensively refurbished (including cladding and blast cleaning to surface preparation grade Sa 2½). It continues to fulfil its function as a supporting structure for the pipes running through it.
Category C4 corrosion protection, with a service life of over 25 years, was applied to both the new and existing structures. In total, around 1,500 m² of steel surface was given a four-layer coating system.
The new components were given three layers, each 80 µm thick, of a fast-drying, high-solid epoxy resin with low VOC content. The fourth layer was a topcoat of aliphatic two-component polyurethane, which offers high durability and allows for long intervals between repainting.
On the existing structure, a suitable repair system with a total dry film thickness of around 320 µm was applied. This consists of two-component epoxy resin primer coats and intermediate coats containing iron mica, together with a polyurethane topcoat.
The colour RAL 7006 visually links the new structure with the existing building and helps it blend discreetly into the landscape. The modern corrosion protection ensures high durability and thus contributes to the long-term preservation of the steel structure.
