The large-scale test simulated traffic congestion across the 2,890 meter long structure, including its 1,420 meter main span. Engineers described it as a full physical examination of the bridge, ensuring its safety under maximum designed loads.
Han Hongju, deputy general manager and chief engineer of Guizhou Communications Investment Group, reported that preliminary data analysis showed all performance indicators behaved normally during the trials.
Rising 625 meters above the Beipan River, the bridge is the tallest in the world and holds the longest span in a mountainous setting. The design uses dual towers, standing 262 meters and 204 meters respectively, connected by a 2,378 meter main cable nearly one meter in diameter. Ninety one suspenders hang the 22,000 ton deck, which is 30.5 meters wide and eight meters high.
Testing included dynamic and static assessments of four major systems, conducted over five days. Due to weather delays, trials originally scheduled to conclude on Saturday extended through Monday.
Lei Min, technical director of the Bridge and Tunnel Division at Guizhou Shunkang Testing, said the procedure involved groups of 18, 48, and 96 trucks, each weighing 35 tons, to simulate varied traffic conditions and verify the structure remained undamaged.
Construction of the bridge began in January 2022. When complete, it will cut travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes as part of the Liuzhi Anlong Expressway.
Regional tourism is also expected to benefit. The bridge will connect key attractions such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, Longgong Cave, and Wanfenglin scenic area. Developers have added features including bungee jumping, paragliding, and rope swinging experiences to position the structure itself as a destination.
Related Links
Guizhou Communications Investment Group
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
