One of the most impressive constructions in modern Greece is undoubtedly the Rio-Antirrio Bridge. However, bridging this strait was by no means a simple manufacturing process. For years this project remained a vision, both because of the enormous dimensions of the venture as well as of the technical difficulties that seemed to be impossible to resolve.

As a civil engineer, Akis Panagis explains in his speech that the biggest challenge of the construction of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge “Charilaos Trikoupis” was the tectonics of the western Corinthian Gulf, which has a history of frequent and powerful earthquakes. In order to successfully complete the safe construction of the bridge, the engineers were asked to implement original and unique solutions tailored to the specific features of the project. In parallel, they had to rely on already applied practices for assessing the erection of the bridge and addressing the intrinsic uncertainties of seismic events.

In Panagis’ presentation at the Athens Science Festival, he will explore basic principles of assessment and mitigation of seismic risk for the contemporary earthquake-resistant structures, with a focus on the specific techniques implemented in the construction of the “Charilaos Trikoupis” bridge.

Akis Panagis specialises in earthquake-proof construction, and during the last decade he is involved in bridge Instrumentation and monitoring for structural diagnostics at Gefyra SA.

Title: Bridging the gap – The earthquake challenge || Date & Time: 29 April, 18.00- 18.50
 Live streaming service will be available through DIAVLOS.