Descripción de las posibles causas del desplome del puente chirajara, mediante el análisis documental técnico y académico, carretera Bogota - Villavicencio, km 63 + 000.

Abstract

The collapse of the Chirajara bridge, an important infrastructure project on the Llano Highway, revealed serious problems in engineering and construction management in Colombia. The accident, which occurred on January 15, 2018, resulted in the deaths of nine workers and exposed critical flaws in the design and construction of the bridge. The investigation revealed that the structure suffered a separation in the lower south arm of the partition, which caused a loss of tension in the structure and its eventual collapse. Several causes of the collapse were identified, the main one being a deficiency in the post-tensioning steel, which did not meet the necessary strength requirements. Additionally, it was noted that the structure was inadequately supported by a single caisson, which increased its vulnerability. Other factors such as slippage of post-tensioning strands in the pipelines and problems in the reinforcing steel also contributed to the catastrophic failure. Also, the challenges presented by the construction of infrastructure in geologically unstable regions such as the Eastern mountain range of Colombia, where the highway has historically faced landslides and other natural disasters, are clarified. Over time, these events have affected the stability and safety of the road, causing multiple tragic incidents. Finally, to improve safety and quality in the construction of bridges and other infrastructure works in the country, a stricter review of structural designs, better supervision during construction and a more robust approach in planning to minimize the risks associated with adverse geological conditions.