China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) has completed the underwater pile-foundation protection project for Donghai Bridge, a significant achievement in China's cross-sea bridge protection technology.
The underwater pile-foundation protection project for Donghai Bridge, carried out by China Communications Construction Company Limited, has recently passed final acceptance inspection. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The project not only fills a crucial gap in domestic engineering but also presents a replicable "Chinese solution" for offshore projects, showcasing China's expertise in innovative infrastructure solutions.
Located in the northern waters of Hangzhou Bay, the Donghai Bridge stretches 32.5 kilometers and serves as a vital transportation artery connecting the Yangtze River Delta region. Since its opening in 2005, the bridge’s pile foundations have gradually suffered from tidal and current-induced erosion, posing long-term safety risks.
To address this, CCCC carried out a comprehensive “repair and protection” operation on 205 affected pile foundations — effectively reinforcing the base and stabilizing the bridge substructure.
The project team developed an innovative solution using a combination of gravel bags and soft protective layers to stabilize the foundation and guard against ongoing erosion from ocean currents.
To overcome the harsh and complex marine environment, CCCC independently developed specialized vessels, enabling on-site concrete bag preparation and precision underwater placement. These vessels, coupled with a real-time 3D monitoring system, accurately positioned materials within a 10-centimeter margin of error, significantly improving placement precision and operational efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
The project not only secures the long-term operational safety of the Donghai Bridge but also represents a comprehensive technological and equipment breakthrough. The core technologies, equipment systems, and construction methods developed are now ready for widespread application in coastal bridges, offshore wind power foundations, and deep-sea port infrastructure across China.
The successful delivery of this project lays a stronger, greener, and smarter safety foundation for China’s maritime transportation infrastructure.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
