At a corner of Tianjin Port, cruise ships sail into the distance across the shimmering sea, their sirens echoing in the air. Behind them stands a grand and modern artistic cruise terminal — the largest in Asia, constructed by the China Construction Second Engineering Bureau General Contracting Company: the Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal. Recently, this project received the highest honor in Chinese civil engineering — the Zhan Tianyou Award. Behind this achievement lies the dedication and ingenuity of the Second Bureau’s general contractor, who has committed to continuous technological innovation.
BIM Technology Expertise
Building informatization is crucial for advancing the construction industry, with innovation in construction technology ranking as a top priority in China’s development plans. The China Construction Second Engineering Bureau’s General Contracting Company was responsible for the procurement and installation of equipment at the Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal Passenger Terminal. Throughout the project, the technical team led by the company’s Technology Department engaged in multiple layout discussions and implemented the entire BIM design process in the construction phases. Liu Zhiguo, head of the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated: “BIM Technology is the core competitiveness that enhances construction enterprises’ management levels. We have successfully integrated this technology into the cruise terminal’s construction, significantly improving project quality.”
The terminal’s main steel structure is irregular, stretching 380 meters from east to west. The outer eaves feature ultra-long, ultra-thin decorative panels and insulated glass curtain walls, only 18 millimeters thick. Traditional construction methods would have resulted in multiple reworks, material wastage, and project delays. To overcome this, the project team utilized BIM software for detailed design, refining each component’s specifications. They precisely measured the net distances between large steel components and the exterior decorative surfaces, region by region, layer by layer, and point by point. This approach met strict construction control requirements and achieved the goal of “zero” rework.
During construction, BIM Technology was applied across architectural design, structural engineering, steel structure detailing, and construction management. The project team used BIM to deepen the design of 12,880 drawings, prepared 208 plans, and held nine expert review sessions. This collaborative process effectively resolved technical challenges such as complex building shapes, special roof structures, intricate mechanical and electrical systems, and the demanding coordination of large seaside public buildings — ensuring optimal project execution.
Addressing Coastal Challenges Head-On
Because the project site is adjacent to the sea, preventing subsidence and seawater erosion was a critical focus for the project’s R&D team. Located just eight meters from the shoreline and influenced by tides, the groundwater level is extremely high. After excavation, the abutment would be submerged daily, making drainage difficult. Additionally, heavy rainfall caused site subsidence, posing significant obstacles to construction progress.
Undeterred, the project department formed a dedicated R&D team led by An Fengjie from the Technology Department and Wang Jian, the project’s chief engineer. They gathered ideas from various sources and enlisted expert input. After three days and nights of intensive research and discussion, they devised a solution: using computer simulation technology to model tidal conditions at the site, combined with a drainage method incorporating “Obstacle,” “Commentary,” and “Arrange” techniques. This approach met construction schedule and drainage requirements while effectively controlling site subsidence, ensuring smooth project progress.
To prevent seawater erosion and ensure material durability, the technical team carefully optimized concrete mix proportions to meet seaside corrosion resistance standards based on environmental classification and functional requirements. For the steel structure, they applied high-quality anti-corrosion coatings, increased component coating thickness, and galvanized steel, as well as mechanical and electrical supports and hangers used in decorative materials — successfully addressing seawater corrosion issues.
Regarding waterproofing, the project implemented an enclosed water diversion system. A thick aluminum water channel was installed beneath the reinforced concrete slab, sealed with waterproof rubber strips to direct seepage water to gutters at the site’s edges. This comprehensive waterproofing solution ensured that construction was fully protected from water infiltration.
Energy Saving and Environmental Benefits
The project team also prioritized energy conservation and environmental protection, further advancing technological innovation.
They utilized the abundant seawater available in the shallow underground as a renewable cold and heat source, enabling a central air conditioning system covering 59,000 square meters. This seawater-based heating and cooling system saves more than two-thirds of the energy compared to electric boilers and over one-third compared to fuel boilers. It is both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon and renewable energy applications.
The shared hall’s roof features an electric louver system, providing nearly 100% natural lighting coverage. This design maximizes daylight use while minimizing energy consumption, resulting in annual electricity savings exceeding 7 million yuan.
Technology shapes excellence, and innovation drives development. Thanks to the collective efforts of all involved, Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal opened in 2011. Its comprehensive facilities and convenient transportation have attracted numerous cruise lines to establish routes here. To date, the terminal has welcomed over 100 international luxury cruise ships, more than 300,000 inbound and outbound passengers, and over 150,000 visitors from various sectors. Its main routes connect to many port cities, including destinations in South Korea and Japan.
From Tianjin Port International Cruise Terminal, international cruise ships set sail day and night across the azure sea. As the largest international cruise terminal ever built at Tianjin Port, it stands quietly by the shore, listening to the waves and watching the clouds roll by — elegant and serene. Yet, for those at the Second Bureau, it represents the dream of growing enterprises through technology — a true “Boutique Harbor.”
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up