Mr. Álvaro Gil Plana

José Antonio Martín-Caro Álamo

JÁ

Technical heritage of Madrid’s bridges, Spain

Los puentes no son sólo estructuras funcionales; casi siempre asumen valores sociales y culturales. Este hecho se percibe con mayor intensidad en los puentes urbanos. Se estudia aquí la vinculación de estos puentes del municipio de Madrid con la ciudadanía y la vida social, y su presencia en diferentes expresiones culturales desde el siglo XVI hasta la actualidad. Desde los más antiguos puentes sobre el Manzanares hasta los más modernos de la periferia, pasando por los urbanos, las Rondas y la M-30, se realiza un recorrido por sus apariciones más relevantes en la literatura, la pintura y el cine, así como por su actual valor y significación social para los madrileños. Los puentes de Madrid construyen sociedad y son cultura.

1 August 2023 in Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering History and Heritage

Journal Article

José Antonio Martín-Caro

ÁP

Heritage valorisation of Madrid's bridges and stations. Applications and new dissemination tools

Madrid’s bridges trace a path through the evolution of construction technologies over the past five centuries. Since Madrid became the capital of Spain in the sixteenth century, bridges have taken centre stage in the growth of the city. Firstly, they crossed its rivers; later, they crossed other obstacles and connecting routes. Over time, they display a succession of materials, types and technological solutions. They include unique works and key historical figures in the history of construction. The authors propose a chronological analysis of materials and techniques: masonry bridges, iron bridges, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, composite bridges and modern designs. Studying them from a technological point of view offers a previously unseen view of their major significance in heritage. The individual value of each one is added to the overall historical and cultural value. This paper helps highlight the individual and collective relevance of Madrid’s bridges, and it is also a chance to take a look back over the technical development of bridge engineering up to the present day.

30 July 2025 in Cities

Journal Article

José Antonio Martín-Caro Álamo

JÁ

ÁP

Civil Works’ Urban Heritage: The Significance of the Water Supply, Bridges, Roads and Rail Networks in the Conformation of Madrid

Oscar de Castro Cuartero

18 June 2025 in Land

Journal Article

ÓC

Óscar de Castro Cuartero

ÁP

TWO INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES TO PROMOTE LEARNING AND VALUE OF 18TH CENTURY ENGINEERING

The heritage of public works is composed of networks that are strongly linked to the territory where they are built. With the aim of deepening our knowledge of the appearance and subsequent development of the transport and supply systems in Madrid, we present a study of the main hydraulic works, bridges and railway stations. Based on historical and technological documentation, works and networks are analysed and georeferenced in order to relate their traces and evolution to the city. These built elements define recognisable physical and cultural traces in the form and identity of the city. The documentation and technological and social analysis work was completed with a dissemination and heritage education process. The results show that the physiographic and lithological reality of Madrid, characterised by its intense link with water, has determined the configuration of the urban network and the expansion of the city. Bridges span obstacles and set milestones. Stations are spaces for exchange and connection. The water supply network feeds the urban grid. The city changes, but the traces remain. Urban growth has smoothed, absorbed or hidden the original relief and watercourses, but they are still present in public works and even in the collective memory of the citizens through the force of their cultural and social values.

1 July 2024 in EDULEARN Proceedings

Conference Paper

ÁP

Dos nuevas plataformas digitales para la valoración y difusión del patrimonio de las obras públicas

24 June 2024 in revista PH

Journal Article

José Antonio Martín-Caro Álamo

JÁ

ÁP