Major Milestone Achieved in Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway Project
Summary:
- The Tuojiang Super Bridge, a key component of the Chengdu-Chongqing Middle Line High-Speed Railway, successfully closed its main beams, paving the way for future construction milestones.
- This innovative bridge features the world’s largest span thrustless composite arch structure, setting a precedent in engineering excellence.
- Upon completion, the high-speed railway will enable rapid travel between Chengdu and Chongqing in just 50 minutes.
In a significant advancement for transportation infrastructure, the China Railway Group announced the successful closure of the main beams of the Tuojiang Super Bridge on November 10. This milestone project, integral to the Chengdu-Chongqing Middle Line High-Speed Railway, represents a cooperative effort in engineering design and construction, spearheaded by the China Railway Second Institute and the China Railway Bridge Bureau.
Overview of the Tuojiang Super Bridge
Located in Shizhong Town, Jianyang City, Sichuan Province, the Tuojiang Super Bridge stretches an impressive total length of 1,252 meters. Its design incorporates a revolutionary Feiyan-type double-row bearing non-thrust arch bridge structural system. The bridge’s main superstructure features a central span of 320 meters, supported by a concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge, and side spans measuring 72 meters, collectively forming an iconic structure reminiscent of a massive bow.
Innovative Engineering Solutions
The technical team from the China Railway Second Institute has introduced an innovative composite structure for the bridge, which synergizes a steel box-concrete hybrid side arch with a concrete-filled steel tube main arch and bilateral box steel beams designed to function as tension ties. This design not only meets functional requirements but also enhances the structural integrity of the bridge, establishing the Tuojiang Super Bridge as the world’s largest span thrustless composite arch bridge.
Achieving the closure of the main arch, a critical step in forming a "thrustless" composite structure, presented significant engineering challenges. This phase of construction was particularly daunting, likened to "embroidery in the air," underscoring both the skill and precision required. The successful closure of a 20-centimeter gap in the final section of the bridge’s deck utilized a pioneering technique involving 5,000-ton horizontal tensioning to meticulously align and secure the components.
Impact of the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway
The Chengdu-Chongqing Middle Line High-Speed Railway, once completed, will stretch 292 kilometers and boast a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour. This railway is set to revolutionize travel within western China, allowing passengers to traverse the distance between Chengdu and Chongqing in a mere 50 minutes. The high-speed railway project not only enhances transportation efficiency but also significantly contributes to regional economic development.
In conclusion, the closure of the Tuojiang Super Bridge’s main beams marks a vital achievement in the broader context of the Chengdu-Chongqing Middle Line High-Speed Railway project. This innovative infrastructure is positioned to dramatically improve connectivity and efficiency, setting new standards for future transportation projects in the region.
Conclusion
As we witness groundbreaking advancements in engineering and infrastructure, the successful completion of the Tuojiang Super Bridge stands as a testament to creativity and innovation in overcoming complex challenges. The Chengdu-Chongqing Middle Line High-Speed Railway promises to redefine the landscape of travel and transport, bolstering economic growth and improving the quality of life in western China.
By focusing on innovative engineering solutions and the transformative potential of high-speed rail, this article highlights the significant strides being made in Chinese infrastructure development.
