Technical Innovations of the Aizhai Bridge in China

Abstract

The recently completed Aizhai Bridge in the west of Hunan Province in China is a long-span suspension bridge across a deep canyon. In view of the particular problems posed by the surrounding landscape and geologic conditions, and to minimize the impact of the bridge on the natural environment, a novel pylon-girder detached suspension structure was adopted, in which there is a large difference in the span between the main cable and the stiffening girder. As part of the design process, a method for stability analysis of the combined system of pylon, anchorage, tunnel, and rock cliff was developed. In addition, to solve the problems involved in the transportation and erection of the stiffening girder of such a long-span suspension bridge in a mountainous area, a novel girder-conveying track cable method was developed.