Chongqing - Recently, the Chongqing-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway's first cantilever casting machine was fully operational at Zhongxian County's construction site, successfully pouring concrete for the first segment of Cuojipu double-line extra-large bridge's seventh main pier.

The initial phase of the Chongqing-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway spans 36.01 km, featuring six tunnels (12.83 km), 31 bridges (14.56 km), and 36 roadbed sections (8.62 km). A significant proportion of bridges and tunnels, including numerous spans over special geological features, characterize the route. 

The Cuojipu double-line extra-large bridge, extending 1,375.387 m, traverses a valley with high mountains and steep slopes. Its continuous rigid frame spans between Piers 7 and 8, with Pier 7 in Zhongxian County reaching a height of 78 meters, marking it as the tallest pier section.

Chongqing-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway's first cantilever casting machine. (Photo/Zhao Jun)

China Railway NO.3 Engineering Group and China Railway Fifth Survey and Design Institute Group collaboratively developed the advanced cantilever casting bridge-building machine. As stated by a Zhongxian County official, this innovation aims to enhance safety during continuous girder construction and streamline efficiency through standardized management.

"This machine offers a more than 20% improvement in overall work efficiency compared to traditional cable-stayed construction methods, providing new impetus for the high-quality construction of the Chongqing-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway," said the relevant official.

The cantilever casting bridge-building machine combines multiple systems, including mobile supports, formwork, electric and hydraulic controls, safety measures, and intelligent features, ensuring safety, 

Chongqing-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway's first cantilever casting machine is at work. (Photo/Zhao Jun)

The machine is designed with a low center of gravity and boasts excellent structural integrity and stability. It features three-dimensional safety passages on its upper, middle, and lower decks, enhancing the safety of bridge construction operations. 

This machine also handles continuous beams of various spans and shapes with automated operations for movement, formwork adjustment, line monitoring, and curing maintenance.

An on-site IT center is also established and utilizes big data and 5G tech for real-time monitoring, precise control, and timely alerts, ensuring continuous beam construction safety.