Rebar Bending and Cutting in the Construction of Bridge, Shenzhen-Zhongshan Channel project is a monumental infrastructure undertaking, spanning approximately 24 kilometers and marking a new era in advanced construction. This ambitious project features several key components, including:
- Lingdingyang Bridge: A massive sea suspension bridge with a main span of 1,666 meters.
- Zhongshan Bridge: A cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 580 meters.
- Approach Bridges: Various connecting bridges to streamline both land and sea traffic.
Highlight: The S07 Bridge Section
A notable accomplishment in this project is the S07 bridge section, managed by China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co., Ltd. This section achieved a significant milestone by successfully pouring a 60-meter concrete box girder weighing 2,800 tons. Drawing on the experience gained from the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge project, the team implemented a “smart beam yard” — a cutting-edge facility designed to leverage advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for improved construction processes.
Innovations in the Smart Beam Yard
The smart beam yard is equipped with six core systems that streamline and automate various processes:
- Concrete Processing
- Steel Bar Processing
- Material Procurement
- Tensioning and Grouting
- Template Management
- Central Control and Monitoring
According to Lu Qing, the smart beam yard’s supervisor, the facility’s long, linear layout facilitates efficient beam production and transportation. The use of a movable factory structure ensures that operations can continue seamlessly, even under adverse weather conditions.
Facility Layout and Efficiency
The yard is strategically divided into ten key areas, including a concrete delivery center, steel bar processing center, prefabrication zones, and storage areas. This layout functions like a “supermarket” for beam production, significantly reducing manual labor. Previously, over 100 workers were needed for the job, but now, with automation, only about 30 workers are required.
Centralized Management and Automation
The 6,000-square-meter steel bar processing center is highly automated, minimizing manual intervention. At the heart of the facility is the BIM control center, which oversees all operations, coordinating the smart beam yard, steel bar processing, concrete management, and monitoring systems. This centralized control enables real-time tracking, standardizes construction processes, and digitizes business management, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
Data-Driven Decision Making
The control center gathers and analyzes data to identify and resolve issues swiftly. This data-driven approach promotes continuous improvement, making the project a premier example of how technology can revolutionize infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Rebar Bending and Cutting in the Construction of Bridge, Shenzhen-Zhongshan Channel project stands as a world-class achievement, integrating bridges, islands, tunnels, and underground interchanges with state-of-the-art technology and management practices. Its successful implementation of innovative construction techniques, coupled with automation and data analytics, sets a new benchmark for modern infrastructure projects worldwide.
