A giant bridge is being built in China with the help of "smart" cranes
In southwestern China, two Zoomlion cranes, each with a lifting capacity of up to 200 tons, are being used in the construction of a bridge over Lake Lugu. With their help, the 283-meter-high main pier on the Shangri-La side of the bridge was completed.
Giant bridge being built in China with the help of "smart" cranes
The bridge is part of the Xichang - Shangri-La expressway. Lifting and installing large structures at high altitudes in a mountainous area requires high precision.
Two Zoomlion R4300-200 tower cranes are being used in the construction. One crane is assigned to each main pier of the bridge. Their maximum lifting capacity is 200 tons, and their boom length reaches 80 meters.
According to the company, the cranes feature more than 20 intelligent control and safety functions. Among them are collision avoidance systems, automatic speed adjustment based on payload weight, and systems that prevent suspended loads from free-falling.
These capabilities were particularly important during the construction of the final 103-meter section of the pier on the Shangri-La side. Builders had to install the final steel and concrete sections onto the central crossbeam. Variable winds made it difficult to keep the load stable and to align the structural parts accurately.
Operators monitored the workflow via video cameras and operated the cranes remotely from the ground. This allowed for a better view of the components being installed and enabled necessary adjustments during assembly.
According to Zoomlion's statement, the lifting and installation of the pier sections were performed safely. The company did not disclose the total length of the bridge or when it will be opened to traffic.