He Jingtang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chief Architect of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Project, and Chief Architect at Architectural Design Research Institute of South China University of Technology:
This project stands out from other existing underwater tunnels globally. While fulfilling its functional requirements, we focused more on the human experience. In terms of design, the west artificial island, resembling a kite's head with its wings spread, connects to the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge. This gives the impression of a kite flying over the sea, perfectly combining architectural aesthetics with the functional needs of infrastructure.
Shen Weidong, Secretary of the S05 Section (Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link) Project Department:
I've been in the road and bridge engineering field for 41 years. Upon joining the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link project, I found it exceptionally unique. The average pile foundation depth is over 130 meters, with each tower containing 28 piles, making a total of 56 on both sides. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link boasts three world records: it is the longest continuous span over the sea, has the highest height from the bridge deck to the water surface, and its anchorage is the largest sea anchorage. Its main cable steel wire, rated at 2060 MPa, is the strongest in China. Participating in such a super project before retirement is an honor. The Greater Bay Area will have an even brighter future!
Liu Haobin, Deputy General Manager of the West Artificial Island Project:
The island-building technology features four main innovations. First is the maintenance structure of the artificial island, built on a soft seabed requiring high maintenance standards. Second is the comprehensive application of soft foundation treatment, considering environmental protection, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Third is the durability of the island's tunnels in a seawater environment, requiring stringent crack control. Finally, the artificial island's typhoon resistance and stability demands led to extensive research on the island's protection structure. The four innovations are leading in global island-building technology.
Fan Chuanbin, Executive Deputy Director of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Management Center:
As a builder of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, having overcome numerous challenges and seeing the project pass the final acceptance smoothly, I feel immensely proud. Key indicators like the concrete strength of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link have a 100% pass rate. The immersed tunnel achieved millimeter-level docking accuracy, and the main cable erection precision set new records. Across various construction fields, we have developed a comprehensive set of replicable and transferable experiences through innovative equipment and process development.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
