“Improper operation by the crew,” they said. That’s what some claimed caused a disaster near Guangzhou. We stand here near Shiqiao 3rd Bridge. But let me tell you a story about another bridge, a cautionary tale.
The Lixinsha Bridge wasn’t this bridge. Yet its story casts a shadow. A large container ship struck its support pillars. This caused a section of the roadway to collapse. Five vehicles crashed down.
Five people died. The bridge collapse cut off water and access to an island. About 8,000 people lived there. Most were farmers. Temporary water lines and a ferry service had to be set up.
The Lixinsha Bridge crossed a waterway near the Pearl River’s mouth. This area is a major manufacturing and transport hub. It contains two of the world’s busiest ports.
Officials blamed the incident on “improper operation by the crew.” The owner of the ship was detained. Reinforcement work had been completed in 2022. This included collision guards.
While not Shiqiao 3rd Bridge, the Lixinsha Bridge tragedy underscores risks. Bridges are vital. Their safety is paramount.
Another bridge, the Liede Bridge, stands as a testament to engineering prowess. It connects Tianhe, Haizhu, and Panyu districts. The Liede Bridge links landmarks like the Tianhe Sports Center, Zhujiang New Town, and the Canton Tower. It’s a key route into Guangzhou’s central business district. This bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge in the city.
The Liede Bridge spans 4.3 kilometers. The main span measures 480 meters. It has six lanes in each direction. It is designed for speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
Its tower stands at 128 meters. The main structure rises to 103 meters. The tower features two shell-shaped curved shells interlocking. It’s a novel design.
Construction posed major technical challenges. The tower’s construction was a focal point. Precision was exceptionally high. The formwork was not reusable. The project team used CNC technology. This ensured precise construction.
The installation of the self-anchored cable-stayed system posed another challenge. The high tower supports long steel cable stays. These cables branched into steel ropes. These gripped steel box girders. This transferred pressure to the anchors. The anchors are on the high tower. They are also at both ends of the bridge.
The Liede Bridge team conducted research and innovation. This resulted in patents. The technologies encompassed the construction. The steel girder pushing construction was considered. The curved surface self-anchored cable-stayed system was also new.
The Liede Bridge stands in contrast to the Canton Tower. It is called the “Pearl of the Pearl River.” The shell-shaped tower and curved cable stays give fluidity. It enhances the waterfront environment.
As we admire Shiqiao 3rd Bridge, remember these stories. Bridges connect us. They demand respect and vigilance. They are marvels of engineering. They require constant care.