Massive savings on journey times are achieved by this 31km
bridge linking the offshore Shanghai Yangshan deep-water port
with the mainland.
The 32km long structure consists of multi-span approach viaduct, auxiliary balanced cantilever navigation spans, and a 420m main-span cable stay bridge. As one of the world's longest sea crossings, it is an important part of Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water Port Project, located in the north of Hangzhou Bay, in the East China Sea.
The near shore marine environment in the region of Hangzhou Bay and the Yangtze River delta results in water too shallow for deep draught cargo vessels, hence the need for a deepwater port on the offshore islands. As the only link between the port and mainland, the crossing provides transportation, communication, water and power supplies.
Halcrow have been involved in the project since its preliminary design phase. Halcrow, in association with SMEDI, was the key member of the design competition winning team, and was subsequently involved in the design of the bridge, issued for tender to Contractors. Major areas covered were the cable-stayed main span, ship collision protection system, bridge scour analysis, corrosion protection and structural durability, and construction methodology.
Working conditions have proved to be challenging. The construction is severely influenced by the harsh marine environment such as wind, wave, current, tide, fog and rain with operable days occurring for less than 50% of a typical year. In order to meet the requirements of the large construction scale, various techniques, compressed construction schedule and complicated management have been instigated.