Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge's steel section shifted into final position

Engineers moved a 15,000-metric-ton steel section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) into its final position on Oct 10, marking a major step toward the planned opening of the bridge's offshore section by the end of 2026.

The Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) project is developed by Xiamen Road and Bridge Engineering Investment and Development Co. The main route stretches 17.34 kilometers and connects to Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport.

As a key control structure of this project, Guanyinshan Beach Bridge is co-built by CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co. The 525-meter bridge has a 385-meter main span and features a specialized design that eliminates the need for supporting piers on the beach, helping preserve the coastal landscape.

Engineers adopted an off-site assembly and integral sliding method. The girder, assembled from 161 steel segments, slid 135 meters along five tracks. The operation used 56 600-ton three-directional jacks and 44 100-ton jacks. A multi-point load-sharing system kept movement synchronized with millimeter-level accuracy at a steady speed of 1.5 meters per hour. Stress sensors and rail clamps were installed for safety control.

After girder placement, crews will carry out cable tensioning, structural system conversion and follow-up construction.

The main route of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge (Xiamen section) project stretches 17.34 kilometers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Guanyinshan Beach Bridge part is co-built by CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 525-meter bridge Guanyinshan Beach Bridge has a 385-meter main span. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]