Sany uses new tech on concrete pour for US$7bn Shiziyang Bridge

Render of the Shiziyang Bridge double-decker and Warren truss over the Pearl River Estuary in China. (Image: Knight Architects)

The crews used C45 high-strength concrete to pour a total volume of 25,000m³ (32,699 cubic yards) between two circular structures measuring 40m (131ft) in diameter and 9m (30ft) tall.

The four Sany pump trumps worked 22-hours straight on the pour.

Sany, a China-based multinational heavy equipment manufacturer, said a stepless pressure-pumping system and digital main-valve technology improved direction changes by 20% and enabled pumping an additional load of material every hour. The company said the system prevents pipe blockages and promotes energy-saving operations.

The company also said a ‘new power transmission’ system lowered the operating speed of the machines, leading to cost savings, but did not specify the power technology used.

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Details for the Shiziyang Bridge in Southeast China

The massive Shiziyang Bridge will have a total length more than 35km (22 miles), and upon completion, will connect the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary in China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will have a 2.2km (1.4 mile) long double-deck suspension at its centre.

UK-based Knight Architects, working with Danish engineering consultant Cowi, delivered the concept design for the bridge.

“The design has a suspension main span, supported from 367m tall A-shaped towers, and shorter side spans over frame-shaped piers,” explained Knight Architects. “The double deck carries a total of 16 lanes. In the main span the decks are the top and bottom chord of a Warren truss.

“The aim of the proposed bridge is to, within the complex engineering constraints and making functionality, structure, and architecture indissoluble, become both a landmark and a fitting addition to the site, and an important part of the future identity of the area.”

It’s expected to cost just less than US$7 billion to construct and open to traffic in 2028.