Chinese Bridge Engineers Make History with Innovative Tech, Setting World Records
- tech360.tv
- Jan 23, 2024
- 2 min read
Chinese engineers receive National Engineer Awards for groundbreaking contributions. Guizhou Province-based team develops innovative technologies and constructs 12 world-leading bridges. First-ever fully prefabricated hoisting technique used in mountainous area for Wumengshan grand bridge
Chinese engineers have made groundbreaking advancements in bridge construction, setting new world records with their innovative technologies. A total of 81 individuals and 50 teams were recently honored with the prestigious National Engineer Awards in Beijing for their exceptional contributions to the field of engineering technology.
Among the recognised teams is a group of engineers based in the mountainous Guizhou Province in southwest China. Despite facing challenging geographic conditions and a fragile ecological environment, this team has successfully developed seven state-of-the-art technologies and constructed 12 world-leading bridges.
One notable achievement is the completion of the main arch joining on the Wumengshan grand bridge, located on the Nayong-Qinglong Expressway. This marks the first time a fully prefabricated hoisting technique has been utilised in a mountainous area anywhere in the world. Zhang Shenglin, a member of the award-winning engineering team, explained that tunnels were built on both ends of the bridge within the canyons of the mountains. Instead of using traditional large bridge erecting machines, the team adopted a hoisting system to install all the components, significantly improving efficiency.
Another remarkable feat by the team was the construction of the Beipanjiang Bridge on the Guanxing Highway. Han Hongju, the leader of the engineering team, shared that there was no road to the planned location, and all materials had to be transported by humans or horses. Despite the challenges, the team successfully completed the bridge, which is set to become the highest in the world upon its opening in 2025. With a vertical height of 625 meters from the bridge deck down to the water's surface, the Huajiang grand canyon bridge spans a total length of 2,980 meters.
It is expected to significantly reduce travel time across the canyon and boost tourism and rural revitalisation in the region. In addition to their engineering achievements, the award-winning team has also prioritised eco-friendly practices. The bridge across the Jiangjie River in Guizhou Province, constructed by the team, not only improves local transportation but also brings about environmental and economic benefits. Mu Jinwei, a member of the team, highlighted their use of recycled earth and stone waste from roadbed construction, which has resulted in significant economic benefits. Through the breakthrough of machine-made sand concrete technology, the team has saved over 23 billion yuan (approximately $3.19 billion) in construction funds and offset more than 3.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
The innovative technologies and record-breaking achievements of these Chinese bridge engineers have not only pushed the boundaries of engineering but also showcased the country's commitment to sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.
Chinese engineers receive National Engineer Awards for groundbreaking contributions
Guizhou Province-based team develops innovative technologies and constructs 12 world-leading bridges
First-ever fully prefabricated hoisting technique used in mountainous area for Wumengshan grand bridge
Source: CGTN