China’s First Carbon Fiber Cable-Stayed Highway Bridge Opens to Traffic

A bridge crossing the Tuhai River in Liaocheng of East China's Shandong Province recently opened to traffic.

It is China's first carbon fiber cable-stayed highway bridge and was built by China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Corp., Ltd, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

A view of the bridge over the Tuhai River in Liaocheng, Shandong Province with a lotus-shaped design [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

The bridge includes three main parts: the two bridge approach sections to the east and west and a main bridge section. With six lanes in two directions, the bridge is a key project for residents of Liaocheng.

The most remarkable highlight of the bridge is that the carbon fiber material, which is light but strong, has been used in its stay cables, reducing its weight and improving its endurance and anti-fatigue quality.

Carbon fiber materials have been highly-valued by the country and are widely used in fields like national defense, aerospace and automobile manufacturing.

In addition, ultra-tough concrete technology was also used in the bridge's construction. The combination of concrete and the bridge's steel girder surfaces reduces rigidity and prolongs the lifespan of the bridge.

Last but not least, a corrugated steel structure was used to replace the traditional concrete structure of the channel under the highway to improve engineering efficiency and reduce impact on the environment and daily traffic. It was the first such structure used in an underground channel in China.

A night view of the bridge over the Tuhai River in Liaocheng, Shandong Province [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Once operational, the bridge is expected to relieve traffic pressure in affected areas, improve the urban transportation network system, and enhance travel efficiency for local people.

It will also optimize the spatial layout of the city, promoting connectivity between the main urban area and the development zones, which is of great significance in boosting the high-quality economic and social development of Liaocheng. 

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)