Exploring culverts and bridges of the old railway sub-track between Diamantina and Monjolos - To know to protect

Abstract

This article is the result of the Specialization Course in Geoprocessing of IFNMG, dealing with data survey of hydraulic structures of the old railway sub-track Diamantina to Monjolos, Minas Gerais, opened in May 1914, comprising 92.5km, with activities ended in 1973. Nowadays it is sought out by walkers and cyclists, and for contemplation of nature, presenting tourist potential. After the closing of the railway activities, its bridges and culverts have accumulated degradation processes over the years, due to lack of maintenance or even by natural or anthropic action. Understanding that to preserve it is necessary to know, through geotechnological principles, we proceeded to collect information in the field of these structures during 8 (eight) days between the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, we elaborated the respective georeferenced database, adopted SRTM image for the generation of information about the local surface water network and generated thematic maps and tables about the collected and elaborated information. As an example of verification of hydraulic functioning, one of the ogival culverts was detailed, with dimensions collected in the field and respective hydrological and hydraulic studies based on the previously mentioned actions. The database generated was made available to the project Trilha Verde da Maria Fumaça, in the process of creating the management council of the sub-track, which was passed on to the City Halls of Diamantina and Gouveia, with the aim of triggering the attention of the competent bodies, in order to maintain the stretch in usable conditions for present and future generations.