Salvador-Itaparica Sea-Crossing Bridge project installs first steel pipe pile

The Salvador-Itaparica Sea-Crossing Bridge project in Brazil has driven its first steel pipe pile, starting offshore construction. Participated in by China Communications Construction Co (CCCC), this milestone marks the official start of offshore construction for the project.

Located on the eastern coast of Bahia State, the approximately 47-kilometer alignment comprises the Salvador onshore section, the sea-crossing bridge, and the Itaparica Island onshore section. The 12-km bridge has six lanes and a cable-stayed main span and links the Salvador Metropolitan Area, northeastern Brazil's second-largest economic zone, with Itaparica Island.

The pile, for an offshore batching plant platform, is 1.2 meters in diameter, 26.5 meters in long, and 11.1 metric tons in weight. It was installed in 17.5-meter-deep water and embedded 5 meters into shale, with an anti-corrosion coating. 

The construction team optimized the plan and monitored pile position, verticality, and penetration to address long-period waves, complex currents, and shifting tides. The installation enables trestle erection, large-scale pile installation, and substructure work.

The project is the largest sea-crossing bridge under construction in Latin America. It is expected to improve regional transport networks, support local industries, and expand Brazil-China infrastructure cooperation.

The first steel pipe pile of the Salvador-Itaparica Sea-Crossing Bridge project is driven. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first steel pipe pile of the Salvador-Itaparica Sea-Crossing Bridge project is driven. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]