Installation and control technology of the Haihe movable bridge, China

The Tianjin Haihe movable bridge in China has the largest span among similar bridges in Asia. Owing to the dual characteristics of being both a bridge and heavy machinery with mechanical, hydraulic, electric and intelligent control devices, the construction of its steel box girder requires appropriate installation and control technology. Because of the stringent on-site navigation restrictions and blockage conditions, as well as mechanical characteristics during construction, a semi-supported cantilever installation and erection scheme is proposed, in which a bridge-erecting machine, temporary steel pipe support, bridge cantilever construction and other traditional methods are used in combination. Unlike traditional bridge closure technologies, new alignment closure and central locking closure control technologies are employed. The latter requires that the locking device be precisely assembled and adjusted to be horizontal for the suitable operation of the central locking equipment. The execution of this construction practice shows that the technology is feasible and effective.