Contrary to the common belief that BIM technology has little role in bridge engineering, a closer look reveals numerous BIM applications in bridge projects across China in recent years. Don’t believe it? Keep reading to discover some impressive cases!
Shanghai Nantong Yangtze River Bridge
Construction of the Shanghai Nantong Yangtze River Bridge began in March 2014 and was completed in September 2019. With a total investment of 15 billion yuan and spanning 11,072 meters, this bridge features a steel truss cable-stayed design with a main span of 1,092 meters. It is the world’s first dual-use bridge accommodating both road and rail traffic with a main span exceeding one kilometer, marking it as the largest of its kind.
The bridge’s rigid beam flexible arch structure includes a main span of 336 meters, with closure accuracy controlled at the millimeter level.
BIM Application: Designed by the China Railway Bridge Survey and Design Institute, BIM technology was extended into the construction phase. Through detailed modeling, the precision of prefabricated components was tightly controlled, ensuring error-free factory prefabrication and installation. This approach accelerated both construction and installation progress.
Additionally, virtual simulations of complex construction processes allowed for early resolution of process connections, optimizing construction organization plans. This improved onsite progress, enhanced work efficiency, and sped up overall project completion.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge began construction in December 2009 and officially opened to traffic in October 2018. This massive project spans 55 kilometers, including 29.6 kilometers of main bridge and 41.6 kilometers connecting Hong Kong Port to Zhuhai Macao Port. With a total investment of 126.9 billion yuan, it holds the title of the world’s longest cross-sea bridge.
This project boasts the longest immersed tube tunnel, the largest steel structure, the highest construction difficulty, and the greatest technical complexity. It also represents the highest investment and incorporates numerous scientific patents.
BIM Application: Jointly designed by multiple institutes, including the China Communications Highway Planning and Design Institute and Shanghai Municipal Engineering Institute, BIM technology played a critical role. It was primarily used for construction process simulation and during the operation and maintenance phases.
Given the scale and the complex, dynamic construction environment, BIM was employed to simulate construction activities and pre-plan various processes, significantly accelerating project progress.
During operation and maintenance, BIM supports spatial management, equipment tracking, and emergency response, providing detailed data for all tasks and enabling intelligent bridge management.
These two examples, especially the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, demonstrate that BIM technology is far from optional in bridge engineering. Instead, it delivers tangible benefits. As BIM adoption deepens, its role and importance in bridge projects will only continue to rise.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up