Restoration, retrofitting and strengthening of 21 bridges in the Vesdre basin following the terrible floods of July 2021 (BE)

The terrible floods during July 2021 in the Vesdre basin (BE) damaged many infrastructures. In Eupen and Verviers, 21 bridges were heavily damaged or totally destroyed. All interventions are very different, from local restoration works to complete reconstructions. The aim is improving hydraulic conditions, offering greater comfort for users and integrating all the networks into the structures while proposing solutions which are perfectly integrated in the context. Admittedly, the crossing lengths are modest, from 20m to 35m, but the technical nature and ambition of the projects offer a coherent approach for a city crossing. This paper will look at the historical background, post-event analysis and interventions on the main constructions : a masonry bridge from 19th century which suffered the collapse of its 2 central arches following the disappearance of the central pier; a masonry bridge from 19th century, one of whose piers has settled by more than 10cm and a 1907 Hennebique reinforced concrete bridge with major structural damages to the concrete.