Shiziyang Bridge installs first catwalk load-bearing cable

Workers installed the first load-bearing cable for both the upstream and downstream catwalks of the Shiziyang Bridge on Sept 8, launching construction of the world's largest catwalk, verifying the reliability of the 50-metric-ton traction system, and paving the way for main cable erection.

The Shiziyang Channel stretches roughly 35 kilometers, linking Guangzhou's Nansha district with Shatian and Humen towns in Dongguan. The Shiziyang Bridge is the world's first double-deck suspension bridge with a main span over 2,000 meters and is set to claim five world records. CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co is constructing the west tower, western cable saddles, steel truss girders, and upstream main cables.

The catwalk serves as a temporary high-altitude working platform. Each catwalk panel is over 6 meters wide, weighs nearly 1,900 tons, and includes wind-resistant structures. Its load-bearing system uses 16 high-strength steel wires, 60 millimeters in diameter and rated at 2,160 megapascals. The newly installed cable is 3,802 meters long, weighs 58 tons, and acts as a positioning reference.

Crews adopted the bracket method and single-line traction and conducted wind tunnel tests, anchor load tests, and digital simulations to ensure quality control. The catwalk project is targeted for completion by the end of this year.

The Shiziyang Channel stretches roughly 35 kilometers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first load-bearing cable for both the upstream and downstream catwalks of the Shiziyang Bridge is installed on Sept 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]